Oasis Academy Long Cross Nursery Review

Communication, feelings and a first experience of school shape the youngest children’s time at Oasis Academy Long Cross. In January 2026, they were making a positive start, with activities suited to their development and adults helping them express themselves. That is a useful foundation for children beginning nursery.

The academy has provision for two-year-olds and accepts applications for three-year-old nursery places. There are 90 nursery places for children entitled to a minimum of 15 funded hours, alongside 10 places for families seeking to extend their entitlement to up to 30 hours.

Morning Nursery and Afternoon Nursery each follow a Monday-to-Friday pattern of five sessions. This gives families a regular half-day routine rather than a different arrangement each day.

Within the early years foundation stage (EYFS), the youngest children’s learning includes developing language, handling emotions and becoming comfortable in a school setting. In January 2026, adults’ conversations and interactions supported children’s communication and emotional development. Activities helped them build on what they could already do, so the emphasis was on their starting points as well as their age.

Learning needs attention. Ofsted’s January 2026 judgement for early years was Needs attention. Reading, early mathematics and writing required further work. Curriculum changes and opportunities to rehearse phonics sounds were in place, but their effect on learning could not yet be assessed. For parents, the practical issue is how those changes translate into children remembering and using what they learn.

Relationships with families were a strength in January 2026. Staff understood children’s circumstances and used that knowledge to help those facing barriers to learning. Children joining the provision settled promptly, enjoying activities and feeling secure with the adults caring for them. This matters as much as the timetable for a child starting away from home.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the deputy SEND coordinator works with children from age two through Year 1. Individual Pathways Plans may be used, with parents involved in reviewing them at meetings or by arrangement. Progress is checked regularly, and support agencies can be involved where necessary. Families therefore have both an early years contact and a route to discuss adjustments as needs become clearer.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.

For 2026-27 entry, nursery attendance conferred no priority: after children with an education, health and care plan, the oversubscription categories covered looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings and distance from home. Applications used Bristol City Council’s coordinated process and Common Application Form; families outside Bristol used their home local authority’s form. The deadline for September 2026 entry was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed, so families planning a later start should follow the timetable for their own year.

Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoon sessions run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Both operate Monday to Friday. The universal funded offer is 15 hours weekly across 38 weeks, during term time, claimable from the term following a child’s third birthday. Some families qualify for 30 hours; the extra funded hours depend on eligibility.

For a three-year-old place, request an application form at longcross@oasislongcross.org. Two-year-old applications go through Childcare Choices, naming Oasis Academy Long Cross as the preferred setting. The office can help with applications on 0117 9030333. Open days and visits arranged by special request give parents an opportunity to meet staff and discuss the nursery.