Oak Grange Primary School Nursery Review

Play chosen by children, purposeful conversation and a teacher-led class give Oak Grange’s nursery its character. Acorn is part of the main school building in Alvaston, Derby, with a class teacher supported by teaching assistants. This is a school classroom beginning, with play an essential part of learning.

Children can access funded hours from the term after their third birthday. During the 2025-2026 school year, Foundation Stage 1 had 29 children on roll. That is an enrolment figure, rather than a nursery capacity. In May 2026, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to be at Strong standard; that judgement covers early years together, rather than a separate nursery inspection.

Children have opportunities to choose their own play alongside group activities guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together: here, independent exploration sits alongside deliberate teaching of early skills. It gives children both room to pursue an interest and support to try something new.

Conversation has real educational weight. In May 2026, adults used thoughtful exchanges with children to develop language, while early literacy and number learning were taught in a planned sequence from the outset. The nursery activities helped children engage readily. Familiar routines also supported increasing independence, so learning included managing the day as well as developing classroom skills.

The school’s GROW curriculum adds an explicit set of aims: environmental responsibility, learning attitudes, individuality and curiosity. Oak Grange aims to help children persevere through challenges and reflect on their learning. Parents are encouraged to share interests and achievements from home, giving staff something personal to build on in class.

Settling was a strength in May 2026: nursery children became comfortable quickly and engaged with their activities. Warm relationships helped their personal development, and children followed established routines confidently. These are useful foundations for a child learning to spend time away from home.

Support for additional needs has concrete spaces and approaches behind it. The Nest allows children to learn at a pace suited to them, while a sensory room provides time for regulation. Staff use Makaton alongside speech to support communication. The school building is on one level, and the hygiene room has a medical bed. Staff receive updates about individual children’s conditions and medication, with training where appropriate to help them manage medical situations.

Children with SEND and other vulnerabilities received carefully tailored help in May 2026, reducing obstacles to their learning. Parents contribute to planning: SEND Target Plans are prepared at least three times a year and discussed face to face. Start with the class teacher if you have concerns, with the SENCo involved when further support is needed. That gives families a clear first conversation and a continuing role in reviewing support.

Attending Oak Grange’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions.

For children with SEND, information is shared with their next teacher when they change classes. Starting-school support includes visits and parent sessions, with a School Readiness programme for children coming from other nurseries or needing additional transition help. These arrangements support adjustment; they do not secure admission.

Nursery funding includes 15 hours from the term after a child turns three. An additional 15 hours depends on eligibility and requires a government code. Apply for the extra funding the term before attendance and renew it every two terms. The distinction matters when planning how much nursery time to use.

To express interest in a nursery place, complete an expression of interest form. Questions and visits can be arranged through admin@oakgrange.org or 01332 978681. The nursery is within the school on Stubble Road, making the school office the direct point of contact for joining.