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Nursery at Oakwood Infant and Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling, colour mixing and investigating ice give Oakwood's Robins nursery its character. This is the school's own 78-place provision, with children normally starting in September after turning three. January or April entry after a third birthday is sometimes possible, depending on spaces.
The emphasis is on foundations: talking, moving, recognising sounds and understanding numbers through practical experiences. Each child has a key worker, giving families a consistent relationship within the nursery team.
Development Matters guides the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. For parents, that means learning through play and exploration alongside planned teaching, with attention to language, physical development and early number skills. Conversations and storytelling build vocabulary; activities developing strength and coordination prepare children for making marks and forming letters.
Phase 1 phonics introduces awareness of sounds through teaching, play and everyday routines. Read Write Inc. begins in the summer term. Mathematics follows White Rose, using practical experiences to explore counting, comparisons, patterns and spatial ideas. These are foundations children can use, rather than simply facts to repeat.
The Robins gallery gives concrete examples of that learning: retelling the Gingerbread Man, matching colours through Brown Bear, making music and tackling a construction challenge. Home role play and a Jack and the Beanstalk puppet show bring language into imaginative activity. Balancing and a monkey bar challenge add physical movement.
Outdoor learning has a named base: the school's Forest School Area. Nursery children participate in blocks of Forest School sessions on a class rota across the year, including different seasons and weather. Possible activities include studying wildlife, making shelters and sensory exploration. This takes learning beyond the classroom, with opportunities to investigate natural surroundings.
At the inspection on 16 and 17 May 2023, Ofsted highlighted children's ability to identify a group's total without counting its objects. This nursery example illustrated the emphasis on foundational skills for later learning. That offers a specific picture of early mathematical learning, rather than a separate nursery grade.
A dedicated key worker supports each child and works with their family. The relationship gives parents a familiar point of contact as their child begins nursery life. Class Dojo adds another connection: families join a private class page for photographs and updates, and can message the class teacher directly.
SEND support sits within the school's provision, which follows the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015). Families can contact the school's SEND coordinator through the school telephone number. For children attending Junior Adventures Group (JAG) wraparound care, breakfast and after-school snacks are available each day, so food forms part of those additional sessions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Derby City Council School Admissions. Treat this as a second application, rather than an automatic continuation of nursery enrolment.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed and applies to that intake only. The nursery's preparation for later learning, including its summer introduction to Read Write Inc., is an educational connection, not an admission entitlement.
Two funded 15-hour patterns divide the week. The first covers Monday and Tuesday, 09:00–15:00, plus Wednesday, 09:00–12:00. The second combines Wednesday, 12:15–15:15, with Thursday and Friday, 09:00–15:00. Eligible parents can also apply for a limited 30-hour funded place, running Monday to Friday, 09:00–15:00. These fixed patterns matter when matching nursery attendance to work and family arrangements.
Doors open at 08:55 for the 09:00 start. JAG's term-time clubs accept nursery children: Rise Then Shine runs 07:30–08:45 and Stay And Play runs 15:20–18:00, Monday to Friday. Confirm the handover arrangements when booking, as the club and nursery times differ.
For nursery applications, complete the waiting-list form and contact the school on 01332 574192 or admin@oakwoodi.derby.sch.uk. School visits can also be arranged through the office. Forest School waterproofs are provided; families are asked to supply wellington boots where possible.
Children normally join in September after their third birthday. January or April starts following that birthday may be possible, subject to spaces.
There are two 15-hour patterns, covering the beginning or end of the week. Limited 30-hour places run Monday to Friday, subject to parental eligibility.
No. A separate application is required through Derby City Council School Admissions.
Class Dojo provides a private class page with updates and photographs, plus direct messaging to the class teacher. Each child also has a key worker who works with their family.
Yes. JAG's Rise Then Shine breakfast club and Stay And Play after-school club accept nursery children and operate Monday to Friday during term time.
