Oldfield Primary School Nursery Review

Stories, woodland learning and topics such as Into the Woods give Oldfield’s nursery a clear connection to its rural surroundings. Children can join from age 3, with a choice of 15 or 30 hours. This is the nursery within Oldfield Primary School in Keighley, rather than a separate childcare setting.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 7 and 8 March 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. The school aims to develop independence and confidence through practical exploration, giving personal and social development equal importance alongside academic learning.

Play and discovery shape the early years approach. In parent terms, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here combines learning to talk, explore and ask questions with developing confidence around other people. Children are encouraged to attempt unfamiliar things and treat mistakes as part of learning, rather than a reason to stop trying.

Topics give that exploration a focus. The nursery’s two planning cycles include Pets and Transport in Cycle A, with Our Village and Let’s Grow in Cycle B. These provide different starting points for learning about familiar surroundings and the wider world. Children had support to keep trying and find more words to express themselves. In March 2023, adults’ work on learning from mistakes strengthened resilience and understanding, alongside encouragement to broaden spoken vocabulary. Stories explored different cultures, while classroom materials aided development. The early years curriculum was judged well designed.

Forest School forms part of the curriculum from nursery onwards. The school’s outdoor sessions use woodland near Ponden Reservoir, working with Within the Woods. This gives outdoor learning a specific setting beyond the classroom. Nursery children also participate in the Bronze level of the Brontë Awards, an enrichment programme recognising experiences beyond ordinary classroom learning through badges and celebrations.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the school’s support structure includes a SENDCO and a Pastoral Support Assistant. The latter provides individual and group nurture support, alongside help for parents. Families can discuss additional support with the class teacher or SENDCO, including through review meetings that consider targets, progress and next steps. That gives parents a route to contribute to decisions about their child’s learning.

Individual adaptations. In March 2023, a school-wide concern was that staff lacked sufficiently detailed information about individual SEND needs, so adjustments did not reliably meet those needs. Families seeking additional support should focus discussions on how their child’s needs will be recorded and translated into everyday help.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bradford’s admissions service; attending nursery should not be treated as securing the next place.

For the September 2026 intake, applications were due by 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. The admissions decision and preparation for the next stage are separate matters: in March 2023, early years staff supported children’s readiness for subsequent learning.

The 30-hour option runs Monday to Friday, from 8:45am to 3:15pm. A 15-hour option is also offered, giving families a shorter attendance choice. Before-school and after-school clubs can extend care when parents’ working hours exceed the nursery day, with payment by session. Contact the school for current charges.

Nursery enquiries go through the Get in Touch form or the office on 01535 642394. Include your child’s name, birth date and address, together with parent contact details, so the office team can discuss a place. School tours can be booked for a mutually suitable time.