Oaklands Nursery School: nursery review

Bird nests, invented stories and a climbing wall characterised nursery learning at Oaklands Nursery School in May 2023. Learning stretched from conversation and pictures to practical tasks, with children encouraged to share what they knew. Doing, talking and thinking shaped those experiences.

Oaklands serves children aged two to five in Porthill, Newcastle. At the inspection on 11 May 2023, provision included a room for two-year-olds and another for three- and four-year-olds, giving the youngest children their own starting point. Ofsted found that children became increasingly independent as they progressed between these rooms. Small achievements mattered: younger children prepared fruit themselves, while older children helped friends with painting aprons.

In May 2023, children’s interests shaped a curriculum that also included planned learning. Activities, resources and conversations with adults each had a clear learning purpose. Play and teaching worked together: a discussion about a nest developed knowledge, while helping with an apron gave independence a useful everyday application.

Language ran through the routine observed in May 2023. Rhymes accompanied registration, children gathered close for stories, and sessions included sound-making. Older children took part in thoughtful thinking and story-creating sessions. They put events in order, retold tales and drew pictures to express their own stories, connecting conversation with the beginnings of written expression.

Thinking also meant considering another person’s view. Children voted between rainy and sunny weather, learning that friends could choose differently. Naming birds such as sparrows, robins and pigeons gave those conversations concrete subjects.

The May 2023 inspection also described a climbing wall, where a more experienced climber demonstrated movements to younger children. Experiences extended beyond the nursery to the local dingle. Together, these examples showed how movement, observation and learning from other children fitted into the day.

In May 2023, the keyworker system connected staff with children and their families. Familiar routines and caring relationships helped children feel secure; children also settled readily into activities. Comfort was offered when needed, making emotional reassurance part of the daily care.

Staff understood individual interests, needs and next steps, using that knowledge to recognise when extra help was needed. Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) included working with specialist services. Children who found rules or cooperation difficult received help through smaller, manageable steps.

Safeguarding arrangements were judged effective at the May 2023 inspection. Staff received training to recognise concerns and raise them, and recruitment included the required checks. Children also learned practical safety through using tools and materials, including hammering into wood and cutting tape. Safety teaching accompanied the activity itself.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing the next school place as separate decisions.

In May 2023, the nursery offered part-time places of 15 hours a week and 30-hour places for working parents. Those hours could be arranged flexibly through the week. The distinction matters for family planning: the longer pattern had a working-parent condition, while flexibility concerned how hours were taken.

Oaklands is on Oaklands Avenue, Porthill, Newcastle, ST5 0EX. Its telephone number is 01782987075.