Oakham Primary School Nursery Review

Listening groups, first letter sounds and a story to share at home give Oakham’s nursery a clear emphasis on language. This is the nursery within Oakham Primary School in Tividale, with its learning organised through the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s November 2024 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Language development starts with a practical check. WellComm screening takes place when children enter nursery, with additional intervention triggered by red or amber results. Children take part in listening groups, and their progress is checked each term. This gives staff a way to identify language needs and follow how children respond to support.

The EYFS curriculum spans seven learning areas, with communication and language given particular attention. Adults and other children are part of the learning environment, alongside opportunities to develop confidence, social skills and an understanding of feelings. Indoor and outdoor learning are both included in the school’s early years plans, so the intended experience extends beyond classroom activities.

Early reading begins in nursery with letters and their sounds, as the November 2024 inspection established. The English programme draws on Active Learn and Letters and Sounds; full-time nursery children move to Phase 2 phonics when ready. The readiness condition matters: this is a step in their learning rather than an automatic starting point.

Named nursery curriculum materials include a Jungle Topic and Talk about Measure and Patterns. At home, children have one pleasure-reading book each week for a shared story, plus a weekly challenge connected to their topic or developing skills. These give parents concrete ways to join in with learning.

Wellcomm and Early Talk Boost feature in the nursery’s additional home-learning support. Alongside the entry screening and termly tracking, these provide a link between language work in nursery and activities at home.

For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities, the class teacher is the first contact. A school SEND coordinator works with an inclusion manager, giving families a route from their child’s classroom to the wider support team. EYFS communication includes a letters section and a new-starters meeting letter covering nursery and Reception.

Medical routines include a designated first-aid cupboard for nursery inhalers. The school’s medication policy requires a signed parental request and restricts routine dispensing to prescribed medicines that need four daily doses. Staff administer medication between 12pm and 1:10pm. Outside that window, staff cannot administer it; parents or carers may attend to give it themselves. Families managing a medical condition should factor these limits into their care arrangements.

The school kitchen also provides a lunch menu for families to consult. This is a useful practical reference when considering food as part of the child’s day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Sandwell Local Authority manages the school’s admissions, so joining nursery should be treated as a decision about the nursery experience, with the later school application kept separate.

Enquiries go to the school office on 01384 254368 or by email to school.office@oakham.sandwell.sch.uk. There is also an online contact form.

School-wide uniform rules allow unbranded clothing. The colours include navy knitwear, grey trousers or skirts, and pale blue or white tops. Donated uniform is available through the school office, with no obligation to make a donation. That gives families a practical alternative to buying branded items.