The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Orchard Meadow Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Movement, breathing and a shared song give Little Acorns a distinctive start to learning. This is Orchard Meadow Primary School’s own nursery, also known as the Acorns Family, on Wesley Close in Oxford. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with entry points in September, January and April according to date of birth.
The early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 29 and 30 June 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Brain Smart Start begins each learning session. Children move together to a song, practise breathing, acknowledge one another and choose a learning behaviour. This gives the session a recognisable opening, with attention to feelings as well as learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with adults and opportunities for children to pursue their ideas. A different theme provides inspiration each half term, while children’s interests can shape what follows. Directed teaching leads into focused work in small groups, allowing adults to check understanding and respond to difficulties. Exploration has time of its own. Indoor and outdoor classrooms receive equal attention in the planning, so learning extends beyond the indoor space.
Read Write Inc introduces phonics in Nursery: children encounter simple sounds and begin combining them into words. Creativity has equally concrete resources. The role-play area uses changing costumes, while mirrors help children make self-portraits and notice their own features. Dolls with different colours and textures support conversations about similarities and differences. Celebrations include Eid, Ramadan and Chinese New Year, connecting play with children’s family experiences.
Teaching consistency. In June 2022, some activities chosen by children failed to reinforce earlier teaching, while direct work with adults helped children concentrate on play and learning. Early years staff needed further training to make their curriculum decisions more effective. For families, the important distinction is between providing choices and helping children use those choices to practise something purposeful.
An All About Me record gives families a way to share beliefs, family relationships and occupations when children join the early years group. Those details inform celebrations and planning, giving home life a practical place in the nursery’s activities.
Fresh vegetables, fruit and milk are provided each day at no extra charge. Full-time children can have a paid hot school lunch, with payment made ahead through Arbor. This separates the daily snack provision from the optional meal charge.
For additional needs, the school considers individual requirements in teaching and adds support where necessary. Parents participate in decisions about SEND support and are invited to termly reviews of SEND Plans. The SEN team can be reached at senco@orchardmeadow.org. For questions about learning or well-being, families can arrange a teacher appointment through the office, giving concerns time for a proper discussion.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Oxfordshire County Council’s online school-place application route. The school can help parents complete applications, but the council manages them.
For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past; families should use the council’s normal application process for their child’s intake. Familiarity with the school should be kept separate from the allocation of a place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The Full Day - 30 Hours option runs from 8.30am to 3.15pm. There are 15 funded hours, with 30 available to eligible parents. Working Families funding requires a code application by the end of the month before the new term begins.
Nursery families can also book breakfast club from 7.45am to 8.30am, paying ahead through Arbor. Families using the universal 15 hours may purchase additional sessions, subject to availability and advance booking and payment. Contact the school for current charges.
To enquire, email office@orchardmeadow.org for an admissions pack. Visits can be arranged through the office by email or on 01865 778609.
Children can join in the term after turning three. September, January and April intakes depend on their date of birth.
Mornings run from 8.30am to 11.30am, afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and the Full Day - 30 Hours option from 8.30am to 3.15pm.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours and 30 for eligible parents. For Working Families funding, apply for the code by the end of the month before the new term starts.
No. Families must apply separately through Oxfordshire County Council’s online school-place application process.
Children receive fruit, vegetables and milk daily at no additional charge. Full-time children can have a paid hot school meal, paid for in advance through Arbor.
