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Nursery at Slade 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A wild garden, a library and space for sensory exploration give Slade's nursery day its character. This maintained nursery school in Headington combines term-time education for children aged two to four with a separate Day Nursery. Early years specialist teachers work alongside early years practitioners in the nursery school, so the provision has a teaching team as well as a care team.
The distinction matters for family routines: this review focuses on the nursery school, with its morning, afternoon and all-day patterns. Its setting includes a large outdoor area, forest school space and sensory rooms, giving children different places to explore, move and pause.
Learning connects stories with things children can touch, make and investigate. In Cherry Class, cooking, playdough, water and paint sit alongside singing and dancing. Group time brings children together for stories and songs. During September 2025, children made apple crumble with fruit from the growing garden, linking food preparation with the world immediately around them.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early communication, relationships and movement with books, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Slade also draws on Development Matters, Birth to Five Matters and the Nurturing Care Framework. Its Values Based Curriculum aims to develop curiosity, independence, knowledge, respect, creativity and resilience. These aims include managing snack routines and caring for resources: small tasks with a clear purpose.
Outdoor learning has substance. Children visit the wild garden, while a balance beam gives them practice in coordination. Indoors, threading develops hand control, and puzzles and matching games introduce mathematical thinking. Acting out the Three Little Pigs turns listening into imaginative play.
Ofsted's April 2026 inspection assessed curriculum and teaching, and achievement, at Expected standard, with inclusion and personal development and wellbeing at Strong standard. Teaching still needs more precise checks on children's misunderstandings and more consistent modelling and extension of language. Those are practical priorities for how adults respond during play and conversation.
Settling begins before the first session. Staff make home visits to understand children's needs and build relationships with families. Children also become familiar with their key person and other adults as they learn the nursery routines. In April 2026, parents reported that communication kept them informed about activities and progress.
Support includes individual language work and sensory resources, with staff adapting activities for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The Home Hub is intended to support families and children's emotional development. A relaxation and sensory room contains a light box, textured materials and a chair that plays music and vibrates, providing different ways to explore sensations and practise regulation.
Lunches are cooked each day at Slade through Oxfordshire County Council's meal provision. Nursery school staff support individual needs at lunchtime. Snack time also builds independence: children take turns helping themselves to fruit and milk. Safeguarding standards were met in April 2026.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Choosing nursery provision and applying for a school place are separate decisions.
Preparation for that next stage happens through everyday habits. Children practise taking turns, looking after resources and following routines, alongside developing communication and early mathematical understanding. These skills support the move to school; they do not secure admission.
Term-time sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30 in the morning, 12:30 to 15:30 in the afternoon, or 09:00 to 15:00 for an all-day place. The morning and afternoon patterns each cover 15 hours a week; all-day attendance covers 30 hours.
Funded places are offered for children aged two, three and four. The initial contact form asks families to select a session pattern and provide any two-year or 30-hour funding code, with consent for eligibility checks. Use the nursery school form to express interest, or contact the office on 01865 750670 or office.1011@slade-nurs.oxon.sch.uk. Ask the school for current charges.
The nursery school caters for children aged two to four. The separate Day Nursery has a different age range and booking model.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30, afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 15:30, and all-day sessions from 09:00 to 15:00, during term time.
Children visit the wild garden and use outdoor play equipment, including a balance beam. The setting also has a large outdoor area and forest school space.
Lunches are cooked daily at Slade through Oxfordshire County Council's provision, with nursery school staff supporting children at lunchtime. Children also serve themselves fruit and milk at snack time.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process.
