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Nursery at Oakhill Church 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 covered outdoor space, vegetable beds and a mud kitchen give Roots Nursery a practical, hands-on character. Children can move between indoor play and the sheltered area outside, keeping outdoor exploration part of their day even in poor weather.
This is Oakhill Church School's nursery provision for children from 2 years old, operating under the school's registration. It shares the school site, resources and staff, but occupies a separate building with two nursery rooms and its own toilets. Ofsted's February 2026 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard; that judgement covers the school's early years provision.
Play gives children concrete ways to develop early skills. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning here includes making marks in shaving foam, creating personal story books and retelling familiar stories with adults, friends and school pupils. Reading, early writing and number work begin in Nursery, with communication and language given emphasis. Children also become familiar with sounds as preparation for phonics.
Inside, construction, art and reading areas sit alongside role play and an interactive whiteboard. Adults introduce vocabulary and help children use it in pretend play and practical problems. In February 2026, these interactions were especially successful in Nursery: children's interests helped shape learning, while adult involvement extended their curiosity.
Outside, children ride balance bikes, dig in sand and gravel, build bridges and experiment with a cascade. Growing beds, a small fish pond and a large sandpit add different things to investigate. Access to the school's field, allotments and sensory garden on most mornings extends that exploration beyond the nursery's own space. Making playdough and painting on clingfilm add sensory experiences indoors. The mix gives children opportunities to practise movement, language and problem-solving through things they can handle and change.
Independence starts with ordinary tasks: putting on shoes and coats, choosing fruit and pouring drinks in the snack café. Emotion coaching and a reflection area help children work through feelings. Staff also teach sharing, turn-taking and learning together.
A nursery lead oversees daily provision, supported by four other staff. The lead holds a level 5 Early Years qualification, and the team includes a trained forest school leader. Settling arrangements are tailored to individual children and can include home visits, stay and play, or a phased start. These are possible approaches, rather than a fixed package for every child.
In February 2026, early years staff knew children well, exchanged information with families and responded promptly when additional learning support was needed. For SEND concerns, the Assess, Plan, Do, Review approach includes reviews with parents every 6-10 weeks. A Parent and Family Support Advisor also helps nursery families with worries linking home and school.
Meals are booked using Arbor, two weeks ahead. At snack time, children practise serving themselves fruit and drinks, making this a care routine that also develops independence.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no admissions priority for September 2027. Families must make a separate application using their home local authority's Common Application Form before 15 January 2027. Oakhill's oversubscription priorities cover looked-after and previously looked-after children, siblings, then distance from school.
Familiarity is built separately from admissions. Nursery children gradually explore the school site, and Reception adults develop relationships with them during their pre-school year. Children joining from other nurseries have similar opportunities. Where needs have already been identified, a School Entry Planning meeting brings families and staff together to prepare support.
Nursery drop-off is at 08:45, with collection at 15:15. To arrange a visit or discuss a place, call the main office on 01749 840426. Completing the nursery registration form adds a child to the waiting list.
Funded hours are free. Snack contributions are voluntary, and difficulty paying additional charges does not affect enrolment. Meals carry a separate charge. Contact the school for current charges, and plan meal bookings two weeks in advance through Arbor.
The nursery takes children from 2 years old and operates as part of Oakhill Church School.
Drop-off is at 08:45 and collection is at 15:15.
Children use a covered outdoor area, growing beds, a sandpit and mud kitchen. On most mornings, they also have access to the school field, sensory garden and allotments.
Meals are charged separately and booked through Arbor two weeks ahead. Snack contributions are voluntary; difficulty paying additional charges does not affect nursery enrolment.
No. For September 2027, nursery attendance gives no priority and does not guarantee a place. Apply separately through your home local authority's Common Application Form before 15 January 2027.
