Oasis Academy Pinewood Nursery Review

Morning sessions, afternoons or an all-day place: Little Robins gives families three ways to shape nursery attendance at Oasis Academy Pinewood. The provision is for children aged 3 and 4, on Thistledene Avenue in Collier Row, Romford. Children typically begin in the term following their third birthday. There are 39 places in each morning and afternoon session, with capacity for 39 children at one time.

The nursery belongs to the primary academy, so starting here also means becoming familiar with a school setting. That familiarity is useful, but Reception admission remains a separate decision.

Communication is a clear nursery aim. Pinewood aims to develop children's confidence in expressing themselves, supporting individual development across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Its priorities include helping children understand fairness, value differences and feel confident about their identity. For parents, that puts learning to communicate and live alongside others within the nursery's educational purpose.

In November 2021, Ofsted found nursery children happy, comfortable in their setting and interested in learning. Across the early years, phonics teaching had been planned carefully, staff had training to support reading, and adults used questions effectively when discussing stories. Those findings give a concrete picture of attention to early language and reading, while describing the provision at that time.

Settling begins before the September start. New nursery children are introduced to their class, shown around the school and invited to a Teddy Bear’s picnic. Early Years home visits help staff get to know children and their families. These encounters give children some familiarity with people and places before regular attendance begins.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the academy's support includes a SENCO, provision planned with families and regular meetings about progress and difficulties. Quiet spaces around the school, sensory breaks and movement breaks offer ways to respond to individual needs. Parents can discuss support with the SENCO through the academy office.

All-day children can bring lunch from home or have a school dinner for an additional charge. Parents supply consumables as needed, including nappies and sun cream. These are practical parts of preparing for the day, alongside choosing the attendance pattern.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Havering's e-admissions process, meeting the normal application deadline for their child's entry year. For 2026-27, nursery attendance gives no Reception priority under the oversubscription criteria. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now, with that distinction clear.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with SEND, moving between classes can involve booklets to read at home, visits to the next classroom and story time with the new teacher. These activities help make the change familiar; they do not confer an admissions advantage.

Morning nursery starts at 8.45am; afternoon nursery starts at 12.15pm. The 15-hour funded pattern comprises five morning or five afternoon sessions each week over 38 weeks. There are also 30-hour funded places for eligible families, and additional sessions can be purchased.

For children eligible for 30 hours, staying until 3.15pm carries an optional top-up charge. Wraparound care runs from 7.45am to 6.00pm. Ask the school for current charges when choosing additional care or school dinners.

Enquiries and visits can be arranged through the office at office@oasispinewood.org or on 01708 743000. A visit gives families an opportunity to meet staff and discuss the nursery before choosing a place.