Oasis Academy Parkwood Nursery Review

Play, sensory exploration and growing independence give Parkwood’s nursery its character. Children aged 3–4 attend nursery classes within Oasis Academy Parkwood in Scunthorpe. The nursery forms part of the academy’s early years provision, with learning shaped around children’s existing experiences and interests.

Social and emotional development receives equal emphasis alongside learning. For a parent choosing a first school setting, that means the nursery’s stated priorities include how children feel, engage and build relationships, as well as what they learn.

Exploration drives the approach. Children use resources and sensory activities to investigate their interests, with adults supporting their thinking and independence. Themes and direct experiences provide starting points for developing knowledge and skills. The academy aims to build on what each child already brings to nursery, rather than treat children as starting from the same point.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework, alongside Development Matters and the Oasis EYFS Curriculum. In parent language, this brings communication, movement and emotional development together with early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Learning is broader than preparation for reading and writing: relationships and physical development have their own place.

Language has a concrete role in this approach. In January 2025, early years children joined in with rhymes, songs and selected stories, while adults used these activities to expand their vocabulary. This gives children opportunities to hear unfamiliar words and use language together. These findings concern the early years provision across the school.

Enrichment also starts at nursery. Experiences are incorporated into ordinary lessons, with visitors, family activities, outings and special events adding other ways to learn. The practical implication is a curriculum that draws on experiences beyond classroom tasks.

Familiarity begins before the September start. The academy introduces children to their class and provides a tour beforehand; its transition approach aims to let children meet teachers early and become familiar with the academy at a pace suited to them. This offers a starting point for building relationships before regular attendance begins.

Adaptations are part of the early years curriculum’s design. Across the academy, children experiencing learning difficulties can receive additional help in class, with progress checked regularly. Individual Education Plans may be used and discussed with parents at consultation evenings or through an arranged meeting. Support agencies can also be involved when needed, giving families a role in reviewing support.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat this as another application, rather than an automatic continuation of nursery attendance.

For 15-hour funding, families can choose mornings or afternoons, or a pattern combining full days with one half day: Monday and Tuesday plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon plus Thursday and Friday. A 30-hour funding pattern covers Monday to Friday. These options let families compare a shorter daily session with attendance concentrated into part of the week.

Collect the nursery application form from the academy’s main office. Autumn-term open events offer opportunities to meet staff and ask questions; families can also request a tour, which the academy will try to arrange. For enquiries, call 01724 861072 or email info@oasisparkwood.org.