Oasis Academy Watermead Nursery

Books to borrow, fruit grown for snack time and wellies kept ready for outdoor learning give Watermead’s nursery its character. This is the nursery within Oasis Academy Watermead in Sheffield, with free early learning eligibility after a child’s third birthday. Its day combines group teaching with play that children initiate themselves.

At the Ofsted inspection on 3 and 4 June 2025, early years provision was graded Outstanding within the school inspection. That judgement covers the early years phase. Staff’s relationships with children supported exploration and discussion, while adults helped children put their ideas into words: useful foundations for taking part in nursery life.

Group sessions introduce skills which children then practise through planned activities. Alongside these comes time to follow their own interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play, adult guidance and small groups, so the day has both direction and room for children’s choices.

Language gets several distinct approaches. Bookwings Phonics connects sound learning with books; The Write Stuff uses FANTASTIC lenses in Nursery to encourage conversation and vocabulary. In June 2025, nursery children were learning to distinguish sounds and enjoying songs and nursery rhymes. Early literacy begins with listening and talking. For maths, NCETM Numberblocks is the main learning tool, with influences from White Rose Maths and NCETM Mastering Number.

Outdoor learning has a practical place in the routine. A wellie rack lets families leave footwear ready, and the nursery aims to use the outdoors whatever the weather. Children also grow fruit and vegetables which they eat at snack time, connecting growing with food. Indoors, books in the entrance hall can be borrowed and exchanged as often as families wish, extending shared reading beyond the session.

Once a child has settled, a key worker is assigned and parents are told who their contact is. That adult keeps track of development and achievements. Each child’s Learning Journey folder sits in the pigeonholes above the pegs, where parents can look through it; opportunities for fuller discussions with the key worker continue through the year. Families can also share achievements from home through Magic Moments from Home, either writing them on stars or telling staff.

Snack time brings children together in their keyworker group for a story. Fresh fruit is provided daily, milk is free until the fifth birthday, and water bottles are supplied, cleaned and refilled each day. School dinners are offered, with a packed-lunch option. Confirm the current meal arrangement when booking, alongside any lunch charges and free-school-meal eligibility.

For concerns about additional needs, the first conversation is with the class teacher, followed by an appointment with the SEND coordinator if needed. Indoor and outdoor facilities include provision to accommodate children and families with disabilities. This gives families a route for discussing their child’s needs before and during attendance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal local-authority process and meet the deadline for their entry year. Sheffield City Council coordinates applications, online or through its Common Application Form; families living outside Sheffield use their home local authority’s form.

For the 2026–2027 entry cycle, nursery attendance conferred no oversubscription priority, and a sibling in the nursery did not confer sibling priority either. That cycle’s application deadline was 15 January 2026. Treat nursery and Reception as separate decisions, with a fresh application for the relevant year.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. A 30-hour pattern runs Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:15pm. Funding covers 15 hours after the third birthday, with some families eligible for 30 hours; families can also pay to increase attendance to 30 hours. This excludes wraparound care and remains payable during absence and holidays.

Time outside funding. Funded nursery days cover 9am to 3pm. For children attending 30 hours or two-and-a-half days, the additional 45 minutes within the school day carry a charge when the child attends. Ask the school office for current charges before choosing a pattern.

Uniform is expected, with black plimsolls for indoor use. Label clothing and footwear, and leave spare clothes on the child’s peg. At collection, parents wait beneath the canopy while staff bring their child out. Nursery enquiries and visits can be arranged through info@oasiswatermead.org or 0114 201 6800.