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Nursery at Oakhill Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two classroom bases, with children free to move between them for much of the day, give Oakhill’s nursery its defining shape. This is Foundation Stage 1 within Oakhill Primary School on Rookery Lane, Stoke-on-Trent. Children can start once they turn three, subject to space.
The nursery currently provides full-time places of 30 hours, with that arrangement reviewed annually. It suits families seeking a substantial nursery week within a primary school. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 25 and 26 October 2023; that judgement covers early years rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play is the main route into learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum uses topics that change each half term, connecting with children’s existing experiences and introducing unfamiliar ones. In parent terms, learning is organised around things children can explore through play, rather than only through adult explanation. Oakhill aims to build confidence, independence and enjoyment of learning through this approach.
The two bases allow children some choice about where to spend their time. Construction spaces, places for writing and creativity stations feature in early years learning, alongside role play. These give children different ways to explore an idea: building something, acting out a role or making a picture. The wider school also has outdoor space for learning and play.
Experiences include encounters with mini-beasts and caring for chicks as eggs hatch. Discussions about jobs focus especially on people who help others, including the emergency services. These are concrete starting points for talking about the world beyond the classroom.
Reading and conversation deserve attention here. In October 2023, nursery staff introduced children to varied books and stories, while early years children were becoming more confident about expressing their ideas. Adults helped them develop fuller spoken responses and think further about their answers. That gives parents a useful picture of how talk accompanies play and early reading.
Speech and language support starts with an entry assessment by trained nursery staff. Children receive early intervention where needed, and referrals to NHS Speech and Language Therapy are made when appropriate. Therapy plans are then followed through in school, connecting specialist advice with everyday support.
For children who may need SEND support, families help discuss strengths, difficulties and next steps. Teachers, support staff and the SENCo review provision through an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, allowing support to change with the child’s needs. School-wide adaptations can include visual prompts, adjusted equipment and quieter spaces.
Arbor and ClassDojo are the school’s main channels for contact with parents. Food also has a simple daily feature: each child in school is offered morning toast. The school’s Pupil Support Team helps families as well as children, including support with behaviour and routines at home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route. Oakhill follows Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s admissions process, and Reception applications go through the council.
Support for a change of year group is a separate matter from admission. For pupils with SEND, the school shares information between staff and provides additional transition support where needed. This helps preserve continuity of support; it does not secure a place.
The current booking pattern is full-time nursery provision of 30 hours. Nursery applications use the council admissions route. For enquiries, contact the school office on 01782 235 238 or office@oakhill.orchardct.org.uk. Families can request a school visit using a contact form and include a telephone number so arrangements can be made.
Uniform need not carry the school logo. The colours include a white polo shirt and bottle green jumper, with grey or black trousers. Nursery children may wear plain black joggers and black trainers, giving families practical alternatives to trousers and school shoes.
Children can join Foundation Stage 1 once they turn three, subject to space.
Nursery places are currently full-time, covering 30 hours. This arrangement is reviewed annually.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s admissions route.
Trained nursery staff assess children on entry and provide early intervention where needed. They refer to NHS Speech and Language Therapy when appropriate and follow up therapy plans in school.
No. Non-branded uniform is allowed in the required colours and styles. Nursery children can wear plain black joggers and black trainers.
