Oakhill Primary School Nursery

In July 2023, learning to listen started young here: children in the two-year-old provision explored the sounds different materials made before tackling sounds in words. That gave Oakhill Primary School’s nursery a concrete starting point for early reading, rooted in something young children could hear and describe.

The nursery includes provision for two-year-olds and sits within Oakhill Primary School. In July 2023, its addition formed part of the school’s ambition to raise children’s aspirations across the local community. For families, the distinctive detail is the early start: the youngest children’s activities connect with the learning that follows in nursery.

Sounds, language and familiar routines give the clearest picture of the day. In July 2023, children in the two-year-old provision listened to noises made by different materials and described what they heard. This was preparation for recognising spoken sounds later in nursery. Early reading therefore began with listening and talking, before the task of reading words.

The sequence matters. A sound-making activity has a purpose beyond keeping children occupied: it gives them practice noticing differences and putting their observations into language. For a parent choosing provision for a two-year-old, that is a useful example of how an everyday exploration can support later learning.

Early-years learning also connected with the wider curriculum. In July 2023, subject leaders had considered how their subjects worked in the early-years provision, helping children build on what they already knew. Routines supported positive habits for learning. Together, those findings describe a day with a learning sequence and repeated routines, rather than isolated activities.

Reading deserves a measured view. The July 2023 inspection also identified a school-wide weakness: some staff occasionally failed to ensure accurate use of phonics, slowing some pupils’ progress towards fluent reading. Further staff training and support were required. This was a school-wide concern, rather than a finding attributed specifically to nursery children.

Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) included the early years. In July 2023, staff identified children’s particular needs and provided appropriate help. Leaders ensured staff had the information and training needed to support access to the same ambitious curriculum as other children.

The practical implication is participation: additional needs were addressed through help with learning, with staff prepared to support that work. Early-years routines also helped children develop positive learning behaviours, connecting care with the habits needed to take part in activities.

Attending Oakhill’s nursery does not guarantee a place in the school’s Reception. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate processes: families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a Reception place as two separate decisions.

A personal tour can be arranged by calling 01827 213960. This gives families a direct way to visit Oakhill Primary School while considering its early-years provision.