Oakwood School Nursery Review

Communication can begin with a gesture, a picture or a sound at Oakwood. Its nursery forms part of a specialist school admitting children from age three with complex educational needs, where learning is organised around individual development rather than a single starting point.

The school caters for severe, profound or complex learning difficulties, including children with additional physical, sensory or medical needs. Every pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). For families, that makes the connection between education, communication and personal care central to the choice of nursery.

Individual targets shape the learning. Oakwood has developed its curriculum with Equals, and Personal Learning Targets are agreed with families and outside professionals. Early learning brings together emotional and social development, language, creativity, movement and problem solving. Within EYFS, the school aims to develop independence and communication from the earliest experiences.

Stories, rhymes, songs and children's interests give activities a starting point. Learning Journeys tracks development, with early years pathways reflecting different stages of learning. The emphasis can therefore be on early interaction for one child and emerging concepts for another, rather than expecting everyone to tackle the same task.

Communication has practical tools. Makaton combines speech with symbols and signs; PECS allows a child to initiate an exchange using a picture. Aided Language Displays provide activity-related symbols for requests and comments. These approaches give children different ways to express choices and participate.

Physical spaces support that work. Class book nooks are adapted to their learners, and stories can be shared individually, in groups or with the class. Outdoor School sessions appear in every class timetable. Across the school, facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, soft play and a Movement Room, connecting the learning environment with children's physical and sensory needs.

Settling begins before the first session. The Early Years Team organises a Transition Review with Oakwood staff involved; transition sessions and transport, where applicable, are arranged through that meeting. Home visits help the team gather information and plan the move into early years.

Each class has a teacher on a full-time-equivalent basis, supported by learning support assistants whose number depends on the pupils' needs and class size. School nursing cover operates during the term-time school day. Individual healthcare plans can address needs such as continence, epilepsy or gastrostomy feeding, linking care with classroom activities.

Lunch can come from home or the school kitchen. Innovate supplies meals cooked on site, and school meals must be ordered through SchoolGrid, including meals that do not require payment. Access to a dysphagia specialist supports children with concerns about eating or drinking safely.

Parents can follow learning through Evidence for Learning, viewing photographs and comments and contributing their own. Bromcom MCAS handles school communications. Teachers and parents also meet each term to discuss settling and personal educational targets. Progress is discussed at the Annual Review meeting, and families receive an Annual School Report during the summer term. A Family Liaison and Welfare Team provides another point of contact, so support extends beyond conversations about classroom progress.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Oakwood's school-age placements are controlled by Walsall’s SEND Team through an EHCP; the school cannot offer places directly. Families should confirm the next placement steps with that team.

Nursery pupils are generally offered 15 hours each week. A 30-hour placement may be possible, depending on parents' circumstances and a successful application. This is an eligibility condition, rather than an automatic extension of the nursery week.

Prospective parents can arrange a visit by appointment. Contact the office on 01543 452040 or postbox@oak.merciantrust.org.uk for enquiries and current charges. Uniform is optional, and clothing does not need the Oakwood logo. Generic items are accepted, giving families flexibility over what their child wears. Pre-loved uniform is also available; contact the school to ask about items for your child.