LEARNING
&
Development
OUTDOOR LEARNING
With over 12,800 square feet of outdoor space, our children are provided with plenty of opportunity for fresh air, outdoor fun and exercise.
Our two garden spaces, at the back and front of the building, are designed to inspire a love of nature. We offer our children a wide variety of activities and sports to choose from, including: a climbing frame, slide, bicycles, water pump, guinea pig house, playhouse, ball hoops, football net, music area, chalk boards, fruit trees (where apples and pears are collected in the Autumn), climbing wall, construction area, bespoke woodwork shed, tunnel, seesaw, an organic vegetable garden and so much more! Here, children have the space to run, cycle, slide, climb, cuddle the animals and play games with their friends.
The planting beds are tended to by the children, providing them the opportunity to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs for their cooking and baking activities. Children learn about where food comes from and develop healthy eating habits.
Beyond our playgrounds, children also enjoy outdoor pursuits such as trips to local woods, forests, farms and beaches through our Nature Nursery programme.
INDOOR LEARNING
In homely, nurturing surroundings, children enjoy independent access to a huge range of resources and activities, to promote development and inspire a love of learning.
Each day is structured to maximise the children’s learning opportunities, whilst also giving them freedom to make choices and decisions.
Children have access to over 20 bright and spacious rooms, including two art rooms, a music and dance studio, a nature nursery discovery room, dining room, seven separate toileting/changing rooms and their own kitchen for cooking.
Beautifully resourced, we have created an inspiring indoor environment to stimulate curiosity, foster creativity, and cultivate independent learning through play.
Pedagogy
Planning and assessment of the children’s learning and development is extensive. Educators are trained and supported to meet our high standards in this area.
While we follow the EYFS framework, we do not prescribe to a single method of childcare practice. Instead, we draw upon a wealth of knowledge and understanding from a variety of educational theories and philosophies. By amalgamating pedagogies, we are able to take a holistic, child-centred, flexible and non-prescriptive approach to childcare and education.
Our timetable includes daily physical activities lead by specialist teachers, including football, tennis, dance, drama, yoga and stretch n’ grow.
Research continues to demonstrate that a child’s formative experiences are the foundation for later social and educational development.
We consider it a privilege to be part of this exciting, fun-filled and significant time in a child’s life.
As early years educators, we are responsible for providing a rich and stimulating environment, role modelling kindness, compassion, cooperation and a positive attitude to learning.
Wellbeing
The emotional wellbeing of our children is paramount.
Children move freely both indoors and outdoors, as we understand how activity, fresh air and exercise supports their emotional wellbeing.
Our wonderful team of caring, highly skilled and professional educators, provide children with a deep sense of safety, security and love.
Our low staff turnover means that children build strong relationships through a continuity of care.
At Oakfield, we offer a ‘home away from home’, where children feel comfortable, happy and relaxed.
Our wellbeing programme includes the use of aromatherapy, music, baby massages, yoga, mindfulness and meditation.
Oakfield is a non-selective, inclusive nursery school.
If you would like more information regarding our SEND Local Offer, for children with additional needs, please contact our SENCO (catherine@oakfieldnurseryschool.co.uk).