Oaktree Nursery School is situated in the heart of Balham, Wandsworth. We offer a safe, happy atmosphere in which children aged 2 - 5 years of age can explore and discover learning is fun.

Our Aim
Our aim is for all children to leave Oaktree with:
- A positive disposition for learning
- A strong emotional and intellectual foundation, confident to embark on their next stage of schooling

We achieve this by using a combination of both Traditional and Montessori methods, giving children the chance to experience both structured and free play, thereby developing at their own pace.

Teaching Ethos
The highly motivated teaching team at Oaktree nurture the children through role modelling and extending the children's learning through carefully planned activities following their interests and developmental stage. This enables children to reach their full potential emotionally and intellectually.

We make sure all areas of learning are interlinked as extensive research highlights that young children learn in a variety of ways, by making sense of their life experiences. At Oaktree we build on these experiences by providing innovative play opportunities and activities in the indoor and outdoor learning environment. This helps children to work individually and collaboratively to problem solve and make connections between experiences - ultimately promoting critical thinking.

We recognise and value the important role that parents have in their child's development and embrace their involvement with the school. Parents are actively encouraged to share their child's experiences outside of school so that we can further develop their interests.

The Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation stage - the Government framework for education and care for children aged 0 to 5 -  emphasises that children develop at different rates. At Oaktree, we create personalised learning opportunities following a child's interests. We believe this is paramount to successful learning.

We initially focus on Personal, Social and Emotional development which:
- Builds the individual's confidence
- Helps them to voice their feelings and views
- Forges positive relationships
- Helps children become sociable beings

This leads onto support and development in other areas:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world; and
- Expressive arts and design

Extra Curriculum Activities
Our extra curricular activities have expanded recently and are particularly memorable parts of a child's experience. There is no extra charge, all activities are included in the termly fee. Specialist staff have been appointed to teach these weekly activities which include:
- Sport
- Drama
- Spanish language
- Music and Movement
- Yoga and Mindfulness

Learning in the community
We are situated in heart of the Balham community, which means there is lots of scope for trips out and about. Groups of children visit Balham library each week with their teachers. The outings not only foster their interest in books, but familiarise them with walking safely in the outside urban area.
Community outings also take place and are tied to the topic work children will be doing. For example our recent trips to museums and fire stations consolidates what was being learnt at nursery. This helps children to understand that learning occurs beyond the nursery setting and encourages visual and physical approaches.