Background to the nursery

Oakfield is a stand-alone, second generation, family owned and managed nursery school. Founded in 1968 by Finola Barr, it is one of the longest established, private nurseries in the country.

Today, Oakfield is owned and managed by Roisin Moriarty (Finola’s eldest daughter). A qualified teacher, Roisin joined Oakfield in 1996, after working abroad for ten years and in 2000 she purchased the business from her parents.
 
Although its heritage is important, Oakfield’s reputation lies in its ability to embrace new learning in childcare and education. Even the building itself (a large bright spacious Victorian house) has a lovely mixture of the old and new. Original features (mahogany banisters, mosaic floors, stained glass windows) work together with modern, well-resourced rooms crammed with the latest books, toys, games, art & craft materials and IT resources.

Oakfield is the only private nursery school in Trafford to have gained an overall ‘outstanding’ from OFSTED for nursery education.

The nursery provides a high standard of physical and emotional care in a homely, secure and stimulating environment. Planning and assessment of the children’s learning and development is extensive. In a relaxed and happy environment, children are offered a wide range of quality educational resources and experiences (music, language and literacy, baking, painting, problem solving and numeracy, singing, games, yoga, French, as well as lots of outdoor play ) to promote development in all areas.

The nursery is open from 8 am to 6 pm throughout the year, excluding Bank holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year.  

Facilities include 11 large spacious playrooms, a separate dining room, two kitchens, four toileting / changing rooms, and a large outdoor play area. There are 33 permanent full time members of staff. 90-100% of staff working with the children are qualified nursery nurses or teachers.

The Nursery is split into 4 areas as follows :-
1. A self-contained baby unit accommodating babies from 0 -16/19 months.
2. Tweenies & Toddlers: enter aged 16/19 months, move up 2 ½/3 yrs approx
3. Prep 1:  enter 2 ½ / 3 yrs, move up 3 ½ - 4 yrs approx
4. Prep 2:  enter 3 ½ - 4 yrs, leave for mainstream school 4 ½ - 5 years approx

Both Prep 1 and Prep 2 are structured nursery classes with professionally qualified teachers. The wearing of 'Oakfield" school uniform is compulsory in both these classes.

The nursery is well positioned in Altrincham town centre (close to all motorway networks) and serves the local community, predominantly  Altrincham, Hale, Hale Barns, Bowdon etc.