Oakwood Early Years

Oakwood Early Years is a warm, community‑focused Early Years Education setting located in the heart of Cheltenham. As part of Aspire Foundation, we provide high‑quality childcare and a nurturing learning environment for children aged 2–4. Our strong links with Oakwood Primary School help us support smooth transitions and build meaningful relationships with families across the local area.

A Bright, Stimulating Environment for Early Learning

Our setting features three bright, spacious, and welcoming rooms, each with free‑flow access to fantastic outdoor areas. Children also enjoy a large, newly renovated communal garden that offers space to explore, climb, run, and play. These thoughtfully designed environments provide a stimulating and inviting place for children to learn through play, curiosity, and hands‑on experiences.

Children regularly attend activities at Oakwood Primary School and visit the local library located next door to our setting. These experiences help build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging within the wider community.

Additional on‑site facilities include:

A dedicated Sensory Room
A large Soft Play Area
A PE area with a trampoline

These spaces support physical development, emotional regulation, and sensory exploration — key elements of high‑quality Early Years Education.

Meet Our Early Years Team

Our dedicated team brings warmth, expertise, and a passion for Early Years Education. Every practitioner helps create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued, supported, and ready to learn.

Oakwood Team (ID 1488)

Karen

Early Years Lead

Karen

I am the Early Years Lead, SENCO and DSL at Oakwood Early Years and have worked here for around 20 years. My journey here began as a parent bringing my two children to groups, and I've never left! I live in the local area and truly enjoy supporting the children and families within our community — many of whom return time and time again.
I'm married, and both of my children have also gone on to work in roles that support children and families. At home, I have two lively French Bulldogs who definitely keep me on my toes! In my spare time, I love shopping, travelling, exploring new places, and making special memories.
Daren

Senior Early Years Educator

Daren

I qualified as an Early Years Teacher in 2015 after completing my placement at Rowanfield Children's Centre. Following this, I joined Aspire, initially covering maternity leave within the Achieving Twos groups before moving into a fulltime role at Rowanfield.
I later progressed to Gardners Lane Children's Centre, where I spent over four years as the Early Years Lead, further developing my leadership and pedagogical practice. I then moved to Oakwood Children's Centre to take on the role of Senior Early Years Educator and Deputy DSL, where I continue to build on my experience and passion for high quality early education.
Outside of work, I am happily married and a parent to three children, ranging from a six-year-old enjoying primary school to a seventeen-year-old who has recently started college. I am passionate about physical activity and outdoor learning within the Early Years, and I love using my creativity to enhance environments - especially through hands on DIY and repurposing everyday resources to create engaging learning opportunities.
Emily

Early Years Educator

Emily

I started my career as an apprentice and am now a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator. I also have two children who keep me happily busy!
Sarah

Early Years Educator

Sarah

I have worked in Early Years for many years, and after taking a break to raise my three children, my passion for supporting children and families has only grown stronger. I'm married and a proud dog mum to a lively boxer. Outside of work, I love shopping, going on holidays, and making my house a home. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends - usually with a Coke Zero in hand!
Kat

Early Years Educator

Kat

I have worked in Early Years since 2003 and hold a Level 3 qualification in Preschool Practice, Learning, and Development. I'm married with three children, and we moved to the UK in 2012. Before relocating, I worked in childcare for the British Armed Forces. I'm passionate about supporting children's development, and in my spare time I enjoy travelling and spending time with my dogs.
Levana

Early Years Apprentice

Levana

I began my journey in Early Years as a volunteer here at Oakwood before progressing into an apprenticeship, and I am now working towards achieving my Level 3 qualification.

As part of Aspire Foundation, our team receives ongoing training to ensure we deliver the highest standards of childcare and early learning.

Our Rooms & Learning Spaces

Acorns Room

Acorns provides a welcoming, stimulating environment for our two‑ and three‑year‑old children. The spacious, open‑plan room is filled with carefully selected resources that inspire curiosity, independence, and purposeful play.

Children enjoy access to a small outdoor garden space, with daily opportunities to develop their physical skills. They also share a larger garden area equipped with a newly installed climbing frame, encouraging confidence, coordination, and active exploration.

This is where we establish the daily routines that support children throughout their time at Oakwood. The space is thoughtfully adapted to meet a wide range of individual needs, ensuring every child receives personalised, inclusive support.

Little Oaks

This small group of ten preschool children is based in a calm, nurturing environment designed to help them feel secure, confident, and ready to learn. The primary focus of the room is to support children in developing their confidence, social interactions, and physical skills through carefully planned opportunities that are both safe and engaging.

The space is spacious, inviting, and thoughtfully organised. Our continuous provision enables children to make independent choices about their play, encouraging curiosity, autonomy, and exploration.

Soft lighting, including gentle fairy lights, helps create a soothing atmosphere, while cosy, stimulating areas provide a home from home feel where children can relax, grow, and flourish.

Oaks Preschool

Oaks is our larger preschool group - busier and more dynamic than Little Oaks, while still offering consistent routines that help children feel secure and confident.

Both the indoor and outdoor environments offer rich opportunities for children to practise important social skills such as turn‑taking, sharing, and working together.

Oaks and Little Oaks work closely with our feeder schools, reflecting similar practices to support smooth transitions. This includes using familiar routines such as transition songs, helping children feel prepared and excited for the next stage of their educational journey.

Outdoor Learning & Community Connections

Outdoor learning is central to our approach at Oakwood Early Years. With access to multiple outdoor spaces and regular visits to the school and library, children experience a wide range of opportunities that support resilience, curiosity, communication, and a love of learning.

Contact Oakwood Early Years

Early Years Lead: Karen

Telephone: 01242 513010

Email: oakwood@aspirefoundation.org.uk

Address:
Oakwood Early Years
Clyde Crescent
Cheltenham
GL52 5QH

Ofsted Information

Ofsted URN: EY474915
Last Inspection Judgement: Good

Opening Times

We are open during school term times only, Monday to Friday. Sessions are available for children aged 2–4:

Morning: 08:30–11:30
Afternoon: 12:30–15:30
School Day: 08:30–14:30

Inclusion Commitment

All Aspire Foundation centres are proud to be Gloucestershire Early Years Inclusion Champions, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.