A bit of History
The inspiration to open Okewood Nursery School – as it was then – came from the sudden closure of a nursery school in the next village, which most local children attended. Additionally, with the threatened closure of Okewood First School it seemed a logical move to open a nursery school to attract children in to the lovely village of Walliswood, some of whom would then, hopefully, feed in to the First School to increase their numbers.
After hours of hard labour from many villagers to build and fit-out the Nursery school, the first Okewood Nursery building was opened in April 1992 on the edge of the First School playground. The Nursery benefited from many of the First School facilities including the legendary “home cooked” lunches in the school canteen for children staying all day.
Sadly the First School didn’t survive, but the Nursery went from strength to strength, attracting children from within a ten mile radius, and feeding many local schools.
In 1996 when the First School shut, the Nursery relocated to its own newly fitted-out building - capable of accommodating 26 children - in the Old School Garden, where it remains today in the heart of the village. Within its secure, fenced boundary the grounds provide grass, tarmac and soft-play areas, under the shelter of three fabulously majestic oak trees, so the concept of mirroring all indoor activities outside is easily provided.
The Nursery continues to be at the heart of the village and has considerable support from locals both young and old, who often show their interest in a variety of ways – from taking ballet, cooking or gardening activities, or just dipping in to their pockets to support fund raising activities!