Waterloo Primary Academy Nursery

Acorn Class gives Waterloo’s nursery its own identity within the academy’s early years provision. There is room for up to 26 children per session, with nursery teachers and learning support assistants forming the class team. Waterloo Primary Academy is on Waterloo Road in Blackpool.

The June 2026 Ofsted judgement for early years was Strong standard. That covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate nursery inspection. Effective leadership and staff training were strengths, with particular attention to communication and the practical skills children need to become more independent.

Learning has a practical shape here. In June 2026, children in the early years were drawing garden flowers and using the water tray to practise measurement. The garden supported exploration of the world around them; a racetrack and climbing equipment added opportunities for movement. These are concrete ways to connect learning with things children can see, handle and try.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together this practical learning with communication, early reading and the beginnings of writing and number work. Staff help children develop their pencil grip and practise shaping letters and numerals. In June 2026, conversations with trained adults supported language development, while books and phonics teaching helped children build reading skills.

CUSP Early Foundations is the named approach to early reading foundations. Structured Storytime combines stories with poetry, rhyme and conversation, giving children practice in listening and understanding what they hear. Daily encounters with stories also introduce vocabulary before children can read independently. Nursery PE takes place on Friday, adding a specific exercise session to the timetable.

Help with personal care is part of the nursery’s work. In June 2026, many children entered the Nursery Year needing support with speech and language, using the toilet and looking after themselves. Staff were trained to respond sensitively and built relationships with families quickly. For children still developing these skills, that makes care and learning closely connected.

The Waterloo Way gives children shared expectations for playing together. Early years children learned to take turns and share resources, making social learning part of everyday activity.

For additional needs, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review: support is planned, tried and reconsidered with families involved. Parents can begin with the class teacher and speak to the SENDCo for more specific concerns. Specialist help may include speech and language therapists or the School Nursing Service. Half-termly SEND Together Coffee Mornings give parents another opportunity to ask questions and meet other families.

A separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Oversubscription criteria cover siblings, qualifying medical or special educational needs, and home-to-school distance. Families must apply again for Reception.

For Blackpool residents seeking September 2027 entry, applications go through Blackpool Council. The application window runs from 1 September 2026 to 15 January 2027. Keep that deadline separate from nursery arrangements.

Transition support has a different purpose. Children joining Reception are encouraged to attend June and July taster sessions to become familiar with staff, routines and the school environment. Familiarity helps with the move; it does not change allocation of places.

Two nursery sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am and from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. These give families distinct morning and afternoon timings around which to plan collection. On Friday, children attend in PE kit for nursery PE.

For enquiries or to arrange a school visit, call 01253 315370 or email admin@waterloo.blackpool.sch.uk. A member of the Senior Leadership Team conducts school visits and answers families’ questions.