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Nursery at Waverley Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour mornings give Waverley Academy’s nursery a clear shape: a short session within the primary school, with conversation and learning to share among its early years priorities. Known as Foundation 1, the nursery sits at Waverley Academy on Douglas Road in Balby, Doncaster. Children can start in the term after their third birthday, subject to places being available.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 14 and 15 September 2022. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The morning runs from 8:45am to 11:45am. For families, that means planning around a lunchtime collection rather than a full school day.
Learning uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as its basis. In practical terms, the September 2022 early years findings describe children developing language through conversations with adults, alongside learning how to share and wait their turn. These are useful foundations for joining in with other children and expressing what they need.
In September 2022, the early years learning space was orderly and appealing, with activities that gave children a clear purpose. Curriculum planning built on children’s existing understanding. Adults drew children into discussion, helping them expand their vocabulary and speak more confidently. The emphasis was on developing understanding and social skills together.
Learning about the world also begins in EYFS: children explore communities, cultures, people and nature. This gives their early learning a scope beyond the classroom’s immediate routines.
Communication with families uses My Child At School (MCAS), the school’s main channel for messages and payments. Parents can use either the app or internet access, with help from the school office. That gives families a practical route for keeping in touch.
The school’s wider support arrangements include referrals to specialists and other professionals, alongside directing parents towards organisations offering guidance. For safeguarding concerns, families can contact safeguarding@astreawaverley.org. A direct contact route matters when a concern needs raising promptly.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Doncaster Council’s Primary Admissions route by 15 January; the council communicates decisions in April.
Attendance at the nursery is not among the school’s stated oversubscription priorities. Those priorities cover looked-after children, catchment, siblings, staff children where the post addresses a skills shortage, and distance. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to stand on the nursery experience itself, with the Reception application treated as a separate decision.
Morning nursery places are offered from 8:45am to 11:45am. The school also offers breakfast club to children attending the school, using a space called the Orchard.
For enquiries, contact the academy office on 01302 853326 or admin@astreawaverley.org. Families are welcome to arrange a look around the school, giving parents and children an opportunity to meet the setting before choosing it.
Start dates. Entry from the term after a child’s third birthday depends on available places. Families should factor that condition into their childcare plans.
Children are eligible from the term after their third birthday, if places are available.
The morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am.
No. A separate application is required through Doncaster Council’s Primary Admissions route by 15 January. Nursery attendance is not among the stated oversubscription priorities.
The school’s early years provision was graded Good at the inspection on 14 and 15 September 2022. This is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
Contact the academy office on 01302 853326 or admin@astreawaverley.org to enquire or arrange a look around the school.
