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Nursery at Waterwells Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sixteen pre-school places on a primary school site give Waterwells its defining shape: a nursery within the school, with a separate application needed for the next stage. The provision is for three- and four-year-olds, based at Waterwells Primary Academy on Boulmer Avenue in Kingsway, Gloucester.
The early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 5 and 6 October 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years provision. It should be understood in that scope, rather than as a separate nursery inspection outcome.
Mathematical practice is a concrete part of early years learning here. In October 2022, children had repeated opportunities to develop their understanding of maths, helping prepare them for later learning.
For children attending 15 hours, the pattern is one session each day. Starting attendance is part-time, with sessions increased as the child becomes more confident. The initial rhythm therefore builds around adjustment to the setting.
Settling follows a gradual approach: children begin with reduced attendance before their sessions increase. Confidence determines the pace. This gives families a staged start rather than an immediate move to the full attendance pattern.
Across the school, support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle. My Plans and pupil passports help communicate children's needs, strengths and adjustments to teachers. Families contribute to the plans, bringing their understanding of their child into decisions about support.
Identification can begin during transition and induction. Where developmental concerns arise, the school discusses next steps with parents; parents with concerns are directed to the class teacher so observations and assessments can follow.
Support in practice. In October 2022, a school-wide concern was that teachers sometimes failed to turn information about SEND into suitable teaching adjustments. Some pupils consequently learned less well than they could. For families considering the nursery, the useful distinction is between identifying a need and adapting learning to meet it.
Attending Waterwells Pre-School does not guarantee admission to its Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process.
Gloucestershire County Council coordinates Reception applications. Parents apply using their home local authority's Common Application Form and name Waterwells as a preference. The deadline is 15 January in the year of entry. Families living outside Gloucestershire apply through their own local authority. Nursery attendance and the Reception application are separate decisions, so accepting a pre-school place does not complete the later application.
The 30-hour option is restricted to eligible pre-school children who will start school the following September. Families using 15 hours attend one session per day. These conditions matter when matching attendance to family routines.
To request a pre-school place, return the registration form to admin@waterwellsprimary.co.uk. Completing it does not secure a place. Families are contacted in the preceding term or when a vacancy arises.
Visits can be arranged through the school office. Contact it on 01452 881962 or at admin@waterwellsprimary.co.uk to arrange a visit.
The provision is for three- and four-year-olds and has 16 places on the school site.
Children initially attend part-time. Sessions increase as their confidence in the setting grows.
Thirty hours are available only to eligible pre-school children who are starting school the following September.
No. A separate Reception application is required through your home local authority, with a deadline of 15 January in the year of entry.
Return the registration form to admin@waterwellsprimary.co.uk. To arrange a visit, contact the school office using that email address or call 01452 881962. Registration does not guarantee a pre-school place.
