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Nursery at New Waltham 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sound games and stories give Trackers Nursery a clear starting point: children explore what they hear before beginning to blend sounds into words. This is New Waltham Academy’s own nursery on Peaks Lane, with 32 places in each session for children aged two and a half to four years and 11 months. The nursery aims to build trusting relationships with families alongside foundations for later learning.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its June 2022 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected Trackers setting.
Phonics starts with listening. Nursery children explore environmental sounds, then listen for sounds within spoken words and practise oral blending. Letters & Sounds and elements of Jolly Phonics support this Phase 1 work. Practitioners also introduce parts of Phase 2 through Little Wandle, giving children some familiarity with the programme before their next stage. The emphasis is on hearing and recognising sounds, rather than simply memorising letters.
Across the school’s early years provision, the EYFS connects language, relationships and physical development with early reading, writing, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Activities combine these areas rather than keeping them in separate boxes. A Jack and the Beanstalk example brings together measuring with feet, handling beans with tweezers and telling the story with puppets. Children can use a pretend garden centre for role play and an outdoor climbing frame for physical exploration. One story becomes several ways to learn.
The early years environment also includes a writing area, balancing beams, scooters and bicycles. These give children opportunities to practise making marks, moving and coordinating their bodies. In June 2022, children shared resources and waited for turns; staff helped them develop curiosity and independence. Activities indoors and outdoors supported their learning, and the curriculum prepared them for the next stage.
Language support has a named tool: WellComm uses screening and tailored activities in early years to identify possible speech and language difficulties and guide support. Nursery assessments and conversations with parents also form part of the school’s process for recognising additional needs. Parents can raise concerns with their child’s class teacher, who can involve the SENCo.
Tapestry provides a connection between home and the school’s early years team. Parents and staff can contribute photographs and notes, while families can comment on entries and add experiences from home. This gives parents a way to participate in their child’s learning record.
Lunch can be included in nursery attendance, but the lunch charge excludes food. Families should account for that distinction when choosing a session.
Attending Trackers does not guarantee a Reception place at New Waltham Academy. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing nursery hours and applying for school are separate decisions.
Familiarity with Little Wandle is one practical preparation for the next stage. Introducing elements of the programme in nursery supports continuity in learning. Reception admission remains a separate application, and nursery attendance does not guarantee a place.
Trackers operates Monday to Friday during term time. There are five attendance options: mornings from 9am to noon; mornings with lunch until 12.30pm; lunch and afternoons from noon to 3.30pm; afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm; or all day from 9am to 3.30pm. The lunch options let families extend either half of the day.
Non-funded sessions and lunch attendance carry charges. Contact the school for current charges. To register interest, return the nursery enrolment form to office@newwaltham.net. Visits are welcomed, and the office can be contacted on 01472 233051.
Children can attend from two and a half years to four years and 11 months. There are 32 places per session.
Morning, afternoon and all-day attendance are offered, with additional morning-with-lunch and lunch-with-afternoon options. Trackers opens Monday to Friday in term time.
No. The lunch charge excludes food.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Return the nursery enrolment form to office@newwaltham.net. The nursery welcomes visits; contact the school office on 01472 233051.
