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Nursery at Waverley Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A 32.5-hour nursery week gives Waverley's youngest children substantial time within the primary school. Alongside the nursery class, Little Squirrels provides pre-school education, with entry in September following their second birthday for children meeting the funding conditions, or after their third birthday otherwise.
Care and learning need separate consideration here. In the inspection published in May 2026, Ofsted judged early years Needs attention, while finding that children settled readily and received attentive care. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Communication and preparation for writing are important parts of early years learning here. In parent terms, these include developing vocabulary, coordination and the grip needed to begin writing. In May 2026, activities did not consistently develop the intended knowledge and skills. Some children lacked the physical foundations for writing, and adults sometimes gave insufficiently clear examples of language and vocabulary.
Changes to the curriculum and teaching had begun, but their effect could not yet be assessed fully. For families, the useful distinction is between children enjoying their day and making secure progress: the former was evident, while the latter needed attention.
Forest School adds a practical outdoor approach across Waverley and is designed for all age groups. Possible activities include making natural art, searching for bugs and constructing shelters. Children are encouraged to choose how they participate, giving them scope to investigate their interests.
Denton Dene is the school's Forest School location. Its northern area combines linked fields with woodland patches; the southern area is ancient woodland and is used more frequently. The programme runs through the seasons when conditions are safe. Tool activities are introduced gradually, with individual adult supervision.
Warm adult relationships and predictable routines helped early years children feel comfortable in May 2026. Their care and wellbeing needs were met, and positive relationships with parents helped staff understand them. This provides reassurance about the emotional experience of starting school, alongside the concerns about learning.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities includes responding early to emerging difficulties and listening to parents' developmental concerns. Provision follows an assess, plan, do, review cycle, so support can be reconsidered as staff learn more about a child. Families of children on the SEND register have at least three meetings each year, including one with the SEND team.
Breakfast is supplied free during registration through the Greggs Foundation. Depending on the day, children receive fruit with yogurt, toast or a smoothie in their classroom. Nursery children can have a charged school lunch or bring a packed lunch. Particular dietary requirements are catered for, making food arrangements part of the practical decision for families.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Newcastle Local Authority, which accepts online applications at www.newcastle.gov.uk/admissions or a paper application.
The past application window opened on 1 September 2025 and closed at noon on 15 January 2026. Those dates belong to that application cycle.
Class transition is a separate matter. Waverley's arrangements include at least two days in the new class at the summer term's end, with extra classroom and teacher visits for children needing additional support. Teachers also exchange information about children with SEND, helping carry relevant strategies into the next class.
The nursery offers 32.5 hours each week for children who turn three by 31 August. Qualification for extended working families funding is not required to attend those hours; eligible families complete the funding registration and provide their 12-digit code.
For Little Squirrels children eligible for disadvantaged two-year-old funding, the morning pattern is 8.45am to 11.45am, Monday to Friday, providing 15 funded hours. Eligible working families can receive up to 32.5 hours.
Request a nursery application pack from the school office. School tours can be arranged throughout the year by emailing office@waverleyprimary.org. For current lunch charges, contact the school.
Children eligible for disadvantaged two-year-old funding or working families funding can join in September after their second birthday. Other children can join after their third birthday, when universal funding applies.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Newcastle Local Authority.
The nursery offers 32.5 hours per week for children who turn three by 31 August. Extended working families funding eligibility is not required to attend those hours.
Free breakfast is provided during registration. For lunch, nursery children can have a charged school meal or bring a packed lunch. The school caters for particular dietary requirements.
The inspection published in May 2026 judged early years Needs attention. It identified weaknesses in curriculum activities, early writing foundations and language modelling, alongside positive findings about settling, relationships and care.
