Waverley Primary Academy Nursery Review

Number songs, everyday conversations and experiments with colour give Foundations@Waverley its character: early learning built around things young children can do, describe and explore. This is Waverley Primary Academy’s nursery provision on Waverley Walk in Rotherham. Its FS0 provision has 30 places for children aged 2-3, alongside the school’s FS1 provision.

In July 2023, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers the early years stage within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The strongest detail is the attention to language: learning activities had clear purposes, and adults used planned questions to deepen children’s understanding.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children’s learning and development. Here, language and vocabulary are central, while other areas of development receive equal attention. In July 2023, children maintained their focus on activities exceptionally well, and adults checked their learning regularly. For parents, that means purposeful activity with attention to how each child is progressing.

FS1 mathematics starts with actions and number songs, recognising numerals up to five and comparing quantities. Children also describe where objects are and explore patterns. Later activities include counting objects, identifying shapes and putting pictures of a day into sequence. These are practical ways to connect mathematical language with familiar objects and events.

Creative work belongs to the EYFS strand Expressive Arts and Design. Children experiment with texture and colour, try materials and tools, and explain how they made their creations. Materials can be used each day, giving children opportunities to return to ideas and develop them further.

The ACET Scheme recommends phase 1 phonics activities during Nursery. In July 2023, early years experiences included visits by emergency services to teach safety, connecting learning with people children may encounter beyond school.

Observation and interaction guide assessment in Foundations@Waverley. Staff consider what children can manage independently across everyday activities, drawing on contributions from parents and other adults. Children aged between two and three receive a written development summary, identifying progress and areas needing extra support.

ACET Early Intervention Plans support children working below the expected level. Parents can discuss development through key worker calls and parents’ evenings, so those conversations have a clear role in understanding a child’s needs. The school also aims to identify SEND early and involve families in decisions about support.

Safeguarding was effective across the school in July 2023, but incident recording needed greater precision and clearer processes. That matters because incomplete records can make patterns harder to recognise; it was a school-wide improvement requirement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process, using the local authority’s Common Application Form. Keep that application separate from nursery enrolment: a familiar school setting does not remove the need to apply again.

Nursery enquiries go to nurseryapplications@waverleyjunioracademy.org. Foundations@Waverley sits within Waverley Primary Academy at Waverley Walk, Rotherham, S60 8DD. The school can also be contacted on 0114 3570150 or at info@waverleyjunioracademy.org.