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Nursery at Waterhouses CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rhymes, songs and carefully selected stories give Waterhouses’ nursery its clearest character: this is a place where enjoyment of reading begins early. In June 2025, Ofsted found that children made a successful start in the early years, with an enjoyment of books beginning in Nursery. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of the learning rather than simply a promise of preparation for school.
The nursery belongs to Waterhouses CofE Primary Academy, a Church of England primary school in Waterhouses whose provision starts at age three. Its place within the school matters to the experience: even the youngest children take responsibility for helping with everyday tasks.
Stories, singing and rhymes are the strongest evidenced thread in the nursery day. The choice of reading material is deliberate, giving children opportunities to enjoy language through different forms. A song offers rhythm; a rhyme draws attention to sounds; a story gives children something to follow and return to. These are useful foundations for an interest in reading.
Early reading teaching across the school is effective, with progress checked regularly and additional help provided when pupils fall behind. That school-wide approach supplies context for the nursery’s emphasis on books, although the nursery-specific finding concerns children’s enjoyment of stories, rhymes and songs.
Responsibility also begins in the early years. Children help with tidying, making participation in the group’s everyday life part of their experience. This is a small but practical task: children contribute to looking after the spaces they use, alongside their learning activities.
Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) operates across the school. Needs are identified promptly, and outside professionals contribute where necessary. Their involvement helps staff understand individual needs and plan support around them. For a family considering the nursery, this school-wide process is relevant to how additional needs are recognised and addressed.
At the June 2025 inspection, safeguarding arrangements across the school were effective. This is a finding about the school that contains the nursery, rather than a separate nursery judgement. It gives parents an important point of reference for the wider arrangements surrounding their child’s care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
Enjoyment of books and participation in everyday responsibilities are useful preparation for the next stage of education. They concern children’s learning and experience; they do not establish an admissions advantage. Keep that distinction clear when planning your child’s next step.
The school’s address is Waterfall Lane, Waterhouses, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 3HY. The telephone number is 01538308356, providing a direct contact route for a nursery enquiry.
Reception admission. A nursery place does not secure the later school place. Build the separate Reception application into your family’s planning alongside the nursery decision.
Stories, rhymes and songs are central to its evidenced learning experience. In June 2025, children’s enjoyment of reading was found to begin successfully in Nursery.
Yes. It is the nursery provision within Waterhouses CofE Primary Academy, which has a Church of England religious character.
Children in the early years help with tidying, contributing to everyday tasks in the school.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
Telephone 01538308356. The school is on Waterfall Lane, Waterhouses, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 3HY.
