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Nursery at Waterside 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, conversation and hands-on discovery give Waterside’s nursery its character. Children begin building an interest in books while adults help them find the words to explain their ideas. This is an on-site school nursery in Welwyn Garden City, for children aged 3 to 4, operating under the school’s registration.
Up to 16 morning places are offered, with a September intake after a child’s third birthday. Limited places with 30-hour funding are also offered to eligible families. Ofsted’s February 2026 judgement for the school’s early years was Expected standard, covering the early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The morning runs from 8.55am to 11.55am. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning combines play and conversation with early reading, number work and physical skills. In February 2026, children’s interests shaped activities, and children generally stayed involved and concentrated. Adults extended vocabulary through their conversations with children, making play a chance to practise language as well as explore.
Small movements and mathematical thinking come together. Activities developing finger and hand control also give children opportunities to count and compare quantities, with adults introducing words for differences in amounts. Books matter too: nursery children develop enjoyment of stories, while phonics is woven into early years activities to support their first steps in reading and writing.
Spring 2026 brought a dinosaur theme, with fossil excavation, a dinosaur swamp and playdough creations. Story choices included Dinosaur Rumpus and How to Grow a dinosaur. These gave children concrete things to investigate and talk about. Read, Write, Inc. was the phonics programme used that term, and families were encouraged to share books daily and record reading in a diary.
Speaking and listening also have a named partner: Voice 21. Waterside began its school-wide oracy work in November 2025, aiming to help children express ideas and listen to others. That emphasis fits the nursery’s focus on vocabulary and conversation.
Joining starts with family involvement. In February 2026, early years settling arrangements included school visits and a gathering in a local park, involving families in the joining process. During Spring 2026, Facebook updates and Tapestry helped parents follow children’s learning.
Children taking 30-hour funded places eat their dinner in the school dining hall alongside Reception children. The wider school building is single-storey, with accessible entrances, changing facilities and an accessible toilet, useful practical features for families considering physical access or additional care needs.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), early years support was prompt in February 2026. Checking support. Leaders needed to strengthen their checks on targeted help, including in early years. Families whose child needs extra support should discuss how progress will be reviewed. The school’s support process involves parents, the class teacher and the SENCO in repeated cycles of assessment, planning, action and review.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council’s admissions system and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year.
For the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, nursery attendance gave no oversubscription priority and there was no automatic transfer. That cycle’s application deadline was 15 January 2025. Keep the Reception application separate from the nursery decision.
For children who find change difficult, transition support can include extra visits, photo books and visual timetables. These help children become familiar with people and routines; they do not confer an admissions advantage.
Morning attendance provides 15 hours each week. Eligible families can request one of the limited 30-hour funded places when applying. Nursery applications go directly to the school, using an electronic form or a paper copy from the office.
In Spring 2026, nursery PE took place on Fridays, with children attending in their PE clothes. The kit included a white T-shirt, blue or black shorts or jogging bottoms, and plain trainers.
To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, contact the office on 01707 321203 or email admin@waterside.agoralp.co.uk.
The nursery offers places for children aged 3 to 4, with its annual intake in September after a child’s third birthday.
The nursery morning runs from 8.55am to 11.55am, providing 15 hours per week.
Yes. Limited places are offered to eligible families, who should indicate their entitlement on the nursery application form. Children taking these places eat dinner in the school dining hall with Reception children.
No. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire County Council. Nursery attendance gave no priority under the 2025–2026 arrangements.
Contact the school office on 01707 321203 or email admin@waterside.agoralp.co.uk to arrange a visit.
