Our Nursery is intentionally capped at just 16 children, which allows our team to truly get to know every child as an individual. In such a small and supportive environment, children quickly build strong relationships with adults, feel secure in their surroundings, and develop the confidence to explore and learn.

Children in our Nursery also benefit from access to our wider Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) environment. They learn in shared indoor and outdoor spaces that are rich in opportunity, helping them to feel part of the wider school from the very beginning. This means that when children move into Reception, the transition feels natural and seamless—they already know the environment, the routines and the expectations.

At Waterside, we believe that children learn best when they are happy, engaged and curious. That is why play sits at the heart of our Nursery. Through carefully planned experiences, children explore, create, investigate and imagine—developing key skills without even realising it.

Alongside this, we provide high-quality teaching to build strong early foundations. Children begin to develop their communication, early reading, writing and number skills through engaging and meaningful activities that are tailored to their needs and interests.

Just as importantly, we focus on developing the whole child. We support children to become confident, independent and resilient learners who can build friendships, manage their feelings and take pride in their achievements.

Every day in our Nursery is filled with a sense of excitement, discovery and purpose.

Children might spend time exploring the outdoor environment, developing their physical skills and curiosity about the world around them. Indoors, they engage in imaginative role play, creative activities and practical tasks that encourage problem-solving and collaboration. Throughout the day, adults carefully support and extend children’s learning, helping them to develop language, early maths skills and a love of stories and books.

Each experience is thoughtfully planned to support children’s development across all areas of learning, while keeping learning engaging, meaningful and fun.

We know that starting Nursery is a big step—for both children and their families. That’s why we place great importance on building strong, positive relationships with parents and carers from the very beginning. We also offer 30-hour funded places (where eligible) to support working families and provide greater flexibility.

We take the time to get to know each child and their family, ensuring that every child’s needs are understood and supported. Our open and welcoming approach means that parents feel part of the Waterside community from day one, with regular opportunities to share in their child’s learning and development.

We take great care to ensure that children settle quickly and confidently into Nursery. Through opportunities such as stay and play sessions, parent meetings, and home visits where we can get to know children in the comfort of their own environment, we begin to build strong relationships from the very start. Alongside time spent getting to know staff and exploring the setting, this helps children feel secure, understood and excited to begin their journey with us.

Because children are already familiar with the wider EYFS environment, the move into Reception is a natural next step, allowing them to continue their learning journey with confidence.

We offer flexible Nursery provision to support families, including:

- Morning sessions

- 30-hour funded places (where eligible)

Our routines provide structure and security, while still allowing plenty of time for exploration, play and discovery.

The best way to understand what makes Waterside Nursery special is to visit us. We warmly invite you to come and see our Nursery in action, meet our staff and experience the welcoming, engaging environment we provide for our children.

To arrange a visit or find out more, please contact our school office:

EMAIL: admin@waterside.agoralp.co.uk
CALL: 01707 321203

Or click here to complete our enquiry form

Our team will be happy to arrange a convenient time for you to look around, answer any questions you may have and help you explore whether Waterside is the right place for your child.

Come and discover how Waterside Academy gives children the very best start to their learning journey.

For further information on how to apply for a place, click here to go to our admissions page.