New to Waterside

Welcome to EYFS at Waterside Academy 

 

At Waterside Academy, we are delighted to welcome you and your child to the beginning of a wonderful learning journey in our Early Years setting. We are incredibly proud of the exceptional, child-centred provision we offer—where every child is valued, nurtured, and inspired to thrive. 

Our Early Years team is passionate about creating a warm, stimulating, and inclusive environment where children feel safe, happy, and confident to explore the world around them. Through purposeful play, meaningful learning experiences, and caring relationships, we ensure that every child receives the best possible start to their education. 

We pride ourselves on delivering an excellent education that balances academic readiness with emotional wellbeing. Our curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity, foster independence, and celebrate every child’s unique strengths and interests. From the moment they join us, children are encouraged to become enthusiastic learners who ask questions, take risks, and develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. 

A typical day in Early Years at Waterside is full of wonder and discovery. Whether children are exploring the natural world outdoors, engaging in imaginative role play, developing early maths and literacy skills, or sharing stories with friends, every activity is carefully planned to support holistic development and promote confidence, creativity, and collaboration. 

At Waterside Academy, we recognise that early childhood is a crucial time for development, and we are committed to working closely with parents and carers to support each child’s individual needs. Our open, welcoming ethos and strong home-school partnerships ensure that families feel part of our community from day one. 

We look forward to sharing this exciting chapter with you and your child. Welcome to Early Years at Waterside Academy—where learning begins with joy, care, and excellence. 

The Early Years Team 

Play at the Park - Tuesday 17th June - 3.30pm onwards.

An opportunity for children who are joining Nursery and Reception in September to meet their new friends and for parents to meet key school staff. 

New to Nursery and Reception Parent Meeting -  Tuesday 24th June 6pm – 7.30pm.

This meeting is key to your child starting Nursery/Reception and where possible we kindly ask that children do not attend.

This will take place at Waterside Academy. During the meeting, we will introduce you to school life, share important information about routines, learning and communication, and answer any questions you may have.

Home Visits (For new children joining Waterside only) - Monday 30th June - Friday 4th July (Please see separate letter or contact school office).

Stay and Play Sessions 

Thursday 10th July

  • 9.30am - 10.30am - New to Reception (Parents are welcome to stay).
  • 2pm - 3pm - New to Nursery (Parents are welcome to stay).

Thursday 17th July

  • 10am - 11am - New to Nursery (Children only to attend this session if possible).
  • 2pm - 3pm - New to Reception (Children only to attend this session if possible).

 

New Term Starts - Monday 8th September 2025 

The nursery children will start on Monday 8th September 2025.

The nursery morning starts at 8.55am and finishes at 12pm.

The children who receive 30-hour funding will finish at 3.15pm.

 

Reception children will have a staggered start.

Week 1

8th September, Monday   - 8.45am – 1.15pm.

9th September, Tuesday - 8.45am – 3.15pm.

10th September, Wednesday - 8.45am – 1.15pm.

11th September, Thursday - 8.45am – 3.15pm.

12th September, Friday – 8.45am – 1.15pm.

 

Week 2

15th September - 19th September (Monday –Friday).

Full time hours – 8.45am – 3.15pm.

Children will have their lunch in school every day.

 

General Documents Date Download
GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL 02nd May 2025 Download
MY FIRST VISIT 02nd May 2025 Download
THIS IS ME 02nd May 2025 Download
BEFORE I GO TO SCHOOL 01st May 2025 Download
TRANSITION ACTIVITIES 02nd May 2025 Download
50 DAYS UNTIL I START SCHOOL 02nd May 2025 Download
50 IDEAS OF THINGS TO DO BEFORE I START SCHOOL 02nd May 2025 Download