Nursery
Looking for a great Nursery?
Our Nursery is now open!
The application for Nursery 2024 admissions is now closed.
Please complete this expression of interest form to join our Nursery in September 2025. Please note at ODA we currently only have a 3-4 year old nursery.
ODA Nursery FAQ
How many hours of funding do you provide?
We provide the option of both 15 and 30 hours of funding. 15 hours are morning or afternoon sessions, 8:30am-11:30am or 12:30pm-3:30pm. ODA will allocate morning or afternoon sessions. 30 hour spaces run from 8:30am- 3:30pm and will include an additional daily charge for consumables.
Is there an absence/ sickness policy?
The Nursery’s policy is the same as the whole school policy. Please see the link to all policies here.
Attendance and Punctuality
The Nursery’s policy is the same as the whole school policy. Please see the link to all polices here.
What is your admissions policy?
Is the same as the whole school policy in terms of criteria, please see the link to all policies here. Please note a place in ODA Nursery doesn’t guarantee a space in reception. Deadlines for applications are 31st May. Application form here. Offers of places will be sent in June.
Is there a settling in period? What happens if my child never settles?
Yes, the transition starts from the Summer Term with stay and play sessions, home visits, videos and letters. Staggered starts will start from September and details about this i.e. start times will be sent in the Summer Term. A more tailored transition is available for children who need it i.e. those with AEN needs.
Will there be a wraparound care service?
Yes, we do have before school provision, there will not be an after school provision this year. Breakfast club starts at 7:35am, and is payable at £6/day.
What is the staffing for the Nursery?
There is one class teacher for the nursery class supported by the EYFS Lead and Senior leadership team. The class teacher will also be supported by 1 or 2 associate tutors, depending on the class size. The ratio for teacher to children is 1:13 max, based on current statutory guidelines from the DfE.
Will there be a school uniform?
Yes, there is a uniform for the nursery. This will consist of black tracksuit bottoms, white polo shirt, purple ODA jumper (crew neck), small ODA bag, black shoes, ODA purple coat or black coat, hair accessories as in line with the whole school uniform policy. See link to our policies here.
Will there be a key worker system for the children?
The class teacher is responsible for all children; however, key workers may be assigned to each child to support communication where needed.
Is there anything in place for SEN?
The Nursery’s SEN policy is the same as the whole school policy; please see the link to all polices here. SENDCo and EYFS Lead will support the teaching team t ensure an inclusive practice. For Specific SEN concerns, please contact the school before applying and we will arrange a meeting with you and the SENDCo and EYFS lead to discuss meeting any needs.
Will there be daily communication/ summary of my child’s day?
There will not be a daily summary of your child’s day, however a member of the teaching team will be available before and after school to pass on any key messages throughout the day. Throughout EYFS we use Tapestry as a learning platform for parents and staff to share new and interesting learning experiences. Parent communication is the same as the main school, we have a weekly bulletin sent out on Fridays with whole information, we update our website frequently, frequent updates on social media platforms, insta, twitter, etc. Regular positive phone calls home.
How do you track any data and reporting?
As we do with the main school, there will be termly data reporting as well as termly Progress Review days, where you and your child will get the chance to meet with their class teacher. There will be regular feedback on your child’s progress. We use Tapestry as a platform to share learning.
What will the curriculum consist of?
The curriculum will follow Development Matters, as in line with the EYFS and consist of a holistic approach to education. Sessions will consist of adult led and child-initiated play. There will be lots of opportunities for messy and outdoor learning to support development. At One Degree Academy there is a focus on Love, Structure and high expectations, paired with an ambitious curriculum. You can see the Nursery Curriculum Map on our website.
Is there a behaviour policy?
Yes, we do have a whole school behaviour policy, please see the link to all polices here. The Nursery behaviour policy is adapted in line with the age of the children to be more suitable.
Is there a chance for parental engagement?
Yes, there definitely is and it is something we encourage. We will be hosting regular workshops to keep parents informed about important and current topics.
Will nappies/wipes be provided?
We encourage children to be toilet trained before starting at school. We will have support available for families who need it during and after the transition period. If needed, please ensure nappies are in your child’s bag with them each day as well as nappy bags and wipes. Nappies and wipes should be supplied by parents and carers; however, the school will have some in case of an emergency. All children should have a change of uniform including shoes in their bags every day.
What food and drink is provided? What if my child is a fussy eater?
As in line with the whole school, the nursery will have family dining, please see details here. We do not allow packed lunches. Hub lunch is a provision for AEN i.e. separated food and support from the SENDCo with eating habits. Water and milk will be provided. As well as family dining at lunch time, food will consist of snack time and rolling fruit and water.
Will my child be able to take a nap?
There will be no nap time in the classroom for 3-4-year olds. In line with best practise, we expect children to be awake at school. We will have support available in terms of Early Help for families who need sleep routine support.
Are there opportunities for AdHoc sessions?
There will be no opportunities for AdHoc sessions.
