Free Webinar: Establishing School-Based Nurseries: Delivery Models, Action Planning & Implementation

Natalie Dodds
Headteacher and former SENDCo

Webinar

49 min

This webinar will guide you through the process of establishing a school-based nursery. Covering key aspects from delivery models to action planning and implementation, it will explore various approaches to setting up a nursery, ensuring compliance with regulations and meeting Ofsted requirements. You’ll hear insights into funding opportunities, staffing considerations and best practices for creating sustainable, high-quality early years provision – gaining a clear understanding of the steps needed to integrate nursery education within your school, providing valuable early learning opportunities for younger children.
CPD Certified
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Book individual webinar

Free

For: Governors and Trustees, Leaders, Nursery Assistants, Nursery Managers, Nursery Practitioners, Support Staff, Teachers, Teaching Assistants 

Aim: This webinar will guide you through the process of establishing a school-based nursery. Covering key aspects from delivery models to action planning and implementation, it will explore various approaches to setting up a nursery, ensuring compliance with regulations and meeting Ofsted requirements. You’ll hear insights into funding opportunities, staffing considerations and best practices for creating sustainable, high-quality early years provision – gaining a clear understanding of the steps needed to integrate nursery education within your school, providing valuable early learning opportunities for younger children. 

Why this webinar’s important: Providing an integrated early years education as part of a school setting offers young children an excellent start in their learning journey, supporting their development and readiness for school. With increasing demand for early years provision, many schools are exploring ways to establish their own nurseries. Navigating funding, regulatory requirements and operational logistics, however, can be complex. Our webinar provides expert guidance on the different models available, while highlighting essential planning steps and suggesting practical implementation strategies. The content aligns with key legislation, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and Ofsted Early Years Inspection Handbook, ensuring that schools are fully equipped to offer high-quality early years provision.

Outcome 1:

Understanding the different nursery provision models available to schools and their key features.

Outcome 2:

Assessing and identifying the most suitable nursery model based on their school’s specific context, needs, and resources.

Outcome 3:

Analysing best-practice case studies to gain insights into successful nursery implementation strategies.

Outcome 4:

Developing a strategic action plan for establishing or expanding nursery provision, including key steps and timelines.

Outcome 5:

Considering key stakeholders, potential challenges and risk mitigation strategies to help ensure a smooth and sustainable nursery setup.

Natalie Dodds

Natalie has led a dedicated team as the head teacher of a small primary school for three years. She successfully guided the school through an Ofsted inspection which resulted in a 'Good' rating: an accomplishment which reflects the staff's collective commitment to providing a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for all pupils.

Prior to her current position, Natalie was part of the senior leadership team at a primary school renowned for its ‘Outstanding’ status, serving as the SENDCo and deputy safeguarding lead (among other roles). She supporting the school’s diverse student body and worked closely with a small team to develop and improve provision.

After her degree, Natalie began to specialise by completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (PG SEND). With teaching experience spanning EYFS and Key Stages 1 and 2, she is now working towards a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) – further enhancing her leadership skills and ability to drive school improvement.

Natalie is deeply passionate about improving educational outcomes for all pupils and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which every child can thrive. Her goal is to ensure that her school remains a place where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

See more from Natalie Dodds