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Nursery at Allerton Bywater Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Den building, a forest story circle and songs that tune children into sounds give Allerton Bywater’s nursery its character. Outdoor exploration sits alongside deliberate work on language and number. This is the school’s own nursery, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with funded places for three and four year olds.
A qualified nursery teacher forms part of the team and also leads outdoor education. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 16 and 17 May 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and teaching work together here. Across the EYFS week, children have focused sessions in maths, phonics, literacy and topics, adapted to their developmental stage, alongside opportunities to revisit learning through play. In plain parent language, the EYFS brings together movement, relationships and communication with early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world.
Read Write Inc provides the phonics approach, but nursery work starts with listening: rhymes, songs and sound games help children hear distinctions and respond to what they hear. These activities prepare them to recognise sounds within words and combine sounds aloud. The emphasis is on preparation rather than rushing into reading.
Talk 4 Writing uses a model story and a text map before children help reshape the story. Maths follows the NCETM mastery approach and Mastering Number Program, with exploration of measures, shapes and space alongside number understanding. Adults adjust activities to children’s interests and what they observe, giving learning a connection to the children taking part.
Indoors, defined play areas allow children to explore and practise, while wall displays celebrate their work and support learning. Weekly use of the Forest Schools area adds planned nature activities and child-led exploration. The barked play area, large fields, mud kitchen and tree climbing offer different ways to move and investigate. In May 2023, nursery children followed established routines, developed communication and number understanding, and worked together on woodland den building. Outdoor time has a learning purpose as well as room for adventure.
Settling begins with introductory sessions and visits to children’s previous preschool settings. Stay and play sessions give families another way to take part. Early years staff speak with parents at the classroom door, while Class Dojo shares achievements, learning updates each week and school information. These channels connect the nursery day with home.
Relationships between nursery staff and children were a strength in May 2023, with adults knowing the children closely. The curriculum includes managing feelings, forming relationships and learning to care for oneself, so independence is part of everyday learning.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school identifies needs early and arranges additional help. Adapted learning, flexible timetables and specialist agencies are among its support arrangements. Parents can discuss concerns with the class teacher, phase leader or SEND coordinator; referrals may involve Speech and Language Therapy or the Complex Needs Service.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority, including families living outside Leeds who want a Leeds school. Leeds City Council coordinates Reception allocations for Leeds schools. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.
For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That was the deadline for that intake, rather than a future application date.
Fully funded nursery places cover either 15 or 30 hours a week for three and four year olds. Those weekly entitlements are the useful starting point for planning childcare.
Visits can be booked by calling 01977 522620 or emailing abpsoffice@brigshawtrust.com. The nursery is at Allerton Bywater Primary School on Leeds Road, Castleford, WF10 2DR. A visit gives families an opportunity to discuss joining and see the learning spaces.
The funded nursery places are for three and four year olds, covering 15 or 30 hours a week.
Children use the Forest Schools area weekly. Nursery outdoor activities include den building, tree climbing and play in the mud kitchen, with fields, a barked play area and a story circle.
Through songs, rhymes and sound games that develop speaking and listening. This prepares children to hear sounds within words and blend sounds aloud.
Early years staff speak with families at the classroom door. Class Dojo carries weekly learning information and celebrates children’s achievements.
No. A separate Reception application must go through the family’s home local authority.
