Castleford Wheldon Infant School and Nursery: Nursery Review

Scribble Club, dough disco and sound games give Wheldon's nursery its character: early learning through doing, talking and play. This is the on-site nursery at Castleford Wheldon Infant School and Nursery on Francis Street, with entry from the term following a child's third birthday. There are 39 places in each morning and afternoon session, alongside a full-day option. A designated nursery outdoor area makes outdoor exploration part of the provision.

Play is the starting point. The curriculum uses Development Matters alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. In practical terms, children explore language, movement, early maths and creative expression through activities. Scribble Club brings mark making into shared play, giving children a reason to experiment with the marks they can make.

The September 2026 nursery topic focuses on children themselves. Sound work begins with recognising noises made by animals, vehicles and everyday objects; FRED games introduce listening to the separate sounds within words. Maths follows Master the Curriculum, with this term's activities exploring how objects can be grouped by shape, size or colour. These are concrete starting points for noticing similarities and differences.

Name writing sits alongside dough disco sessions intended to develop small hand movements. Stories prompt discussion about characters, difficulties and possible endings, while baby photographs give children a personal way to talk about change over time. Creative work includes printing and collage, with paper cut or torn into pieces. Nursery children also sing, dance and perform with untuned percussion instruments. There is room for movement as well as marks on paper. Physical activities include running forwards, walking backwards and jumping forwards, giving children specific movements to practise alongside their fine motor work.

Indoor learning is complemented by the nursery's own outdoor area. The wider school grounds include a Forest School, while provision across the school includes learning both outside and indoors each day. This gives the nursery a physical setting beyond its classroom.

The nursery teacher also holds the EYFS leadership role. The wider staff structure includes a nursery nurse and early years teaching assistants, connecting nursery provision with the school's early years team.

Parents have two named ways to keep involved. Tapestry holds children's learning journals: families can view observations from school and contribute their own from home. Marvellous Me sends reminders, activities and recognition of children's efforts or helpful behaviour. Together, these give parents ways to follow learning and share experiences that staff might otherwise miss.

Support needs can be raised from the application stage, which asks about toileting, speech and language, health conditions and outside agencies. The school's SEND approach involves working with parents when difficulties emerge and seeking external advice where needed. Families can contact the SENCO team at senco@wheldon.wakefield.sch.uk. Toilet-training information and sleep resources are also provided for parents, offering practical support beyond classroom learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Wakefield Council School Admissions; the nursery application goes directly to Wheldon. Treat these as two separate decisions and applications. Choosing the nursery gives a child nursery provision, rather than securing their next school place.

Families can apply for a 15-hour morning or afternoon place, or a 30-hour full-day place. Entry points fall in September, January and after Easter. The nursery application also asks about interest in Wrap Around provision.

Applications use the school's online nursery form. Visits can be arranged through the office on 01977 553528 or admin@wheldon.wakefield.sch.uk, giving families an opportunity to meet staff before applying.

For journeys by car, Park and Stride permits cover the council car park on Aire Street during specified school-run periods. The permit application is online. Parking is prohibited on Francis Street and Stuart Street, so the Aire Street arrangement provides a practical collection and drop-off route involving a short walk.