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Nursery at Half Acres Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Modelling-clay pancakes, a climbing frame and daily singing give Half Acres Primary Academy’s nursery a practical, expressive character. Children learn through making, movement and sound within the academy’s early years provision in Castleford. The emphasis is on skills children can use: controlling their fingers, listening carefully and becoming familiar with classroom resources.
Ofsted graded early years provision Good following the inspection on 18 and 19 March 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Established routines and activities designed around children’s development were strengths, giving the youngest children a structured start to school life.
Creative work combines resources children can choose with adult-led teaching. Art materials are accessible in the early years learning areas, while nursery children are taught how to work with powder paint during focused activities and star challenge time. This gives them opportunities both to explore materials and to learn specific ways of using them.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with practical experiences. Here, expressive art includes experimenting with tools and materials; physical development includes movement indoors and outside. In March 2025, nursery children shaped clay into pancakes to exercise small hand movements, while the outdoor climbing frame supported larger movements. These are concrete examples of learning through play.
Music has a regular place in the day. Phase 1 phonics uses musical activities to develop listening, and children can return to music provision beyond taught sessions. Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle and Dough Disco give children further opportunities to respond to music. Singing happens daily, with performances for parents at points such as Christmas.
Technology begins with recognising classroom equipment and learning to treat it carefully. Nursery staff encourage children to interact with resources and talk about what they notice. At the March 2025 inspection, early years children described caring for animals during a local farm’s visit to school, giving them practical experience of animal care.
Relationships extend beyond the nursery team. In March 2025, early years children enjoyed spending time with older pupils, and those connections helped them feel secure within school.
For families, early years reading workshops include opportunities to observe teaching involving their child. Parents can also choose books with children in the school library, making it easier to connect learning at school with reading together at home.
A school learning mentor supports parents with concerns including children becoming upset about attending school, bereavement and separation. The SEND coordinator can be contacted through the office, providing a direct route for discussing additional needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
The academy is on Temple Street, Castleford, WF10 5RE. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01977 802325 or by email to ha-enquiries@inspirepartnership.org.uk.
Early years provision was graded Good at the Ofsted inspection on 18 and 19 March 2025. This covers early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery inspection.
The March 2025 inspection described children using a climbing frame to develop larger physical movements.
Yes. Children sing daily, take part in Phase 1 phonics activities and respond to music through Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle and Dough Disco.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process and by the normal deadline.
Parents can contact the school’s SEND coordinator through the office on 01977 802325.
