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Nursery at Oyster Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Wellies, Forest School and a classroom organised for play give Oyster Park’s nursery its character. Children join from age 3, beginning their school experience within Oyster Park Primary Academy in Ferry Fryston, Castleford. Outdoor learning continues across the year, with waterproof clothing supplied for nursery children.
Ofsted’s February 2026 inspection judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Language, relationships and growing independence are the clearest priorities: children receive help to express themselves and practise the social habits that make group learning possible.
Play and direct teaching share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum brings together physical development, communication and emotional development with early literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. For parents, that means learning through exploration and questions as well as time spent on activities guided by adults.
Classroom areas support both activities children choose themselves and those adults introduce. Focused groups work on recognising letter sounds and forming letters and numbers. Staff observe learning and discuss it with children, using those everyday exchanges to decide what support comes next. In February 2026, vocabulary teaching and additional communication support were priorities across early years, helping children find the words to participate.
Outside, nursery children have their own play space, and Forest School adds another setting for learning. Waterproof oversuits and wellies are provided, although children can bring their own. Warm clothes suitable for getting dirty are needed for Forest School, where shorts are not permitted. Outdoor learning is part of the year’s routine, so clothing needs to accommodate more than fair-weather play.
Relationships and predictable routines support children’s confidence. In February 2026, early years children were learning to wait their turn, listen to others and share, with most progressing appropriately from their own starting points. Staff adjusted teaching for children with SEND and disadvantaged children, checking understanding and working with families on individual needs.
Tapestry connects home and nursery through photographs and observations of learning. Parents receive email alerts when entries are added and can contribute their own pictures, videos and comments. Weekly updates also explain forthcoming learning and suggest activities at home. This gives families practical ways to join in.
Food includes morning fruit for Foundation children, bagels for every child each morning and access to drinking water during the day. Milk is free for children under 5. Across the school, hot lunches are cooked on site, with vegetarian and jacket potato choices.
The Harbour supports early years and Key Stage 1 children with identified social communication needs. SEND support follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle, with progress reviewed termly and parents involved in planning. These arrangements make support a continuing process rather than a single referral.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process by the deadline for their entry year. Oyster Park participates in Wakefield Council’s admissions process, and the council handles Reception applications on the academy’s behalf.
Transition activities serve a different purpose from admissions. Children spend time with their next class teacher during a transition session, and additional visits are arranged for those needing longer to become familiar with a new class. These support preparation for the move; they do not secure admission.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon session runs from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. Those separate finishing times matter when arranging collection around work or other children. The 2024/2025 nursery arrangements also included a 30 Hours Nursery pattern running from 8:30am to 2:30pm.
Uniform combines royal blue with black and a white polo shirt; a school logo is optional. Families should label clothing and let staff know about unexpected collection changes. Enquiries go to the school office on 01977 515994 or opoffice@oppa.castlefordtrust.co.uk.
The nursery provides for children from age 3.
Morning nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon nursery from 12:15pm to 3:15pm.
Yes. Children have their own outdoor play areas and take part in Forest School learning. Nursery waterproof oversuits and wellies are provided, or children can bring their own.
Tapestry shares photographs and observations, with email alerts for new entries. Parents can add contributions from home, and weekly updates explain upcoming learning.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. Wakefield Council handles these applications for Oyster Park.
