Townville Academy Nursery

Townville Beach gives this nursery a distinctive ingredient: a large sandpit where sensory exploration, movement and imaginative language meet. Children join from age three, with nursery provision forming part of the Acorn and Oak early years unit at Townville Academy in Castleford. There are 52 nursery places, split between 26 morning and 26 afternoon places; 16 places for the 30-hour pattern sit within that total.

The school became an academy within Accomplish Multi-Academy Trust in June 2024. No Ofsted graded rating yet. For parents, the practical character of the provision is clearer: shared early years play, separate teaching groups and options that span a morning, an afternoon or a longer day.

Children combine activities they choose themselves with focused teaching. Nursery and Reception children use the shared learning provision together, then have separate group sessions. Many resources remain accessible for children to select for their own projects, while adults adapt activities around their interests and needs. This gives children choices within a day that also includes adult direction.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and relationships, move confidently and explore ideas. Early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world sit alongside those foundations. Adults join children’s play and record their learning, using those interactions to plan what comes next.

There is concrete preparation for writing. Nursery children practise movements that develop strength and control, and begin Write Dance in their final two terms before Reception. Read Write Inc starts in the summer term. These are distinct steps towards handling writing tools and learning how sounds work.

An EYFS art studio provides space for creative work. Outside, the nursery has a large organised learning area with a park area for bigger movements. Townville Beach adds sand play to that mix, giving children a physical setting for exploring quantities, sensations and stories.

After a place is offered, families receive dates for an induction meeting, nursery visits and home visits. These give families opportunities to get acquainted with the nursery.

Tapestry gives every nursery child an online learning journal containing photographs, comments and observations. Parents can contribute their own photographs and comments too. Each week, three children from each class receive focused observation: parents complete a questionnaire beforehand, then meet the class teacher afterwards to discuss progress and agree next steps. Friday Love and Learn sessions also bring nursery families into the learning routine, with an activity bag taken home and exchanged the following Friday. The nursery uses the 50 things to do before your 5 scheme for shared family activities.

Children attending full days eat lunch in their classroom at 11:35am. Relish School Food supplies school meals, with advance meal selection available online. Families should tell the office about allergies, intolerances or a dietary requirement such as a Halal option. For additional learning needs, the SEND coordinator works with teachers and support assistants; external help is sought where needed. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Wakefield Admissions, using its admissions portal. Treat that application as a separate step when planning your child’s next year.

Shared learning provision already brings nursery children together with Reception children, while focused teaching remains separate. That offers familiarity with the early years setting and older children. It does not secure admission.

Morning places run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoon places from 12:15pm to 3:15pm, with five sessions each week. The 30-hour day runs from 8:35am to 2:35pm. Families taking that placement can purchase an extension until 3:15pm; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery children can use the universal 15-hour entitlement, with eligibility for 30 hours dependent on circumstances. Longer placements are limited and subject to availability, and families who do not qualify can self-fund. Breakfast club starts at 7:30am and includes breakfast. Staff-run after-school care operates from 3:15pm until 6pm, with shorter sessions possible. Book regular or occasional club sessions through School Gateway.

Enquiries and visits can be arranged through the office on 01977 554185 or an electronic expression of interest. Uniform includes red knitwear, grey bottoms and sensible black shoes; white polo shirts are standard, with red also permitted in EYFS.