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Nursery at Abbey Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily stories, sound games and books children can choose for themselves give Abbey Park’s nursery a clear emphasis on language. Its Reading Routes programme starts with Little Land, the nursery and early years strand. Books are part of everyday play, rather than reserved for a formal reading lesson.
This is the nursery within Abbey Park Academy in Illingworth, Halifax. It forms part of the school’s early years provision, with learning planned around children’s own exploration as well as activities directed by adults.
Play and planned teaching share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) organises learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. Here, communication, movement and children’s social and emotional development sit alongside early literacy, mathematics and understanding their surroundings. The approach gives children opportunities to investigate, persevere and try out their own ideas.
Learning zones, sensory experiences and materials chosen for children’s developmental stage shape the early years environment. Play takes place outside as well as indoors, with physical experiences intended to develop coordination, balance and strength. These are opportunities to practise movement and explore space, alongside the quieter work of listening and talking.
Nursery phonics begins with Phase One: conversations, listening to sounds, songs, poetry and rhymes. Children practise hearing and combining sounds before formal letter work. Essential Letters and Sounds is the academy’s phonics programme; the nursery emphasis is on the foundations for reading. Daily stories and shared discussion of books sit alongside sound awareness activities. Children also have books to select during their play.
Mathematics uses a mastery approach, revisiting ideas through exploration and practice so children can represent and explain them in different ways. In September 2022, Ofsted found that early years children were learning number concepts and patterns quickly. Early computing introduces the language of instructions and position, giving children vocabulary for describing actions and where things are.
For September 2026 entrants, the academy offered transitional stay and play sessions through the office. Contact the office to discuss settling-in arrangements for your child. Once children attend, the Tapestry app lets parents see activities and progress, and contribute examples of learning from home. It creates a conversation in both directions.
Early years families can borrow storybooks from a lending library, attend workshops about learning or wellbeing, and discuss progress at parent consultations. Parents are encouraged to speak with staff, so communication extends beyond scheduled meetings.
For children with additional needs, individual learning plans draw together assessment, professional advice and information from parents. Support may involve Portage, Speech and Language Therapy or other specialist services according to the child’s needs. Families can arrange a discussion with the SEND coordinator through the main office. An optional school meal is available for nursery children; lunchtime supervision carries no charge.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process: Calderdale residents apply online through Calderdale Council, while families living elsewhere use their home local authority.
For entry in the 2026–27 academic year, the application closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Keeping the Reception application separate from nursery enrolment matters: choosing this nursery does not remove the need to apply again.
Funded provision includes 15 hours, or 30 hours with a code. Additional nursery hours and optional meals carry charges; families should obtain current charges from the academy. There is no charge for lunchtime supervision.
Enquiries go through the academy office on 01422 246610. The academy is on Keighley Close, Illingworth, HX2 9DG. Contact the office to discuss settling-in arrangements before your child starts nursery.
Children hear daily stories, discuss books and take part in sound awareness activities. Reading Routes begins with Little Land for nursery and early years children.
Contact the academy office to discuss settling-in arrangements for your child.
Tapestry shows activities and progress, and parents can add learning from home. Parent consultations and workshops provide further opportunities to talk with staff.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours and 30 hours with a code. Additional hours and optional school meals are charged, while lunchtime supervision is free.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Calderdale Council for Calderdale residents, or through the family’s home local authority for those living elsewhere.
