The Vale Primary Academy Nursery

Measuring tape, cutting it to size and making a construction hold together: practical problem-solving gives The Vale’s early years provision its character. Children choose activities and work on their own ideas, with adults helping them develop independence.

The nursery belongs to The Vale Primary Academy on Ferrybridge Road in Knottingley. It has 24 places for children aged 3 and 4, split between the universal 15-hour entitlement and 30 funded hours for eligible families. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 3 and 4 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school.

Choice has a clear learning purpose here. In December 2024, children in early years concentrated on designing constructions, then experimented with the lengths of tape needed to join their creations. Measuring and making become part of the same task. Adults guide the learning while encouraging children to do more for themselves, giving them practice in solving problems and working together.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the framework for learning and care up to age 5. In parent language, it brings together talking, movement, relationships and emotional development with early mathematics, literacy, creative work and understanding the world. The construction example shows how practical activity can combine several of those skills rather than treating them as separate lessons.

Support starts with information about the child. The nursery application asks about communication difficulties, medical needs, special educational needs, professionals already involved and toilet training. Parents can also share concerns, giving staff a starting point for discussing individual needs.

Across the academy, support can involve class teachers, other school staff and visiting specialists, including the Speech and Language Therapy Service and Integrated Physical and Sensory Service (IPASS). The school says it works with families and partner agencies to help children participate in school life.

Thrive is the academy’s approach to social and emotional support. A practitioner provides individual and group sessions, while the Thrive room gives children space to paint, build or read at their own pace. This is a school-wide resource, with play and creative activity used to help children explore their emotions.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Wakefield Local Authority Admissions, creating an online account and completing the school-place process. Treat that application as a separate task from accepting a nursery place.

The usual timing is January before the September start, so families should check the deadline for their child’s application year. The nursery place itself is not an offer of full-time schooling.

The nursery operates during term time. The 15-hour pattern runs from 8:40am to 11:40am, Monday to Friday. For eligible children taking 30 funded hours, sessions run from 8:40am to 3:15pm Monday to Thursday, with Friday ending at 12:40pm. The shorter Friday matters when arranging collection.

The universal entitlement begins in the term after a child turns 3. A 30-hour place requires a valid eligibility code supplied to school every 3 months. Nursery closes on inset days and election days unless families are told otherwise, so childcare planning needs to follow the school calendar.

For enquiries or a look around, contact the school office at info@thevpacademy.org.uk. Visits can be arranged before applying, and staff can help families complete the application.