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Nursery at Willow Green 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An Early Years nature area gives Willow Green Academy’s nursery an outdoor focus alongside its book-led learning. The nursery is the academy’s Lower Foundation provision, based at Hampden Close in Ferrybridge, Knottingley. Its curriculum belongs to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with learning designed to support children’s development towards the Early Learning Goals.
The academy uses the Reading Enhanced Curriculum (REC) from Early Years onwards. Books provide starting points for questions and learning, giving families a clearer sense of the educational approach than a simple promise of play.
Reading connects the learning here. Within the REC, an age-appropriate main text introduces a unit’s learning, with other books adding vocabulary and detail. Children use these texts as starting points for discussion and enquiry. The academy aims to build knowledge in sequence, so new learning connects with what children have already encountered.
Outside, the Early Years nature area provides opportunities for younger children to explore their surroundings. This is distinct from the academy’s wider Forest School provision: the nature area is specifically for its youngest learners. It gives outdoor exploration a place alongside the curriculum’s emphasis on books and questions.
Communication, curiosity and independence are among the academy’s curriculum priorities. For parents, the useful combination is learning that encourages children to ask questions while developing the skills to do more for themselves.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities involves the SENDCo, class teacher, parents and child. Depending on need, arrangements may include individual help, smaller teaching groups, targeted interventions or adapted resources and timetables. More complex needs bring collaboration with healthcare professionals and other outside agencies. Support is planned and reviewed with parents, giving families a role in decisions rather than simply receiving updates.
The academy also uses Thrive to support emotional and social development through relationships, play and creative activities. A Thrive practitioner provides individual and group sessions. The Thrive room is open to all children during the school day, including lunchtime, with space to paint, build and read at their own pace.
Meals belong to the academy’s catering service, whose menus change each term. Drinking water is freely accessible, and children are encouraged to bring reusable bottles. Food therefore sits alongside practical habits around drinking and reducing disposable plastics.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Willow Green Academy follows Wakefield Authority’s admissions procedures. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Nursery registration starts with the academy office on 01977 722487. Families need evidence of their child’s identity and date of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport, plus proof of address. General enquiries can also go to info@willowgreen.org.uk or through the contact form.
Visits can be arranged by contacting the academy. Clothing and equipment, including coats, should carry the child’s name and class. That small preparation helps belongings stay identifiable during the nursery day.
No. Nursery and Reception admission are separate processes, so families must apply again for Reception through the normal route.
Contact the academy office on 01977 722487. You will need proof of address and evidence of your child’s identity and date of birth.
The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage. The academy’s Reading Enhanced Curriculum begins in Early Years and uses books to introduce learning and encourage questions.
An Early Years nature area provides opportunities for younger learners to explore outdoors.
The SENDCo works with the class teacher, parents and child. Support may include smaller groups, individual help, interventions and personalised resources, with outside professionals involved for more complex needs.
