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Nursery at Ark De Lacy Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, investigation and a deliberate focus on language shape De Lacy’s nursery provision. For children aged 3 and 4, it forms the nursery part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) on Chequerfield Lane in Pontefract. The emphasis is on exploring ideas as well as building the vocabulary to explain them.
Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 12 and 13 March 2024. This is the school’s early years judgement, rather than a separate nursery inspection outcome.
The morning nursery session runs from 8.45 to 11.45. Learning follows the EYFS curriculum: staff adapt their planning to children’s interests and needs, with play providing the means to explore, investigate and ask questions. The nursery aims to build independence and confidence, giving children scope to develop ideas of their own.
Activities take place outdoors as well as inside. Across early years, science includes observation and investigation within planned learning areas. Computing introduces tablets and interactive screens, with children exploring what equipment can do. These are concrete opportunities to try things out, rather than simply listen to explanations.
Family life also becomes material for learning. Early years history includes talking about family customs and significant events, alongside putting events from children’s own lives into sequence. Geography starts with comparing familiar surroundings and communities. Both approaches connect new ideas to things children already recognise.
Language receives close attention. In March 2024, children in early years began number work, reading and writing as soon as they were able. Adults helped vocabulary grow by modelling language and requiring complete sentences. For parents, that combines a play-based approach with explicit attention to early learning.
Before a child joins, families can share information about their personality, interests, speech, communication and eating habits. The application also asks about toilet training, allergies, medical conditions and involvement from other agencies. That gives parents a practical opportunity to explain care needs before the nursery routine begins.
The school’s SENCo coordinates individual support, including provision for pupils with Education, Health and Care plans. Families can contact this role through the school office. The school says it works with families to support children with SEND, making that relationship part of planning help.
For food allergies or special diets, the school office is the contact point. Across the school, Taylor Shaw provides catering. A designated safeguarding lead and deputy leads form the school’s safeguarding team, providing a route for raising concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Wakefield Council, which administers school admissions centrally. For entry in September 2027, the application deadline is 15 January 2027.
Treat that application as a separate task from nursery registration. Having a child already attending nursery does not remove the need to apply through the normal route by the deadline.
Morning and afternoon preferences can be requested during the nursery application, but the preferred session is not guaranteed. The morning timetable is 8.45 to 11.45, so families choosing that pattern need to plan around a late-morning collection.
To register, visit the school or telephone 01977 722620. School visits can be arranged by appointment, giving prospective families an opportunity to look around. General enquiries can also go to admin@delacy.patrust.org.uk or through the school’s enquiry form.
Session preference. A request for morning or afternoon provision remains subject to allocation. Keep that distinction in mind when organising childcare around work.
The nursery is for children aged 3 and 4.
Morning nursery runs from 8.45 to 11.45.
Yes. Families can express a morning or afternoon preference, but their preferred session is not guaranteed.
No. A separate application is required through Wakefield Council. The deadline for September 2027 entry is 15 January 2027.
The school’s SENCo organises individual support and can be contacted through the school office.
