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Nursery at South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 dough, songs and puddles give Carlton’s nursery its character, with conversation running through the learning. For children aged 3 to 4, this is the Lower Foundation Stage within South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant School. There are 76 nursery places: 38 for mornings and 38 for afternoons, with 16 reserved for the 30-hour offer.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its November 2022 inspection. That judgement covers early years across the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Communication was a clear strength: adults used conversations and questions effectively to develop children’s language and involvement in learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is taught mainly through play, with adults planning experiences across children’s development. In parent terms, talking, making, exploring and learning alongside others are part of the education. The curriculum gives vocabulary and relationships deliberate attention.
Within the nursery room, children can build, explore pretend play, use dough or try early writing. Books and maths have their own areas too. Group gatherings bring songs, registration, milk and snacks into the session, giving children shared routines alongside their activities.
The connecting cloakroom is also a learning space. A bench for woodwork, instruments on a stage, water and wet sand make room for practical, sometimes noisy exploration. Outdoors, children can tackle bigger construction, play with water, write and take part in sport. Rain does not stop outdoor learning. Wellies stay at school so children can enjoy wet weather too.
Stories extend beyond the session. In November 2022, children in early years received a book to keep each half term, with traditional stories and nursery rhymes supporting their interest in reading. Foundation Stage computing also takes a practical route: digital devices have been removed in favour of activities such as sequencing stories, cooking and role play. Children practise thinking and communicating through real experiences.
Settling begins before the first nursery term. Families are contacted in the preceding term and invited to three stay-and-play sessions together. This gives children and parents time to become familiar with staff and other children before starting.
For children staying through lunch, families provide a healthy packed meal with no nuts and a clearly named bag, or book a charged school dinner through Feeding Hungry Minds. Breakfast club includes breakfast; after-school care includes a hot snack. Meals therefore need planning alongside the hours booked.
In November 2022, early years adults adapted activities effectively for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school’s support arrangements include a SEN coordinator, with teachers and parents agreeing targets and reviewing them termly. Across the school, accessible features include entrance ramps and a therapy room equipped with a hoist and table. These provide concrete support for children with physical care needs.
Attending Carlton’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Wakefield Council’s Reception admissions route, following the normal application deadline. Treat that application as a separate family task from nursery registration.
Children in nursery and Reception can mix during much of the day within the Foundation Stage, which includes shared outdoor learning space. That offers familiarity with the wider setting. It does not secure admission.
The universal entitlement for 3- and 4-year-olds is 570 funded hours annually, usually arranged as 15 hours over 38 weeks, starting in the term following the third birthday. Eligible children can receive 30 hours. Carlton’s example uses 8.30am to 3.15pm Monday to Thursday, followed by 8.30am to 11.30am on Friday.
Additional time. Friday afternoon beyond that example carries a charge and requires advance booking and payment through ParentPay. Breakfast and after-school care are also charged separately and booked ahead through ParentPay. Ask the school for current charges when budgeting.
Nursery application forms can be returned to the office or emailed to headteacher@carlton.wakefield.sch.uk. For enquiries or to arrange a school viewing, call 01977 643129.
The nursery caters for children aged 3 to 4 and forms the school’s Lower Foundation Stage.
Parents and children are invited to three stay-and-play sessions in the term before starting, allowing them to get to know staff and other children together.
Bring wellies to leave at school. Children use the outdoor learning space in wet weather as well as on dry days.
Lunch is arranged separately: bring a healthy packed lunch with no nuts in a named bag, or book and pay for a school dinner through Feeding Hungry Minds.
No. You must apply separately for Reception through Wakefield Council’s admissions route by the normal deadline.
