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Nursery at Walton Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Caterpillars is the nursery class at Walton Primary Academy, with communication, independence and everyday routines shaping the school's aims for its youngest children. This is provision for three- and four-year-olds within the primary school on The Grove, Walton. Children can start in the term following their third birthday.
Capacity is expressed as 26 places of 15 hours, with both 15-hour and 30-hour allocations possible within that limit. It is not a promise of 26 full-day places. The number of extended places depends on staffing, demand and operational capacity.
A consistent weekly pattern gives the day its structure. Children attending for 15 hours normally come for five mornings or five afternoons; eligible children with an extended place attend five full days. Families agree a pattern and keep to it, so this suits parents seeking a regular routine rather than changing hours from day to day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for nursery sessions. Walton aims to develop children's ability to communicate, manage relationships and become more independent. In parent terms, the emphasis is on learning to express needs, build social confidence and establish habits for school life.
Language development also features in staff training. School staff have trained in Launchpad for Literacy, which addresses speech, language and communication within the EYFS, and the Well Comm toolkit. These are relevant details for families considering how early communication needs will be recognised and supported.
Before starting school, new children are encouraged to visit, and parents are invited to a meeting about settling into routines. For children already known to have SEND, the SENCO meets new parents before entry to discuss concerns. That gives families an opportunity to explain what helps their child.
Within the school, My Plans bring parents into planning support, with reviews each term. Shared facilities include a sensory room with bean bags, mirrors and soft furnishings, alongside a calm space. These are school resources rather than nursery-only rooms. Nursery support is planned with families and, where appropriate, the local authority and other professionals.
Food is prepared in the school's own kitchen. Dietary needs catered for include halal, lactose-free requirements and sensory difficulties with food. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and products labelled as potentially containing them. Families need to factor that restriction into food sent from home.
Communication uses Class Dojo for pictures and updates, while My Child at School (MCAS) handles bookings, payments and parents' evening appointments. Nursery parents must report the reason for absence on the first day; unexplained absence is followed up through safeguarding procedures.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no priority under the adopted Reception allocation criteria. Parents must make a separate application through the local authority in the normal admissions round. Wakefield residents use Wakefield's Common Application Form; families elsewhere apply through their home authority. Apply by the deadline for the relevant intake.
Transition support is a separate matter. The school's annual programme includes handover to the next class teacher, and social stories can be created for children who may find a change difficult. Familiarity and preparation support the move; they do not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15, and the 30-hour day from 08:45 to 14:45. Funded provision operates during term time across 38 weeks. The universal offer is 15 hours; eligible working parents can request 30 hours, subject to space, a valid HMRC code and termly reconfirmation.
Optional childcare includes School Based Breakfast Club, Extended Collection and School Led After School Club. Purchases are separate from funded entitlement and never a condition of taking a funded place. Additional nursery sessions are fixed three-hour blocks, agreed ahead of time and normally reserved for a full term. Charges remain due for missed paid sessions, and changes or cancellation normally require a full term's written notice. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school using its application form. The office can help with completing it and provide alternative formats. Enquiries can be made on 01924 967616.
Children can begin in the term after their third birthday. Entry points are September, January and after Easter; April-born children are admitted part-time in the following September rather than after Easter.
Mornings are 08:45–11:45 and afternoons are 12:15–15:15. The 30-hour pattern runs from 08:45 to 14:45 over five full days.
Yes. Optional childcare and additional sessions are separate purchases and are not required to access a funded nursery place.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees a place nor gives priority under the adopted Reception criteria. A separate local authority application is required.
Apply directly to the school using its application form. The school office offers help with completing it and alternative formats on request. Call 01924 967616 for enquiries.
