Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools, Wakefield

08/10/2026

What happens when we get messy? 💧😆

A splash of water, a handful of sand, and so many possibilities to explore!

Through messy play, children wonder, experiment, discover and learn with all their senses. They ask questions, test ideas and make connections — all while having fun.

Because sometimes, the messiest play creates the most meaningful learning. ✨

07/10/2026

06/10/2026

🌿 DID YOU KNOW? Your child can STAY, GROW & SHINE with us until Reception! 🌿

❌ MYTH: “My child needs to attend the nursery class at their chosen primary school to get a Reception place.”

✅ FACT: They don’t!
Your child can enjoy their precious early years with us from 2–4 years old, before moving on to their Reception school.

At Crigglestone Nursery School and The Castle Nursery School, children have time to:

🌱 STAY – with familiar adults who know them really well

💛 GROW – through relationships, play, curiosity and high-quality early years experiences

🎒 SHINE – ready and confident for their next adventure in Reception

And when the time comes to move on, we don’t just say goodbye.

🤝 We work closely with all of our feeder primary schools, sharing detailed information and supporting carefully planned transitions so Reception teachers can get to know your child — their strengths, interests, personality and individual needs.
Stay with us. Grow with us. Then shine in Reception. ✨

Choosing a specialist nursery school does not stop you applying for a Reception place at your preferred primary school.

📣 Don’t feel you have to move your child at 3 just because their future primary school has a nursery class. They can stay with us right up until Reception.

05/10/2026

Beginning to make connections between written words and spoken language at just 2 years old. A lovely example of how curiosity can spark early literacy and how much young children can notice and understand when they’re given time and books to explore

01/10/2026

This week we have a very special guest super signer - one of our brilliant nursery children. He has been using the signs we have introduced at home and in nursery. Amazing!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🦸🏼‍♀️🦸🏼‍♀️🌟🌟🌟🌟🦸🏼‍♀️🦸🏼‍♀️🌟🌟🌟🌟

Our week 4 sign is Thank you!

Can you use the sign at home with your family and friends?

01/10/2026

🌱✨ Little hands, big independence!✨

At The Nest, we’re encouraging our little ones to be curious, confident and independent as they learn through everyday experiences. 💛

From preparing their own snacks, pouring and drinking independently to putting on their wellies, fastening their shoes and getting dressed in their waterproofs — every little “I can do it!” moment matters. 🥾🌧️

Giving children the time, space and freedom to have a go helps build confidence, resilience and independence🤍🌿

#ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴘʟᴀʏ

30/09/2026

🪏Due to retirement we are now looking to employ a friendly, skilled caretaker for The Castle Nursery School, WF1 5NU.

🛠️If this exciting opportunity sounds right for you or someone you know, please click the link below to apply via the Wakefield Council website:

https://wamdcli.webitrent.com/wamdcli_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=oTu2507646&VACANCY_ID=9lCW736550