Business Details
Trusted Infant School in Castleford for Early Childhood Education
Castleford Wheldon Infant School & Nursery is a dedicated educational institution committed to nurturing young minds in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a focus on early childhood development, we provide structured learning for pupils aged 3 to 7 years, offering Nursery, Reception, and Key Stage 1 programmes. Our curriculum prioritises holistic growth, combining academic foundations with emotional and social development. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in May 2025, we maintain a close-knit community with a maximum of 45 pupils per year group, ensuring individualised attention.Our facilities include a Forest School, outdoor learning spaces, and specialised intervention areas. We foster strong partnerships with families and the local community, evidenced by our active PTA and partnerships with organisations like Enfinium. Our team of experienced educators delivers a creative curriculum aligned with national standards, while our safeguarding policies prioritise child welfare. We maintain high attendance rates through incentive programmes and collaborate with external agencies to support pupil wellbeing.
Services
Nursery Education
Reception Class
Key Stage 1
Breakfast Club
After School Club
Highlights and features
- We maintain a low pupil-to-teacher ratio with maximum 45 pupils per year group
- Our Forest School and outdoor learning facilities enhance practical education
- We achieved 'Good' rating in our May 2025 Ofsted inspection
- Our attendance incentive programme rewards consistent pupil participation
- We partner with local organisations for enhanced learning opportunities
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Supportive learning environment
Dedicated teaching staff
Effective safeguarding
Engaging curriculum
Good attendance incentives
Services
Nursery Education
Our Nursery provides 15-hour and 30-hour weekly placements for children aged 3-4 years. The programme focuses on foundational skills through play-based learning in a caring environment. With 39 places per session, we ensure individual attention while preparing children for formal schooling.
Reception Class
Reception education caters to 4-5 year olds with two classes (Reception 1 and 2). Our curriculum develops literacy, numeracy, and social skills through structured activities and outdoor learning. Classes maintain 22-23 pupils to ensure effective teacher-pupil interaction.
Key Stage 1
Year 1 and Year 2 classes follow the national curriculum with a focus on English, Maths, and Science. Our mixed Year 2/1 class accommodates 15 pupils, allowing tailored instruction while maintaining our maximum 45-pupil annual intake.
Breakfast Club
Available from 8:00am daily, our Breakfast Club provides supervised care and light refreshments before school. This service supports working families while ensuring children start their school day in a safe environment.
After School Club
Operating until 6:00pm Monday-Thursday, our After School Club offers structured activities and homework support. The programme extends care for working parents while maintaining educational continuity in a supervised setting.
People
Mrs Helen McMullen
Headteacher
Mrs McMullen leads our dedicated teaching team with over 20 years' experience in primary education. She oversees curriculum development and maintains our high safeguarding standards.
Mrs Pinnington
ELSA
Mrs Pinnington provides Emotional Literacy Support through individual and group sessions. Her work focuses on developing children's emotional awareness and coping strategies in our dedicated ELSA Den.
Questions
What are the admission criteria for Nursery places?
Children can join our Nursery the term after their third birthday. Applications are accepted for September, January, and Easter terms through our online form.
How does the school support children with special educational needs?
We have dedicated ELSA support, SENCo oversight, and individualised learning plans. Our staff receive regular training to support diverse learning requirements.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
We maintain Ofsted-compliant safeguarding policies with four designated leads. Regular staff training and multi-agency collaboration ensure child protection standards.
Are there before and after school care options?
Yes, our Breakfast Club operates from 8:00am and After School Club until 6:00pm Monday-Thursday, with structured activities and supervision.
How does the school handle attendance issues?
We monitor attendance weekly, offer incentives for consistent attendance, and work with the Education Welfare Office for persistent absence cases.
What outdoor learning facilities are available?
Our grounds include a Forest School, designated outdoor learning areas for each key stage, and shared intervention spaces for practical education.
