Building work under way for new early years unit at Doncaster school

Building work is under way for a new early years provision unit at a Doncaster school.

Conisbrough’s Castle Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, is expanding its Early Years provision and creating a new 30-place Foundation Stage 1 nursery.

The £250,000 project has been made possible through £150,000 of funding from the Department for Education, alongside a £100,000 investment from Astrea Academy Trust.

The development will extend the academy's existing 30-place Foundation Stage 2 provision, creating a seamless pathway for children from nursery through to Reception.

The expansion marks an exciting new chapter for Castle Academy and builds on the academy's Outstanding Early Years provision, recognised in its most recent Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors praised the ambitious curriculum and the exceptional support children receive from their earliest days in school.

The new nursery will give more local children the opportunity to begin their educational journey as part of the Castle community, where they are encouraged to explore, discover and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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Through rich experiences and strong relationships, children build the confidence, curiosity and resilience that help them flourish both in school and beyond.

The additional places will also enable Castle Academy to work with even more families from the earliest stages of their child's development, strengthening partnerships and ensuring children have every opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed.

Acting Principal of Castle Academy, Lyndsey Cope, said: "We are thrilled that work is now underway to expand our Early Years provision and create new nursery places for local families.

"This investment is a fantastic opportunity for our school and the wider community.

“We know how important those early years are, and the new nursery will allow us to welcome children into the Castle family even sooner, giving them the very best start to their educational journey.

"Castle Academy is a place where children are known, valued and encouraged to achieve their very best.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this development will create and look forward to welcoming more children and families into our community in the years ahead."

CEO of Astrea Academy Trust, Rowena Hackwood, said: “The development of the new nursery at Castle Academy is a very positive step and reflects Astrea’s commitment to creating high-quality learning environments that give children an excellent start to their education.

“We are proud to be funding this extension, in partnership with the Department for Education, and we look forward to seeing this investment in the academy bringing many benefits to local families.”