Pomfret Woodland Community Nursery building

Our Story

Hello there! We're Pomfret Woodland Community Nursery, a friendly, non-for-profit childcare provider nestled in the heart of South Pontefract. Since 2004, we've been providing little ones with a nurturing, open-plan environment where they can learn, play and grow.

Our journey began alongside Pomfret Children's Centre, founded by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to expand early-years provision in our community. In 2012, something rather special happened – a dedicated group of parents and staff formed Pomfret Woodland Community Nursery CIC (Community Interest Company), taking ownership of the nursery to create a truly community-focused place for children to thrive.

By early 2013, we had officially transitioned to our current model, governed by a voluntary board made up of families and local community members who care deeply about quality childcare.

Children playing and learning in our nursery

What Makes Us Special

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that children learn best when they're free to explore, discover and develop at their own pace. Our approach combines:

Open-plan, flexible spaces that encourage independence and social interaction
Outdoor learning as a core part of each day, not just an optional extra
Forest-school activities led by our qualified Forest School leader
Mixed-age interactions that help children develop empathy and communication skills
Partnership with families because we believe parents are children's first and most important teachers
Regular outsourced sessions - Superstar Sports, Mini Maestros

Our Wonderful Spaces

We've created three delightful, age-appropriate rooms where children can feel at home whilst being inspired to learn:

Ages 0-2 years

Bumble Bees Room

Designed for children up to their second birthday, our Bumble Bees room provides a warm, secure environment for our youngest children to explore the world around them. We offer up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for eligible families (from September 2024), and our customized settling-in program helps your child adjust comfortably.

Ages 2-3 years

Ladybirds Room

Our Ladybirds room caters to children aged 2-3 years, providing a nurturing environment with a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio where curious toddlers can explore and learn through play. We offer up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week for eligible families (from April 2024), and our tailored settling-in program helps children transition smoothly.

Ages 3+ to school age

Butterflies Room

Our Butterflies room is for children aged 3 years up to the start of full-time school, preparing them through play-based learning in a fun, engaging environment. We offer full-time and part-time placements with term-time spaces and holiday club options. Children are encouraged to participate in their own learning journey, with parental contributions valued through "stories from home".

Our outdoor space is a real treasure – with climbing frames, slides, tyre-challenge areas and den-building materials, it's designed to support physical development and spark imaginative play. Our children enjoy fresh air and freedom every day through our free-flow outdoor play system.

We're particularly proud of our forest-school sessions in nearby woodland, where children build resilience, learn to manage risks safely, and develop a lifelong love of nature.

Explore our outdoor area

Community event at Pomfret Woodland Nursery

Our Community Heart

As a Community Interest Company, we're not driven by profit – every penny we generate goes straight back into improving our nursery, training our fantastic staff and keeping our fees affordable for Pontefract families.

Our board of directors includes elected parents, early-years professionals and community representatives who ensure we remain accountable, transparent and connected to local needs.

We regularly host community events like summer fayres and fundraising mornings to strengthen bonds between families and support local charities. We also hold a 'Graduation Party' each year for our school leavers.

Our Dedicated Team

The secret to our success is our passionate team of qualified early-years teachers, Level 2& 3 practitioners and support staff. They're committed to supporting each child's unique journey and regularly undertake professional development – from safeguarding updates to specialised forest-school and special educational needs training – to ensure exceptional care for every child.

Meet Our Team

Ready to Join Our Community?

We'd love to welcome you and your child to our nursery family. Book a visit today to see our wonderful spaces and meet our team.

Book a Visit View Our Fees

About Us