Welcome to our Nursery

We provide childcare for children aged 3 - 4 in a happy, secure and stimulating environment. Children experience a wide range of learning and structured play opportunities according to their age and needs, and we build upon the understanding that each child has already acquired to expand all areas of their learning and development. 

We are delighted to share that we have recently received funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to expand our nursery provision. This exciting development means we are now able to offer nursery places for children aged 2, hopefully beginning from September.

We understand that this may be the first time you have left your child in another person's care and we work in partnership with parents / carers to make the transition from home to nursery as smooth as possible starting with an informal visit at home to get you know you, your child and their interests.

Hillsborough Nursery benefits from excellent transport links, making it easily accessible for families. With nearby tram and bus stops, as well as convenient routes for walking and cycling, it is simple for parents and carers to reach us from across the local area.

Our dedicated areas within our Nursery setting:

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Outdoor Spaces

Offer rich opportunities for exploration, adventure and learning. A well-designed environment where they can dig, climb, investigate nature and develop their physical skills through active play.

Sensory Play

Sensory Play

Sensory play is embedded throughout our Early Years provision. Whether exploring water, sand, mud, natural objects or malleable materials, sensory experiences form a vital foundation for early learning.

Reading Zone

Early Phonic Recognition

Early phonics is promoted in our setting. We follow the Little Wandle programme and promoted sound recognition through song, rhyme and fun activities.

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Creative Areas

Our creative areas, both inside and outside, offer exciting opportunities to explore the world around us and create masterpieces using a range of materials, paint and crafts.

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Imagination Zones

Through role-play, storytelling and open-ended resources, children explore ideas, develop creativity and build confidence as they act out real-life and make-believe scenarios.

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Scrap Shed

We offer opportunities to use a range of recycled construction materials to promote planning, building, collaboration and testing their ideas through play.

 

Here are some questions that our parents usually ask:

 

Assistant Headteacher for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Mrs J King

Nursery Foundation Stage 1 Teacher: Mrs N Sanchez

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children will:

  • Develop an interest in and awareness of their environment.
  • Build a positive self-image and form meaningful relationships.
  • Develop tolerance, respect, care, and understanding for others and the world around them.
  • Develop a sense of enjoyment and a positive attitude towards learning.
  • Build independence in everyday tasks such as dressing, toileting, washing, and eating.

Communication and Language

Children will:

  • Learn to listen carefully and attentively.
  • Speaking with growing confidence and understanding.

Physical Development

Children will:

  • Develop their gross and fine motor skills through a range of activities and play opportunities.
  • Learn to move confidently, safely, and with increasing control.
  • Begin to understand how to look after their own health and wellbeing.

Specific Areas of Learning

Literacy

Reading sits at the heart of our curriculum. We aim to foster a love of books and stories from the very beginning. Children have access to a wide range of high-quality texts to support their oracy, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills.
They will also be introduced to phonics, laying strong foundations for the formal programme that begins in Reception.

Mathematics

Children will develop early mathematical understanding through games, songs, rhymes, and play-based activities. They will explore numbers, shapes, patterns, and early problem-solving in meaningful contexts.

Understanding the World

Children will broaden their understanding of people, communities, and the natural world, developing curiosity and observational skills through exploration and play.

Expressive Arts and Design

Children will have opportunities to express themselves creatively through role‑play, music, movement, art, and using a variety of materials and resources.

Each day we provide milk and a healthy snack. 

If your child attends full days they will need to bring a packed lunch or purchase a school meal at the cost of £2.95 per day. Families may be eligible for Free School Meals (Income means tested). Visit this link to apply for Free School Meals:

Apply for free school meals 

Parents are welcome to visit at any time and fill in an application form. Alternatively you can download an application form and return it to the school office

The majority of the time, a home visit will take place prior to children being enrolled into Nursery. This gives us the chance to meet children in their own, safe environment whilst being able to chat with parents. Here you can share any concerns/helpful information about your child.

Children are admitted on a staggered entry basis to ensure staff are able to help them settle and feel safe in our setting.

Further information on admissions and funding can be found in our Admissions Policy on our polices page.

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Please see below a number of resources for you to use to help your child, from establishing routines to help with curriculum areas. 

Young children learn best through practical, hands‑on experiences. Below are some simple ways you can support their learning at home.

Reading at Home

  • Read lots of stories to your child.
  • Encourage them to “read” the pictures and tell you what they think is happening.
  • Point out environmental print when out and about (e.g., shop signs, bus numbers).
  • Help them recognise familiar logos, such as the M in McDonald’s.

Writing

  • Encourage children to write the initial sound of their name.
  • Try mark‑making in fun ways:
    • Writing with a finger in sand or shaving foam
    • Painting with water outside
    • Using crayons, chalks, or paint
  • Celebrate any attempts at writing—these early marks are an important first step.

Literacy – Playing With Sounds

  • Read rhyming stories and say simple rhymes together (e.g., Humpty Dumpty).
  • Ask your child to say the initial sound in words (e.g., s for snake).
  • Encourage them to listen for environmental sounds such as birds, cars, or water.
  • Explore sound-making by playing simple instruments.

Playing With Numbers

  • Sing or chant counting rhymes such as Five Currant Buns.
  • Count everyday objects (stairs, toys, steps, claps, jumps).
  • Ask your child to “give me 2 cars” or “give me 3 sweets” to practise counting out small sets.
  • Point out numbers in the environment:
    • House numbers
    • Bus numbers
    • Prices in shops

Colours

  • Talk about colours during everyday play:
    • “Pass me the blue car.”
    • “Put on your green T‑shirt.”
  • Discuss colours in books, clothes, toys, and the world around them.

Shapes and Patterns

  • Look for shapes in the environment such as triangular or circular road signs.
  • Notice patterns on leaves, buildings, clothing, and nature.

Creative Activities

  • Children enjoy cutting, sticking, and creating.
  • Encourage them to make pictures, collages, or cards for family members.
  • Provide simple materials such as paper, glue, crayons, stickers, and safe scissors.

Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2
Monday 1 September 2025 until **Friday 24 October 2025 Tuesday 4 November until Friday 19 December 2025 Tuesday 6 January 2026 until Thursday 12 February 2026 Monday 23 February 2026 until Friday 27 March 2026 May Day – May 4th
Monday 13 April – Friday 22 May		 Monday 1 June – Friday 17 July
• HALF TERM: October CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: December 22nd – January 2nd HALF TERM: February 16th–20th EASTER BREAK: March 30th – April 10th MAY Break: May 25th–29th INSET: Friday 26th June
INSET: Monday 20th July

 

The Best Way to Get to Know Us? Visit!

Meet our dedicated team, explore our learning spaces, and see how we support children to flourish. Your visit will give you a real feel for the experience your child could have here at Hillsborough.

Book A Visit Today