--- title: "Welcome to our Nursery" url: "https://hillsborough.school/nursery/welcome-to-our-nursery" school: "Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School" --- # Welcome to our Nursery ## Welcome to our Nursery We provide childcare for children aged 2 - 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 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: ![Nursery image](https://hillsborough.school/images/icon/Outside_Spaces.png) ### 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](https://hillsborough.school/images/icon/Sensory_Play.png) ### 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](https://hillsborough.school/images/icon/Reading_Zone.png) ### 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. ![Nursery image](https://hillsborough.school/images/Water_and_Sand_Play.png) ### 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. ![Nursery image](https://hillsborough.school/images/icon/Imagination_Zones.png) ### 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. ![Nursery image](https://hillsborough.school/images/Lego_and_Building_Zones.png) ### 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:** **Who are our Nursery Team? ### [Meet Our Team](https://www.hillsborough.sheffield.sch.uk/nursery/meet-the-nursery-team) Our team is at the heart of everything we do. Made up of caring, experienced, and dedicated professionals, they work together to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive. What will my child learn is Nursery? ### **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. Lunches and Snacks 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](https://forms.sheffield.gov.uk/site/form/auto/apply_school_meals) How to apply for a nursery place? 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.](https://www.hillsborough.sheffield.sch.uk/policies/) Nursery Application Form 2026 90 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/hillsborough-primary-school/files/documents/hillsborough-nursery-application_2026.docx) How can I help my child with their learning and adjusting to nursery? 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. What are the 2025-2026 Term Dates | **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](https://hillsborough.school/contact) ### Nursery - [Welcome](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/welcome-to-our-nursery) - [Meet the Team](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/meet-the-nursery-team) - [Our Nursery Ethos](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/Our-Nursery-Ethos) - [Nursery Meals](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/nursery-meals) - [Apply](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/apply) - [Sessions & Funding](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/sessions-and-funding) - [Helping Your Child Transition To Nursery](https://hillsborough.school/nursery/helping-your-child-transition-to-nursery) ![Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/hillsborough-primary-school/images/logo/Hillsborough_Dual-2x.png) ### Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School Parkside Road Sheffield S6 2AA 0114 234 7898 ### Helpful Links - [Contact Us](https://hillsborough.school/contact) - [Policies](https://hillsborough.school/this-is-us/important-information/policies) - [Vacancies](https://hillsborough.school/join-us/job-vacancies) - [Accessibility](https://hillsborough.school/accessibility-statement) - [Cookies](https://hillsborough.school/cookie-policy) - [INOVA](https://www.inovamat.org/) ### Portals - [ParentPay](https://hillsborough.school/parents/parentpay) - [SeeSaw](https://hillsborough.school/parents/seesaw) ### Social Media - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hillsboroughprisch/) ### Translation © Copyright 2025–2026 Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://hillsborough.school/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)