Hilltops Pre School

A bell for shared routines, an outdoor mud kitchen for imaginative play and forest school for exploring nature give Hilltops Pre School a recognisable character. In February 2026, these experiences sat alongside practical independence, conversation and cooperative play. The emphasis was on children learning to participate as well as learning new skills.

At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines a Strong standard, the remaining assessed areas an Expected standard, and safeguarding standards met. Hilltops has 24 places in total at Stones Methodist Church in Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge.

In February 2026, children followed the early years foundation stage, which brings learning, development and care together through play and everyday experiences. Counting toppings on pretend pancakes connected numbers with objects; pancake-making also introduced vocabulary such as whisk. These were practical ways to bring language and mathematics into activities children could join.

Weekly forest school sessions gave children opportunities to explore nature and practise managing risks. Indoors, a climbing frame supported movement and balance. Outside, the mud kitchen became a place to mix water, grass and mud into imaginary food, giving children reasons to talk, invent and cooperate.

February 2026 routines also included music and exercise sessions. Children responded to a bell by pausing and listening, while daily star of the day awards recognised their efforts. Dressing for outdoor play gave them responsibilities they could practise for themselves.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that key-person relationships provided emotional security, children including those with SEND made progress, and support included adapted teaching and collaboration with families and professionals. In February 2026, a quiet area offered space to regulate emotions, while visual boards showing the present activity and what followed helped make routines understandable.

Support involved portage and the local SEND team, with meetings used to review strategies. Leaders were also developing their understanding of support for disadvantaged children and how to use additional funding purposefully.

In February 2026, parents attended progress meetings, and staff followed up absences promptly. Staff supplied balanced snacks and used safer eating and sleeping practices, although involving families in healthy eating remained an improvement priority.

The address is Stones Methodist Church, Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 4JU. In February 2026, opening hours were 9am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday, and children attending were aged two to four. These describe the arrangements at that time.

• Attendance arrangements. February 2026 opening hours ran from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm. Which booking patterns and accepted ages apply now?
• Group learning. In February 2026, some planned activities lost their shared learning purpose when staff concentrated on individual children. Better planning to sustain attention was an improvement priority.
• Healthy eating. February 2026 practice included nutritious snacks, but children and parents needed more consistent help to understand healthy food choices. Stronger family involvement was a next step.

Hilltops merits consideration for families drawn to outdoor exploration and practical, play-based learning. Its February 2026 character combined weekly forest school with an indoor climbing frame, imaginative outdoor play and familiar routines. Group activities and family involvement in healthy eating were the important areas to strengthen. Families who value these experiences have concrete strengths and specific improvement priorities to weigh.