Harlequin Nursery

Woodland, a bird watching den and a room where toddlers learn alongside preschool children give Harlequin Nursery its character. On Halifax Road in Edgerton, Huddersfield, this Portland Nurseries setting combines open-plan indoor play with direct access to its gardens. Outdoor exploration is part of the day, rather than an occasional change of scene.

Ofsted rated Harlequin Outstanding at its 6 July 2022 inspection. That is a dated judgement: the practical appeal today lies in the mixed-age arrangement, garden access and opportunities to investigate nature. The nursery accepts children from three months to five years. The nursery is registered for 31 places.

Full or sessional attendance gives families different ways to use the setting. The detail of the day matters just as much as its length here, especially for parents choosing between an age-separated environment and one where older and younger children share experiences.

Rooms and Ages

The mixed-age toddler and preschool room uses Montessori classroom principles through an arrangement in which older children can model activities and help younger children. This gives toddlers examples to follow and preschool children opportunities to take responsibility. Parents who value children learning from one another will find this an important part of Harlequin’s approach.

Open-plan play spaces connect directly with the gardens and woodland, so indoor and outdoor experiences can sit alongside each other. The physical layout matters: children can move between the room and garden through free-flow access, rather than outdoor play depending entirely on a separate excursion.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: children build skills through play, conversation, physical activity and relationships. Harlequin adds its mixed-age Montessori arrangement and a Forest School approach, meaning learning through exploration in natural surroundings. The woodland gives that outdoor approach a concrete setting.

In July 2022, children investigated water travelling through linked bamboo pipes and tried to complete a circular railway track. Staff gave them time to work out their ideas, using questions before stepping in to help. These examples show what problem-solving looked like in practice: trying, noticing what happened and adjusting an approach.

Books and familiar songs also featured in July 2022. Babies practised handling pages and pointing at pictures, while repeated songs gave them opportunities to recognise words and join in with movements. These were small, repeated experiences rather than formal lessons.

Outdoor and Community Life

The bird watching den offers a place to observe wildlife, while the mud kitchen and sandpit support hands-on play. Children can grow vegetables and plant flowers chosen to attract bees. Nature is something to investigate and care for here, as well as somewhere to play.

Outdoor activity continues in different weather conditions. In July 2022, children worked together on a nest made from sticks, examined an eggshell and tended strawberries and flowers. The combination brought cooperation, close observation and growing things into the same outdoor space.

Stay and Play sessions let parents and grandparents share the activities children enjoy. They provide a practical connection between home and nursery life, with family members taking part rather than only hearing about the day afterwards.

In July 2022, babies received reassurance and could sleep according to their needs. Mealtimes also involved age-appropriate independence: babies used open cups, toddlers practised with cutlery and older children helped prepare tables and serve food. Everyday care provided opportunities to practise doing things for themselves.

At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described SEND support that combined work with families and outside agencies with funding for individual staff support. The detail matters for parents: support involved collaboration and practical help for individual children, rather than a general statement of inclusion.

Communication in July 2022 included an app for development updates and opportunities for parents to discuss progress with staff. Practitioners also assembled learning stories from children’s interests and achievements to plan subsequent activities. This connected observations of play with decisions about what to introduce next.

During Children’s Mental Health Week in February 2026, Harlequin children explored gentle yoga, foot spas and quiet places to rest, alongside outdoor activity. The event introduced different ways to relax and recognise feelings through experiences young children could take part in. It was a dated event, rather than a promise of a weekly programme.

Sessions and Attendance

Harlequin is on Halifax Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield, HD3 3AS. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with operation across 51 weeks of the year excluding public holidays. Families considering year-round childcare should take those closures into account when organising their working week.

Attendance can be full or sessional. These are different booking patterns within the opening window; the opening hours themselves do not define the length of a session. Branch enquiries can be made by telephone on 01484 519542 or by email to harlequin@portlandnurseries.co.uk.

Funding and Paid Extras

Harlequin offers 15 and 30 hours funding. This gives funded childcare a place in the attendance offer, but does not establish an individual family’s eligibility or promise a particular booking pattern. A current written quotation from the nursery should set out prices for the arrangement a family chooses.

• Mixed-age learning. Toddlers and preschool children share a room using Montessori classroom principles. On a visit, ask how activities and quieter play are organised for children at different stages, and how younger children receive individual attention.
• Outdoor expectations. Garden access, woodland exploration and play in different weather conditions are central to Harlequin’s day. Discuss the clothing children need and how outdoor experiences are adapted for your child’s age and preferences.
• Your attendance and funding plan. Full and sessional attendance sit alongside 15 and 30 hours funding. Ask for one written plan covering session times, the delivery of funded hours, meals, consumables and any additional charges for your chosen pattern.

Harlequin suits families seeking either full attendance or sessional care who value outdoor exploration and children learning alongside different ages. The woodland, bird watching den and direct garden access give that preference practical substance. Its July 2022 Outstanding judgement adds a strong inspection reference, while the mixed-age room is the decision parents should weigh most carefully against their own child’s needs.