Hilltop Primary Academy Nursery Review

Kapla construction, a play kitchen and teacher-led learning give Hilltop’s nursery a mix of practical play and structured teaching. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. Based on Wyaston Road in Ashbourne, the nursery belongs to Hilltop Primary Academy and shares Hockney Class with Reception. That shared class is part of the everyday setting, rather than a promise of admission later.

The academy has No Ofsted graded rating yet. For parents, the useful detail is the nursery’s own routine: adult teaching in maths and phonics, time for children to choose their play, and outdoor activity alongside classroom learning.

Adult-led learning and children’s own interests both have room in the day. Maths and phonics input feature in the sessions, while child-initiated play runs alongside them. Lunch is paired with outdoor play, giving children a change of activity between the morning and afternoon.

Planning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent terms, that brings together communication, friendships, physical development and early reading and number work, alongside creative activity and exploration. Children’s learning is assessed through observation and play, with an initial assessment during their first few weeks. The school aims to build independence and everyday skills through this approach.

Sand and water resources sit alongside construction, craft and writing areas. A quiet book corner has cushions and soft toys; the home corner includes dressing-up clothes, dolls and a play kitchen. These give children different ways to explore: making something, acting out familiar routines or settling with a book. Nursery children also use Kapla bricks to build upwards and across, turning construction into a practical exercise in planning and balance.

Movement has a named place too. Weekly KiddiActiv sessions involve Primary Stars, an Ashbourne sports provider. Games and activities focus on coordination and early movement skills. These sessions carry an additional charge, so families should include them when considering the nursery’s extras.

Hilltop aims to help children settle promptly into nursery and early years. Initial assessments and continuing observations give staff a way to understand children’s starting points and follow their learning. Within the EYFS group, simple Makaton signs support communication, including requests for drinks at snack time. That provides another way for children to express a need.

Food is practical: nursery children can have a hot meal with two courses, prepared on site by the Derbyshire County Council catering team. A vegetarian choice is always offered. Packed lunches are another option, allowing families to choose the arrangement that suits their child.

For additional needs, the school has a SEND coordinator and an assistant coordinator, supported by a wider SEND team. Their work includes liaison with Speech and Language Therapy and Educational Psychology. Families can contact the team on 01335 343041 to discuss concerns. This gives parents a direct route into the school’s support arrangements.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Derbyshire County Council’s admissions process. Treat that application as a separate decision, even when a child already knows the school.

Hockney Class includes both nursery and Reception children, so the two stages share a class setting. That everyday familiarity is distinct from the allocation of places: attending nursery does not automatically result in a Reception offer.

Since September 2026, the funded booking patterns have changed. The 15-hour arrangement combines two days from 9:00am to 3:30pm with one shorter session, either 9:00am to 11:00am or 1:30pm to 3:30pm. The 30-hour arrangement runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday, followed by 9:00am to 1:00pm on Friday. Each child receives a letter confirming their allocated days and times.

Sessions beyond a child’s funded entitlement are charged. School lunches, KiddiActiv and trips or events can also involve charges; ask the school for current charges. Collection is from the classroom. Children remaining uncollected at 3:35pm are moved to after-school club, with a charge incurred.

To arrange a visit, telephone 01335 343041. Nursery applications can begin with an email giving the child’s name, date of birth and postal address, after which forms can be posted to the family.