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Nursery at Trinity Academy Whitehill
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ducklings hatching and Forest School exploration give Whitehill’s nursery a character rooted in discovery. This is the school’s own provision for ages 2–4 in Illingworth, Halifax, with Little Blossoms identified as its provision for two- and three-year-olds. Play and adult interaction shape the approach, giving young children ways to explore alongside people who support their learning.
Time to pursue an activity matters here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines extended play with teaching directed by adults. Children can return to an activity and practise a skill, rather than move immediately to something new. Communication, emotional development and physical skills sit alongside early literacy, maths, creative work and learning about the world.
Stories provide plenty to talk about. Adults read daily, using poems, rhymes, fiction and factual books; children retell familiar stories, act them out and ask questions. Counting also has a practical setting: pretend shopping gives children reasons to work out how many items they need. Puzzles, craft activities and tools provide practice in controlling smaller movements, while painting, modelling and drawing have their own areas.
Outside, walks around the grounds draw attention to blossom and autumn leaves. Nursery activities include exploring life cycles and watching ducklings hatch, bringing change and growth into children’s learning. Forest School adds exploration of the natural world. At the Ofsted visit on 1 and 2 April 2025, early years learning was judged to give children a positive beginning, with climbing and large outdoor equipment helping develop strength and coordination.
A nursery teacher, an early years practitioner and a nursery nurse work within a team led by the EYFS leader, who also holds an assistant principal role. Qualifications include a postgraduate teaching certificate, an early years foundation degree and a Level 3 early years diploma. These roles bring teaching and care together within the nursery team.
Milk and a healthy snack are provided for nursery children. Lunch is prepared at school, with hot dishes or sandwiches, fruit and other desserts, and a Halal option. Dietary adjustments can be requested. Parents order through MCAS and receive their login on their child’s first nursery day, making meal arrangements part of the starting routine.
For children with additional needs, the school’s EYFS support options include Colourful Semantics for language and Sensory Circuit activities for sensory needs. Support is selected according to individual needs, specialist recommendations and any Education, Health and Care Plan; it can change as a child develops. Parents can contact the SENDCo through the school’s contact form.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the Calderdale Primary Admissions portal. For the September 2026 intake, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that application cycle is now past.
Children attending the nursery within Calderdale’s Reception admissions window receive higher priority for the following September’s intake if Whitehill is oversubscribed. The timing condition matters. This priority still requires a separate application and does not promise an offer.
For children with SEND, transition support can include individual visits and information sharing between nursery staff, the receiving team, parents and relevant agencies. That supports continuity of care separately from the allocation of places.
Funded places cover 15 or 30 hours. For three- and four-year-olds, the universal 15-hour entitlement can be arranged as five mornings or two full days plus a half day, grouped towards either end of the week. Parents apply directly through Gov.uk for the 30-hour entitlement, subject to eligibility; three or four full days can use part of that allowance.
The nursery timetable begins at 8:30am, places lunch at 11:30am and resumes afternoon learning at 12:30pm. Learning finishes at 2:30pm, with collection allowed until 2:45pm. Free nursery wraparound care extends from 8am to 4:30pm. Care is term time only; additional sessions carry a charge, and session changes depend on eligibility and space. Ask the school for current charges.
Standalone afternoon bookings are restricted to Wednesday afternoon within the latter-week 15-hour pattern. Nursery uniform includes a blue Whitehill round-neck sweatshirt or cardigan. Applications go directly to the school, and enquiries can be emailed to nurseryadmissions@whitehill.trinitymat.org.
The nursery covers ages 2–4, with Little Blossoms identified as the provision for two- and three-year-olds.
Choose five morning sessions or two full days and a half day towards the beginning or end of the week. Arrangements depend on availability and eligibility.
Yes. Free nursery wraparound care runs from 8am to 4:30pm during term time.
Nursery children receive milk and a healthy snack. School-made lunches include hot meals, sandwiches and a Halal option; dietary requirements can be accommodated on request. Ask the school for current lunch charges.
No. A separate Calderdale application is required. Attendance within Calderdale’s Reception admissions window gives higher priority for the following September if the school is oversubscribed, but does not guarantee a place.
