Hillside Primary School Nursery

New words put to use in conversation, and stories connected to learning activities: these are the clearest features of Hillside’s early years provision. The nursery belongs to Hillside Primary School on Headfield Road in Newsome, Huddersfield, giving families a school setting for this first stage of learning.

Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 17 and 18 December 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Language has a practical purpose here. In December 2024, children in early years used newly learned vocabulary when talking and could explain connections between their activities and the stories they were studying. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of learning: children using words to explain ideas, rather than simply remembering them.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for identifying and supporting additional needs. Alongside learning, early years children develop the routines and behaviour needed for later schooling. In December 2024, their preparation for future learning was effective. Those everyday habits matter as children become familiar with being part of a class.

Early identification is part of the school’s approach to additional needs. Staff working with young children are expected to notice emerging difficulties and listen to parents’ concerns about development. The SEND coordinator organises provision, and parents are informed when their child receives special educational support. This gives families a role in identifying needs and understanding the response.

Support follows an assess, plan, do, review cycle: establish the child’s needs, agree support with parents, put it into practice and review its effect. For children receiving SEND support, the class teacher, supported by the SEND coordinator, meets parents three times each year. These meetings provide regular points to discuss outcomes and progress.

A school pastoral team handles safeguarding and behaviour concerns and can be reached through the main telephone number. Hillside also participates in Operation Encompass: following a police call to domestic abuse involving a Hillside pupil, the safeguarding team receives notification the next morning. Staff then check on children attending school and may contact parents or carers to offer support.

Attending Hillside’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Kirklees Council’s normal online primary school application process, submitting it by the normal closing date.

For entry in 2027–2028, nursery attendance does not confer priority. Allocation follows the applicable admission criteria, so choosing the nursery should be a decision about the early years experience itself. Late applications are considered after applications received on time. Keep the Reception application as a separate task even while your child attends nursery.

The school office handles enquiries on 01484 226834 or at office@hillside.spacademies.org. The address is Headfield Road, Huddersfield, HD4 6LU.

Hillside expects children to wear uniform daily unless told otherwise. The school uniform combines a white polo shirt with a logo sweatshirt or cardigan in bottle green, plus black or grey trousers, a skirt or a pinafore. Black school shoes or trainers complete it. Families can obtain second-hand uniform free through Uniform Exchange, providing a practical option as children outgrow clothing.