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Nursery at Hollybank School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A sensory room, magic carpet and access to a dark room where appropriate give Hollybank’s nursery its distinctive character. This is specialist early years provision for children aged 2 to 5, attached to Hollybank School in Mirfield. Learning is planned around each child’s needs and interests, with indoor and outdoor provision available during sessions.
Personalised learning shapes the day. Hollybank combines the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which covers children’s learning, care and development up to age 5, with targets chosen for the individual child. Communication, physical development and emotional and social learning sit alongside early mathematics, literacy, creative expression and exploration of the world. The emphasis is on playing, investigating and taking an active part.
Children have opportunities to choose their own activities as well as join experiences planned by adults. Their interests and learning targets guide that balance. Indoor and outdoor provision can be used throughout a session, rather than outdoor learning being confined to a single scheduled activity. The sensory room and magic carpet add distinct spaces and resources to this provision; access to the dark room depends on what is appropriate for the child.
Assessment draws on family knowledge. After 6 weeks, staff establish a starting point using the Early Years Developmental Journal, taking parents’ understanding of their child into account alongside professional reports where available. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language reports can contribute. This gives planning a basis in both the child’s learning and their wider needs.
An individual progress plan (IPP) records personalised targets. Each term, My Learning Picture brings assessment together and informs the next steps. Parents are encouraged to contribute to those planning decisions, so learning goals are a shared conversation rather than simply a document sent home.
Communication with families has several routes. Daily conversations sit alongside Records of Achievement and the Evidence for Learning App. Staff also discuss progress with parents at other points during the year and suggest ways to support learning at home. That gives families opportunities to connect nursery experiences with everyday life.
The nursery curriculum also includes family access to the Hydrotherapy Pool, with a parent or carer accompanying the child and bookings made weekly. This is family provision, distinct from an automatic pool session within the nursery timetable.
Hollybank’s safeguarding policy recognises that disability can create additional barriers to reporting concerns. Symbols and Talking Mats are among the resources used to help children communicate. The policy also requires privacy and respect during intimate care. Families can raise safeguarding concerns through an online form, including anonymously.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception admission is a separate process: families must apply again through the normal application route and meet the relevant deadline. Keep that application separate from nursery enrolment when planning the next stage of your child’s education.
School enquiries go through the Family Support Officer. Families can use the school email link or message form on the contact page, or telephone 01924 490833. Hollybank Trust is at Roe Head, Mirfield, WF14 0DQ. The Trust also invites families to contact its team to discuss requirements or arrange a visit.
The specialist nursery is for children aged 2 to 5.
Children can use indoor and outdoor provision, a sensory room and magic carpet. A dark room is accessible where appropriate.
Parents contribute to the starting assessment and are encouraged to help plan their child’s next steps and individual progress plan. Daily discussions, My Learning Picture and the Evidence for Learning App support communication.
No. Reception admission is separate, and families need to make the relevant application by its deadline.
Contact the Family Support Officer through the school email link or contact form, or call 01924 490833.
