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Nursery at Hillside Avenue Primary and Nursery School, Thorpe
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, first sounds and local trips give Hillside Avenue’s nursery its character: early learning within a primary school, with language woven into the starting points of education. The provision sits in Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich. At the September 2022 inspection, the nursery admitted children from age three, with both part-time and full-time places.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 27 and 28 September 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
The Early Years Foundation Stage here introduces children to the knowledge, practical skills and vocabulary that later learning will build on. For parents, the concrete starting points are stories and recognising sounds. In September 2022, these began in early years, giving children an introduction to reading before they could read independently. Staff planned learning activities effectively, so the activities had an educational purpose rather than simply filling the session.
Local outings and visits also form part of early years learning. The school aims to develop independence and confidence through these experiences, taking learning beyond the classroom. The wider school grounds include a wooded area at the front, and outdoor learning takes place in the grounds daily.
Curriculum planning. In September 2022, some subjects needed more precise sequencing of vocabulary, knowledge and skills, with the required work extending from nursery onwards. Subject leaders also needed time and training to evaluate teaching and guide colleagues. These were school-wide development points that included the nursery’s place in the curriculum.
Settling was a positive feature in September 2022: nursery children became comfortable quickly. That matters for families facing their child’s first experience of education away from home.
Support also draws on the school’s Mental Health and Nurture team. For short-term emotional needs, classroom adults provide initial help with guidance from the Wellbeing Team; more targeted support can involve individual or group interventions. Parents concerned about emotional wellbeing can speak to their child’s class teacher, giving them a direct starting point for a conversation.
The safeguarding team includes the early years lead. Concerns about a child should be shared immediately with the designated safeguarding team through the school office. The school also works with Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Children’s Services through Operation Encompass to support children affected by domestic violence at home.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate online application through Norfolk County Council’s school admissions process, before its deadline, normally mid January. Choosing the nursery therefore leaves a further application to complete: nursery entry and Reception entry are separate decisions.
Applications for nursery places go directly to the school. Contact the office on 01603 433453 or email office@hap-edu.uk for nursery enquiries. The school is on Hillside Avenue, with postcode NR7 0QW. Keep the nursery application separate from the council application needed for Reception.
At the September 2022 inspection, the nursery admitted children from age three.
Early years provision was judged Good at the school’s inspection on 27 and 28 September 2022. This was not a separate nursery inspection.
No. Families must apply separately online through Norfolk County Council, before its deadline, normally mid January.
Apply directly to the school. The office can be contacted on 01603 433453 or at office@hap-edu.uk.
Speak to your child’s class teacher. Classroom adults can draw on guidance from the school’s Wellbeing Team.
