Hillside Primary School Nursery Review

Squirrels is the nursery class at Hillside Primary School, placing the youngest children's provision within the school's Early Years team. Based on Rushey Way in Lower Earley, it is part of a mixed state primary school. For families considering a school nursery, that team structure is a useful starting point: Squirrels has a nursery teacher, while an Assistant Headteacher holds the EYFS leadership role.

Hillside describes its foundation stage as preparation for school and future learning, with children's care and development alongside learning. Its ambition is for early childhood to be active, enjoyable and secure. We hold no published inspection grade for this nursery.

Exploring, asking questions and making discoveries are central to Hillside's stated approach to learning. The school encourages these experiences indoors and outside the classroom. For its youngest children, Hillside presents the foundation stage as a time for activity and enjoyment, rather than describing preparation for school solely through learning tasks.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the nursery's educational context. Hillside describes this stage through three connected concerns: children's development, their care and their learning. That gives parents a useful way to think about the nursery day: becoming ready for school sits alongside feeling secure and being active. These are the school's aims, rather than an inspection assessment of how successfully they are achieved.

A nursery teacher sits within the Early Years teaching team. At school level, the staffing structure also includes a SENDCo, a Family Support Lead and an Inclusion Assistant. For enquiries about additional needs or family circumstances, contact the school office.

Therapeutic Thinking and Restorative Practice shape Hillside's approach to behaviour across the school. The former focuses on emotional wellbeing and understanding feelings expressed through behaviour; the latter encourages children to accept responsibility and repair harm. For a parent, the practical emphasis is on how adults respond to a child's emotions as well as their actions.

Hillside also aims to develop self-regulation and social understanding. Its values include Independence, Respect and Self-Belief, connecting behaviour with the skills children are learning to use for themselves.

Attending Hillside's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions route and meet the normal deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.

The nursery finishes at 3:30pm. That is a useful collection-time anchor when planning work and sibling arrangements.

For admissions enquiries, email admissions@hillside.wokingham.sch.uk. Early Years tours can be booked using an online form. General enquiries go to the school office at admin@hillside.wokingham.sch.uk or 0118 9755771.

Reading Buses 21 and 4 pass Hillside. There are 2 disabled parking spaces on site; other visitors are asked to use nearby roads and keep neighbours' driveways clear. Factor that parking arrangement into a planned visit.