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Nursery at Hillside Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Den building, an art studio and a Story Museum give Hillside’s nursery provision a character rooted in play and exploration. This maintained nursery school is on Cedar Avenue in Haslingden. Its classes span Seedlings for children aged 9 months to 2 years, Acorn for ages 2 to 3, and Oak for ages 3 to 4. Children move on to their chosen primary schools afterwards.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, move confidently and manage feelings with early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Staff plan activities around children’s interests and their next learning steps. Children also choose resources for their own play, giving them scope to pursue an idea rather than follow an entirely adult-directed session.
Indoor choices include the Atelier art studio, a Story Museum and a Forest Room with natural materials and loose parts. Clay, playdough, blocks and role play add different ways to make, imagine and experiment. Outdoors, a bike track, mud kitchen and carpenter’s workshop give physical activity and practical making their own spaces.
Forest School sessions last 2 hours and run throughout the year, with a recommended minimum of 5 sessions per project. Children dig, climb, build dens and make things using natural materials. Qualified Forest School practitioners lead the provision. Philosophy for Children adds discussion: Philosophy Bear leads enquiries, with children and families contributing ideas to explore.
At the January 2023 inspection, children enjoyed songs, picture books and opportunities to practise learning through both guided activities and free play. Curriculum consistency. In January 2023, some learning areas needed clearer content and sequencing, while a small number of staff teaching two-year-olds needed further training to explain the curriculum more precisely. These weaknesses limited some children’s learning, making consistency of teaching an important consideration for families.
In January 2023, staff built relationships with families before children joined. In January 2023, children settled readily and turned to staff for reassurance; adults also recognised learning barriers and arranged support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). For children with SEND, session times can be adjusted around individual needs during transition, giving families a practical way to ease the change.
Snack is a shared part of each session. Children choose their plates, cups and food, so eating together also becomes practice in independence and social skills. Hillside follows Smile4life, choosing snacks with dental health in mind. Families are asked to keep sweets, cakes and birthday treats out of nursery.
Eight staff members hold Paediatric First Aid qualifications. Accidents are recorded and parents are informed, while medical conditions can be supported through a Care Plan agreed with families. Safeguarding arrangements were effective in January 2023. At that time, staffing changes and absences had affected some staff members’ workload and well-being; governors were taking action to address this.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the applicable deadline.
For children with SEND, Hillside plans the move with parents, the receiving primary school’s staff and its special educational needs coordinator. The transition programme responds to the individual child. This preparation supports the move to a new setting; it does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am; afternoons run from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. A full day is 8:45am to 3:15pm. Willow Club extends care from 7:45am to 8:45am and from 3:15pm to 5:00pm.
The 15-hour funded pattern uses mornings or afternoons across Monday to Friday. Eligible working parents can use the 30-hour term-time entitlement as a full-time place across those five days. Three- and four-year-olds receive their 15-hour entitlement from the term after their third birthday, for 38 weeks each year. Parent-funded places and additional paid childcare hours are also offered; contact the office for current charges. Agreed attendance hours are recorded in a Parental Agreement.
Uniform is optional. Easy-to-manage clothes help with toileting, and named spare clothes, nappies and wipes belong in the child’s pump bag. Collection by someone else requires advance notice, an authorised person over 16 and the collection password.
Visits can be arranged by calling 01706 214162 or emailing bursar@hillside-nur.lancs.sch.uk.
Seedlings covers 9 months to 2 years, Acorn 2 to 3 years, and Oak 3 to 4 years.
Mornings are 8:45am to 11:45am, afternoons 12:15pm to 3:15pm, and full days 8:45am to 3:15pm. Willow Club runs before and after the school day.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process.
No. Children should wear clothes suited to messy play, outdoor activity and independent toileting.
Staff consult parents, can adjust session times during transition, and plan the move to primary school with the receiving school’s staff and special educational needs coordinator.
