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Nursery at Hillsborough Nursery & Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Exploring, persevering and trying out ideas shape Hillsborough’s nursery approach. The nursery aims to build learning around each child’s interests and developmental stage, giving children room to pursue an idea rather than simply finish an activity.
The three- and four-year-old provision has 26 places per session and forms part of Hillsborough Nursery & Primary School on Parkside Road, Sheffield. Funding options also extend to eligible two-year-olds. In April 2026, the school was selected for government support to expand its nursery provision.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 25 and 26 May 2022. This is an early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
A morning runs from 9am to noon, an afternoon from noon to 3pm, and a full day from 9am to 3pm. These give families a choice between a shorter session and a day that includes lunch.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines planned knowledge and skills with exploration, concentration and thinking through ideas. Language learning includes building vocabulary: LEAP (Language Enrichment Activity Programme), aimed mainly at early years children needing communication support, teaches basic words around topics such as animals. Hillsborough describes children using familiar play, connecting ideas and persisting with challenges, giving them ways to practise what they learn.
In May 2022, early years learning included planned activities indoors and outside, with clear knowledge and skills identified across the learning areas. Children learned well through those activities. Language also has a practical place in Foundation Stage: children encounter Spanish through stories, role play, songs and games. This introduces another language through activities young children can join in with.
Milk and a healthy snack are provided daily for every child, with drinking water throughout the day. Children staying all day bring a packed lunch or have a paid hot lunch ordered through ParentPay. Eligible families can receive a school lunch free of charge, with eligibility checked during the nursery application. That makes lunch planning part of choosing the session.
Communication support includes LEAP (Language Enrichment Activity Programme), which mainly targets early years children and develops basic vocabulary. Some Foundation Stage staff have Makaton training and additional training in speech and language strategies. The team can refer children to Speech and Language Therapy or the 0-5 SEND Service.
A Sensory Room in the Foundation Stage building provides another space children may use with adult supervision. Parents of children receiving SEND support have termly review meetings, so targets and next steps can be discussed together. Access to external services can involve long waits; families needing specialist input should factor that into their planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority under the school’s oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. The annual Reception application deadline is 15 January, so choosing nursery does not complete the school admissions process.
Transition activities are separate from allocation. Nursery children starting Reception are invited to stay-and-play sessions, and their future teachers spend time with them in nursery. Families are also invited to a welcome meeting with the Reception team. These arrangements introduce the next classroom and adults before the change.
Funded hours can be distributed across morning, afternoon and full-day sessions. Most families qualify for 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds; some working families qualify for 30. Two-year-old funding depends on family circumstances. Hours beyond a child’s allocation are charged; ask the school for current charges.
For eligible families applying for 30 hours, the funding code must be ready before the first funded term and eligibility must be reconfirmed every three months. Wraparound care extends the available day between 7.45am at Breakfast Club and 6pm at Afterschool Club, allowing earlier starts or later collection.
Enquiries can be made online, by emailing enquiries@hillsborough.sheffield.sch.uk or calling 0114 234 7898. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school, giving families a chance to discuss their intended attendance pattern with staff.
Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, afternoons from noon to 3pm, and full days from 9am to 3pm.
Yes. Funded hours can cover morning, afternoon or full-day sessions. Eligibility depends on the child’s age and family circumstances, and additional hours are charged.
Children attending all day bring a packed lunch or have a paid hot meal ordered through ParentPay. Eligible families can receive a school lunch free of charge. Milk, a healthy snack and drinking water are provided.
No. Nursery attendance neither guarantees admission nor gives Reception priority under the oversubscription criteria. A separate application through the home local authority is required by 15 January.
Early years support includes LEAP vocabulary work, some Foundation Stage staff trained in Makaton, and referrals to Speech and Language Therapy or the 0-5 SEND Service. External services can have long waiting times.
