Nursery at Hill House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dough modelling, miniature play worlds and bread-making give Hill House’s early years a practical character: children learn by making things and working together. The nursery is part of the independent school on Sixth Avenue in Auckley, Doncaster. Its advertised age range is three to four, with children able to start during the term of their third birthday.
At the ISI inspection of 23 to 25 September 2025, the early years included two nursery classes. That inspection found that early-years teaching used questions and feedback effectively to develop independence and curiosity. For parents, the picture is of purposeful play with adult guidance.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s personal development. Here, its practical expression includes listening to stories, learning early phonics and extending vocabulary through play. Adults respond to children’s interests, giving them a part in directing their learning. The outdoor environment also becomes a place to explore and practise skills.
Small-world activities and modelling dough sit alongside more collaborative tasks. Bread-making gives children practice in sharing equipment and completing an activity together. These are social lessons as well as opportunities to make something.
Busy bees, an early-years extension group, adds construction, crafts, art and games played together. Making paper models exercises small hand movements; group activities develop co-operation. Learning about friendship and positive relationships is another explicit part of the early-years programme, so getting along with other children belongs within the day’s learning.
A morning taster lets a prospective nursery child try activities and meet other children before a place is offered. After acceptance, a welcome pack covers day timings, uniform and activities. This gives families a practical introduction to starting nursery rather than leaving all the preparation until the first day.
Staffing includes nursery nurses with a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years and a Level 4 NVQ. In September 2025, early-years staffing met the required adult-to-child ratios, and staff working with this age group received paediatric first-aid training. Those are concrete safeguards around young children’s daily care.
Lunch is charged separately for nursery sessions crossing lunchtime, while other drinks and snacks carry no charge. Wilson Vale Catering runs the school’s catering service, with menus planned around seasonal ingredients. The school operates a no-nut policy and accommodates special diets, making dietary requirements a practical part of meal planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should confirm with admissions which Reception application steps and deadlines apply to their chosen pathway.
Hill House asks nursery applicants to select Pathway A if they intend to remain at the school after nursery, or Pathway B for nursery only. That distinction records a family’s intention. It should not be treated as a promise of a Reception place. The Junior School admissions process involves registration, a trial day and a written offer following a successful trial.
Five session choices allow families to compare shorter attendance with longer days. The morning session runs from 8.30am to 11.30am; the full morning runs from 8am to 12.15pm and includes lunchtime. Afternoon attendance runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, with the full afternoon extending to 5pm. The full day runs from 8am to 5pm.
For Pathway B children, the minimum booking is three sessions per week. Eligible nursery funding is deducted from fees, and attendance beyond a child’s funded allowance is charged. The session table provides both 15-hour and 30-hour funding options, with only partial coverage of a full day under the 15-hour option. Ask the school for current charges before choosing sessions.
Enquiries and tour requests can be made through the school’s enquiry form or by calling 01302 776300. Private tours run in the morning and afternoon on weekdays during term time, giving parents a way to meet staff before registering.
Children can join during the term in which they turn three. The nursery’s advertised age range is three to four.
The full day runs from 8am to 5pm. Shorter morning and afternoon options are also offered.
Yes. Eligible funding is deducted from nursery fees. Hours beyond the funded allowance are charged, and the 15-hour option only partially covers the full-day session.
Lunch is charged when a nursery session crosses lunchtime. Other snacks and drinks are supplied free of charge.
No. Pathway A records an intention to continue at Hill House after nursery. Nursery attendance does not guarantee Reception admission. Confirm with admissions which application steps and deadlines apply to your chosen pathway.
