Our Nurseries bridge the gap between nursery and school — blending the warmth of a homely early years setting with the purpose and quality of a teacher-led curriculum. Our learning environment is story-centred and values-driven, with carefully mapped teaching that builds emotional intelligence, independence, and school readiness. Every detail, from our outdoor play area to our Skills Workshops, is designed to help children shine in their own unique way.

Yes, we offer government-funded places for eligible children aged two, three and four. These can be used across our core nursery hours. We’re happy to talk parents through funding options — the system can be confusing and we’ll make sure you know exactly what you’re entitled to.

Yes — every child joining Hillside has a gentle, personalised settling-in period. We invite parents to stay for short sessions at first, allowing your child to explore the environment at their own pace and build trust with their Key Worker. Some children feel at home straight away; others take a little longer — we adapt to each child, not the other way around.

This varies slightly by location, but we’ll provide clear guidance when your child joins.

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At Terling and at The Barn, families provide a healthy packed lunch, while we supply morning and afternoon snacks along with drinks throughout the day.

At Little Waltham, we have a hot-lunch partnership with the local primary school. We also supply the snacks.

We encourage balanced, nourishing meals and make sure all children eat together in a relaxed, sociable setting.

​We recommend a change of clothes, nappies or wipes if needed and suitable outdoor wear — coats, wellies, sunhats, depending on the weather.

Comfort items, such as a small cuddly toy or blanket, are always welcome for younger children. Everything else — from resources to spare aprons — is provided by us.

​Yes. Younger children have the opportunity to rest or nap as needed in a calm, quiet space. We follow each child’s natural routine as closely as possible and keep parents updated on their sleep patterns throughout the day.

Older children enjoy calm downtime too — it’s all part of helping them regulate and recharge.

Outdoor play is woven into our daily rhythm — it’s never an optional extra. Each of our settings has its own garden space, with regular access to equipment that supports physical development and exploration. From sand and water play to climbing and gardening, children experience movement, challenge and freedom every single day.

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At the Barn, learning is rooted in the outdoors. Through Forest School experiences and school readiness goals, our sessions offer something truly special. Our preschool-aged children spend their days immersed in nature, building confidence, independence and a deep connection to the world around them.

If your child becomes unwell during the day, we’ll contact you immediately and make sure they’re kept comfortable until you arrive. We can administer prescribed medication with written parental consent, following strict safeguarding and health procedures.

Our priority is always your child’s wellbeing — and clear communication with you every step of the way.

We take all allergies and dietary needs very seriously. Parents complete detailed medical and dietary forms before starting and staff are fully briefed to ensure safe meal and snack preparation.

Allergen information is clearly displayed and we maintain strict protocols for cross-contamination — children are never given food without full awareness of their individual needs.

​Every child learns differently — and we celebrate that. Our qualified teachers and early years professionals tailor learning experiences to meet each child’s individual needs, offering one-to-one support and clear, consistent strategies where needed.

Our experienced lead SENCO leads this work with in-depth knowledge of SEND procedures and strong partnerships with external agencies, ensuring early identification, effective communication, and seamless support for children and families.

We believe strong communication builds strong partnerships. Parents receive regular updates through our secure online platform (Tapestry), along with daily handovers from staff. We share photos, observations, and milestones so you can see your child’s progress — and we’re always available for a chat, whether at drop-off, pick-up, or by appointment.