Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Gilthwaites Lane, Denby Dale, Huddersfield HD8 8SG
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10 30 Reviews
  • Denby Dale First and Nursery School, Huddersfield
Denby Dale First and Nursery School delivers quality day care and education to children from 2-10 years old, 7.30-6pm, all year round.

Funded places are available for qualifying 2 years olds, as well as 30 hours of free care and education for eligible 3-4 year olds.

As part of Denby Dale First and Nursery School, Dragonflies day care offers a safe and welcoming environment to 2 to 5-year-olds. This ensures a seamless transition for pre-schoolers into full-time education, whether that be at Denby Dale First and Nursery School or any of the other first schools in the area.

For school-age children (5-10 years) the extended provision offers a breakfast club, after-school and holiday club, run by the school staff. The holiday club welcomes children from the neighbouring schools.

The staff in nursery are well established and have a wealth of experience in nurturing young children to enable them to reach their full potential. The staff understand that children need time to explore and investigate activities at their own pace and by building strong relationships, the team is able to provide encouragement and support to build on each individual child's strengths.

The nursery offers an exciting and stimulating learning environment both indoors and outdoors. The school boasts extensive grounds with a wooded area where the nursery children have regular planned access to.

Children can explore and investigate the environment and gain an understanding of the world around them. The nursery children benefit from the school's village location with trips out to places like the local library and park.

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Care Provided by Denby Dale First and Nursery School

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Local Authority Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Denby Dale First and Nursery School
  • Person in charge
  • Geoff Billing (Headteacher)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 8
  • Total Places for Children
  • 48
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Denby Dale First and Nursery School

  • Full Day - £57.75
    School Day - £35.75
    Morning - £27.50
    Afternoon - £30.25

  • They offer the 15hrs and 30hrs of free funding for 3 year olds, this is deducted from the fees. Free 15 hours places for eligible 2 year olds.

Denby Dale First and Nursery School Reviews (30)

Total of 30, showing 1-20
10

Denby Dale First and Nursery School has a Review Score of 10 (9.964) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Denby Dale First and Nursery School has 30 reviews.

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Review from Mary A (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been enjoying his time at school. We can see that his speech has improved and is very happy to share how his day went, when in school. I would also like to commend the staff for doing such an amazing job. You all are superstars and lovely. Thank you for your hard work.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for us. Your little boy is a pleasure to care for!


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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our daughter to Denby Dale after she struggled to settle into another nursery. It was without a doubt the best decision I could have made for her. The dedication from the staff to meet her individuals have made her transition go as smooth as possible and now she comes homes and talks positively
about her day there and all the fun things she has learnt. I can tell by the way she comes home and discusses what they've learnt means that activities are taught in a fun, meaningful way. Her vocabulary and confidence has come on leaps and bounds. I also like the variety of resources available and the lovely outdoor spaces they have access to which are used all year round.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your kind words, it is a pleasure to work with such a lovely family. We are very lucky to have so much outdoor space!


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Review from Jade H (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter just started in Dragonflies and is absolutely loving it. I cannot praise the staff enough they are so involved in helping the children become well-rounded by creating activities for arts, and sports, exploring nature and catering to the child's likes and needs. The opportunity to mix with
children older than herself has helped an already confident 2-year-old be even more confident. I absolutely love that app which gives us lots of updates on what she is up to and can access the invoice and whole school updates.

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Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has just completed his final term at the nursery. He has truly loved his time here, and it's set him up so well for school (which is part of the nursery). So much so, that he walked in on the first day as confident as ever and didn't look back.
The team have been brilliant during his
time here, and his key worker was brilliant. With him being a Covid baby, I was nervous about how he would get on. I shouldn't have worried, he grew with confidence every day. I always felt comfortable knowing he was somewhere safe, engaging and having fun. I was also impressed with how integrated the school is, the children join in with shows, assembly and their head teacher knows all the children by name. It may not have lots of new things, and is tired in some areas, but none of that matters, the important things, like teachers, activities and the general community are what make this place brilliant. Thank you to all the staff, my boy misses you all.

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Review from M L (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being slightly anxious parents, we were concerned when we first had to send our child to nursery aged 3 years old, but needn't have worried. They made a real effort to make him feel included and build a relationship with his key worker. It is clear how safe and happy he feels at nursery, and often talks
about it the rest of the week and asks after his key worker.
His independence and courage have flourished since starting a year ago. They encouraged him to try new things and gave him praise and recognition. They include the nursery in the school as a whole, which helps to foster relationships with the older children as well as all members of staff. The head and the other teachers all know all of the children by name and remember their likes/dislikes etc in conversation. Literacy and numeracy are high on the agenda, but certainly still age-appropriate. Play is obviously very high on the agenda too, and outdoor time. We honestly couldn't rate them highly enough.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you so much for your kind words. The staff works hard to build positive relationships with children throughout the school and it is lovely that you have commented on this.


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Review from Luke M (Father of Child) published on 16 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The school/nursery itself is absolutely fantastic, with the staff being an absolute credit to the school. My daughter loves it here so much. The facilities are great too! Never had a problem with anything or anyone. Can’t fault anything about the school.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your kind words, it has been a pleasure to look after your little girl.


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Review from Natasha G (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a lovely caring nursery. The staff here are all really kind and caring. My daughter absolutely loves going here! I love the nursery app so we can see photos of our daughter during the day too. The outdoor space is the biggest I have seen in the area! Thank you.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for taking the time to write and review and your comments are very kind. The app really is great, we love how easily we can communicate with families and share what children have been doing throughout the week.


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Review from Sarah G (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended nursery since October 2022 and absolutely loves going. All the staff are so caring and enthusiastic and clearly care a lot about the children. The children are given lots of opportunities to join in with the same things as the older children within the school, which helps to
integrate them ahead of them starting in reception.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your lovely comments, I'm so pleased that you child enjoys coming to us. We love to join in with the school events and like you say it is great for their transition into school!


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Review from Ellie D (Mother of Child) published on 25 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a lovely experience with this nursery. My son is always so excited to go and talks about staff regularly. They are all so attentive and engaging. Activities are always exciting for the children and they get lots of time outside which is really important to me. My child has special dietary
requirements and his needs are met with no fuss, staff ensure there are always alternatives available to him. I am thrilled with his development and feel beyond confident that he is safe in their care. I would recommend this nursery to anybody with little people!

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your kind words. I'm so glad that your child has settled well and that you have had a good experience with us. The staff work really hard to ensure that our families and children are well cared for and being in the outdoors at every opportunity certainly helps this!


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Review from I S (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t be happier with the care my daughter receives at Dragonflies in Denby Dale First and Nursery School, the staff are nothing short of amazing and she loves seeing them when she arrives. The facilities are great and she has so much fun when she’s there.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your kind words. I'm so glad that your daughter loves coming to us. That staff do have fabulous relationships with the children, thank you!


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Review from Nasheen O (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attended the nursery in January 2021 and now attends the school and my daughter has attended since June 2023. The nursery is a wonderful, warm and nurturing environment and both my children have thrived there. They have both attended other provisions prior to Denby Dale First and Nursery School,
however they have both been happiest here.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for taking the time to write such lovely comments. It is a pleasure to watch your children grow!


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Review from Gina W (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my girls started school here at the age of 2 and they have both thrived, seeing them develop has been a joy to watch. They've enjoyed their time spent in dragonflies and my youngest is currently in nursery. They have always enjoyed what they do, fun activities, learning and making friends along
the way. The staff are absolutely amazing, still the same staff from when the girls started, which speaks volumes. We would always recommend Denby Dale First and Nursery School. Our girls are very happy girls.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your kind words and support, it has been our pleasure to watch both of your girls grow!


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Review from Sharon F (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has settled in so well to the setting due to the fantastic team that is working in the nursery. I am very happy with the setting and feel the support from all staff when needed. The staff have gone above and beyond to make me feel at ease when I have left my child.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am pleased that your child has settled quickly and that you have felt reassured by our team.


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Review from D T (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic nursery, I would 100% recommend it! Both my boys have attended the nursery from the age of 2 years old until they started school. They have both loved their experiences and have truly made amazing friends there during the time spent. The staff member in the 2's room are brilliant
and I could not speak highly enough for the staff in the nursery and the staff that care so brilliantly for the children daily. The facilities are great and really help the children develop through play while keeping them entertained! Really great nursery and I will be sad when my youngest leaves to go to reception in September! Thank you!

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you so much for your kind words. It has been a pleasure to care for both of your children in nursery, they have made us laugh and smile along the way!


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Review from Rachael C (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used this nursery for both of our boys and it is fantastic. It feels like we are dropping them off with family almost as the staff are so welcoming, experienced, engaging and child-focused. The boys both have loved it. They learn and experience a lot during their time there. We highly recommend
it.

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Review from Jade A (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have three children who have all attended this nursery, my youngest attends at the moment. They have always enjoyed going and as parents, we have felt reassured that they are getting a very high standard of care and attention. It has been the perfect place for them to prepare for starting school,
the activities they provide are brilliant and they have always come home full of the exciting things they've done that day!
The warm and friendly staff make the setting feel very welcoming and my daughter has formed good relationships with staff and is happy when she arrives there.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your kind words. It has been a pleasure to care for all of your three children. We are lucky to have wonderful, supportive families.


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Review from G H (Father of Child) published on 22 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall the quality of the care observed is very high based on the happiness of my child. However, there are some niggles that need attention which include the lack of updates in my child's orange observations book which is worrying that tapestry will also suffer if a manual sheet cannot be completed
on a daily basis. Also, Fridays drop off to the breakfast club rather than dragonflies room sees a certain member of staff never making any effort to engage with any of the children in the room and would rather sit there chatting while others undertake all the other tasks which isn't a good customer experience when I have to pay for childcare.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you for your feedback, I am pleased that your daughter enjoys coming to nursery. If you do have any further issues please don't hesitate to speak with our nursery manager or our head teacher.


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Review from Kaljit B (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent staff at Denby Dale First and Nursery School. My daughter struggled a lot after covid and was reluctant to go to anyone other than me. The staff at the nursery were very caring and patient with her and also accommodating to her needs. Cannot ask for more as a mother.

Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Thank you, Kaljit, for your kind words. We are so pleased that your daughter is happy and settled with us.


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Review from Jude J (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am pleased with my son's progress so far. His reading is coming on really well. Even more importantly he is very happy at school. He has made friends and looks forward to going to school. He seems to have good relationships with his teachers. The communication from school has been really good.

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Review from N H (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery - warm, inclusive and welcoming. Safe and organised, my child has a named key worker if he has any problems. Great range of activities including work to prepare for school. A lovely place!

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.964)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.964) out of 10 for Denby Dale First and Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.964 for Denby Dale First and Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (161 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 166 Ratings = 4.964

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Denby Dale First and Nursery School is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 48 number of registered child places is 9.6, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (6)

Catherine

Catherine Walker

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2006

I have worked at Denby Dale First and Nursery School for the past 18 years and just love being a part of our early years team.
I have two young children and in my spare time I enjoy to being outdoors in the countryside, exploring nature.


Angela

Angela Wallace

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2013

Hello, I've worked at Denby Dale First and Nursery School for 13 years and enjoy being part of an enthusiastic, caring team.


In my spare time, I love growing my own fruit and vegetables, cooking and crafting.


Leigh

Leigh Hunt

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2018

I have worked at Denby Dale First and Nursery School in the early years for 6 years. I have a 12 and 13-year-old who both came to the nursery here and I've nothing but fond memories! It has been a pleasure for me to join the fabulous team here! In our spare time, we love exploring and getting our hands dirty as we love the outdoors.


Sherrie

Sherrie Davis-Mosley

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2016

I have worked In the 2's room at Denby Dale Nursery for 8 years. I love being a small part of the children's learning journey during their time at nursery and school. My own children went to both the nursery and school they also loved their time here.


Out of work, I enjoy visiting other parts of the country. I'm an early morning swimmer and I attend regular fitness classes.


Caroline

Caroline Marsden

Job Title: Nursery Ofiicer

Joined: 2010

Caroline is the main key person in our over 2's area. Caroline is kind, caring and full of energy!


Anita

Anita Lockwood

Job Title: Nursery Officer

Joined: 2006

Anta has worked at Denby Dale for the last 18 years, she is a nurturing member of our team and the children just love her!


Frequently Asked Questions about Denby Dale First and Nursery School

What is the Age Range of Children that Denby Dale First and Nursery School accepts?

Denby Dale First and Nursery School accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Denby Dale First and Nursery School Open?

Denby Dale First and Nursery School is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Denby Dale First and Nursery School have capacity for?

Denby Dale First and Nursery School has capacity for a total of 48 Children.

How far is Denby Dale First and Nursery School to the centre of Huddersfield?

7.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Denby Dale First and Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Denby Dale First and Nursery School has a Platinum Service – more info.