Harlequin Nursery

Halifax Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield HD3 3AS
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9.7 19 Reviews
  • Harlequin Nursery, Huddersfield
Ofsted Outstanding (June 2022) Harlequin is a homely nursery where children have the freedom to play and learn in a safe environment.

The nursery features inviting and spacious, open-plan play areas that are well resourced and all the rooms open directly onto the gardens, allowing easy access to outdoor play and to the woodland surroundings.

The children are able to grow their own flowers and vegetables and have fun in the giant sandpit and a specially designed bird watching den.

Staff at Harlequin work with parents to support each child's learning and there is the opportunity to become involved in nursery events.

The nursery hosts 'Stay and Play' sessions that are popular with parents and grandparents, allowing them to enjoy the activities that children love to do.

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Care Provided by Harlequin Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Shonagh Thomson (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 11
  • Total Places for Children
  • 30
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Harlequin Nursery

  • Please call or email for more details

Harlequin Nursery Reviews (19)

9.7

Harlequin Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.717) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Harlequin Nursery has 19 reviews.

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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my daughters attended this nursery, they both were very comfortable with all the staff and enjoyed going. The meals prepared for the children are healthy home-cooked meals that open the children up to exploring more foods. The forest school area provided hours of fun for the girls, who usually
came home wanting to carry on the bear or dragon hunt.

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Review from Megan B (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son joined Harlequins Nursery in November 2023. We are so happy we chose this nursery. The staff are great and always come to welcome my little boy every morning with a warm smile. We get lengthy updates on the app and I look forward to seeing what he has been up to. He has a great bond with his
keyworker and also the other staff and manager. He loves the food at nursery and loves the activities he does particularly playing outside. Thank you.

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Review from Sophie P (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at this nursery in September 2023 when he was 10 months old and absolutely loved it from the very first day. The nursery did everything they could to welcome him in and make the transition to childcare as easy as possible. He settled in straight away and nursery supported us through weaning,
nap transitions and always had advice to offer when we needed it. Our child always comes out with a smile on his face and has on occasion wanted to go back in when we pick him up, I don't think there's a better review than that. The staff are great at giving feedback at the end of the day and updating the app with what he's been up to. We've got another on the way and put their name down straight away! We know he'll be in very safe hands.

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Review from Rebecca W (Father of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child really enjoys his time at nursery. We really appreciate the time that staff take to tailor activities to our child and encourage him to try new things. It is clear that staff care about the little ones and are passionate. The food is very very well loved by our son! Staff communicate well
and we feel like we can speak to them about anything.

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Review from Raheela C (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We chose Harlequin for my daughter because my son had also been to this nursery. We already knew the staff and had trust in them. My 2.5-year-old daughter was a late starter at nursery. She had really bad separation anxiety when separating from me and subsequently had a very difficult time settling
in. Harlequin's staff were brilliant at supporting me through this difficult phase. They gave her a longer settling-in period and really worked with me at her pace and with the staff that she was comfortable with. They were really good at giving me advice and tips on what to do and how to make this transition easier for her. They always sent me regular updates and her pictures through the app so I could see how she was, which was very reassuring for me. Now 3 months later my daughter really enjoys nursery and everyone at Harlequin is like family to her. I would truly recommend Harlequin to anyone.

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Review from Bethany W (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love Harlequin, the teaching staff are caring, supportive and encouraging which really brings out the best of both my children who attend. We couldn’t be happier with the standards, the food is always nutritious and tasty (my boys always have seconds) and the curriculum they follow is
fun and age-appropriate.

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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy absolutely loves this nursery and all the staff, he was shy and anxious when he first started but the staff are amazing and have helped him settle so well. He is now really coming out of his shell and is a really chatty confident little boy. He absolutely loves his day spent there and
never stops talking about all the amazing things they do!

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Review from N Z (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t recommend Harlequin Nursery enough! They have made a first-time mother like me feel at ease knowing my child is well looked after. All the staff are incredibly friendly and professional at the same time. From the delicious range of healthy foods on the menu to the activities they plan, I
know my daughter is well looked after and always comes home happy.

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Review from Alison D (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In September our son starts school and we have to say goodbye to this lovely nursery. The nursery is small and very much a home from home. The outside provision is brilliant and every day our son comes home happy but grubby after playing and learning in the forest.
The staff are very dedicated and
with the nursery being small they all know the children and their personalities.
My child’s key worker has developed both his learning and self-confidence. He has made excellent progress at nursery and has a good foundation for starting school.
The current manager has been very accommodating of my requests and fully understands the needs of working parents.
To sum up I would fully recommend Harlequin Nursery, although the best recommendation comes from my son who eagerly goes through the gate each morning, full of excitement about the day ahead.

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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 13 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have just moved out of Huddersfield and can honestly say one of the biggest things we miss about it is Harlequin. Our 3 year old who attended Harlequin from the age of 1 has gained and learned so much from being there. The staff cared for her so well, like their own. They work incredibly hard and
are clearly very dedicated to the job. The nursery itself is very homely and cosy - a real conducive environment for children to be in. We would highly recommend Harlequin to those in the area and would count ourselves very lucky if our daughter's new nursery is just as good!

Reply from Anastasia Murphy, Manging Director at Harlequin Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. Your daughter was an absolute joy to care of and we wish you all well for the future.


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Review from Kay C (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is everything a parent needs for their child. Well trained staff and great management who stop at nothing to promote all aspects of development a child needs. My daughter has met all targeted developments that where set when she first started. Staff are very well mannered and welcoming
to the nursery. The past year has been very difficult for everyone due to the pandemic, however the staff here have done all they can to ensure that they provide the best for the children and their families. I am a key worker and the accommodation here has been superb. Overall, the five star rating speaks for itself.

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Review from Rebecca B (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There was no doubt that I would send my youngest child to Harlequin after her older sister enjoyed her time there so much.
The staff are very welcoming, and my daughter has a fantastic relationship with them all. They take great care of the children, and the food is varied and nutritious. The environment
is safe and fun with plenty of time spent outdoors.
Both my daughters have really enjoyed their time at Harlequin, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone else.

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Review from Isha P (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves going to Harlequin. The staff are very welcoming and involve me frequently along the way. When I was choosing a place for my son to go I was sold on my first visit. The manager has been fantastic from the very first day. My son hated being away from when he first joined and the team helped
me and my son get past this. He has grown to love going to nursery and enjoys spending time with his new friends and his carers. I trust the team wholeheartedly.

Reply from Anastasia Murphy at Harlequin Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review.


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Review from Vanessa G (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Harlequin is a fantastic nursery who make sure my child is safe, happy and well cared for. There are a good range of activities, lots of time outdoors and the food is excellent!

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Review from Gary M (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After visiting many nurseries luckily we managed to have a look around Harlequin Nursery. Instantly it felt friendly and welcoming. It has a fantastic outside play area, with many things to keep your child super busy. Inside there are many many different games, toys and learning activities. There is
a great range of different foods for every meal. All the staff are very professional and easy to approach with any questions you may have. My son absolutely loves it and to me, that is the highest recommendation.

Reply from Emma at Harlequin Nursery

Thank you very much for leaving such a lovely review. It is invaluable to hear the opinions of parents and we are extremely pleased that you are happy with the nursery, staff team and the care your son receives.


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Review from LH (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child really enjoys going here and the staff Brilliant- couldn’t hope for more caring people to look after him!

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Review from Sadia S (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started this wonderful nursery in July 2017. As parents, we were very anxious and nervous to leave our daughter as we have always managed childcare between me and my partner.
Our daughter settled in within a couple of months, thanks to the amazing team at Harlequin. I went through the expected
stages with my daughter where she would cry as soon as we entered the nursery, days where I had to just give her to the staff whilst she was upset, to now where I leave her smiling with a kiss and goodbye from her.
The manager and staff have always supported me and my daughter, and have gone above and beyond to help my daughter settle in.

Reply from Emma, Nursery Manager at Harlequin Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review! We re so happy your daughter has settled in well at Harlequin, your kind words for the team are really appreciated.


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Review from Paul (Father of Child) published on 3 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had a very good experience for as long as my daughter has been enrolled at the nursery. Excellent facilities.

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Review from Emily H (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery, staff are very friendly. I like that it’s small so has a more personal, family feel. Lovely outside area.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.717)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.717) out of 10 for Harlequin Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 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 4.917 for Harlequin Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (88 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.917

  • 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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Harlequin Nursery is based on 8 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 = 3.8

    • 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 30 number of registered child places is 6, which has been reached with 8 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 (1)

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Meet the Team (1)

Shonagh

Shonagh

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2015

I joined the Portland Nurseries team in 2015 working at Oakwood House as a Senior practitioner in the pre-school team. A couple of years later I became Deputy Manager and during my time working at Oakwood I worked as a senior in both the pre-school and the Toddler room. In 2023 I moved to Harlequin and a few weeks later I took on the Manager role.


Before joining Portland I gained my BA Hons in Primary education with QTS at Edge Hill University. I went on to be a teacher in schools for three years before realising that my passion was with younger children and the play based approach rather than desk learning.


I have a love for being outdoors which is why Portland Nurseries and the Forest School approach is ideal for me.


During my weekends I can be found walking with family and friends exploring new paths and places. Sometimes getting lost has its advantages, it can show you beautiful places that you never knew existed! I also have a passion for reading and one of my favourite topics is space.. I love to incorporate all my interests into the activities on offer for the children at Harlequin!


Qualification: Level 7 BA (Hons) Primary Education


Frequently Asked Questions about Harlequin Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Harlequin Nursery accepts?

Harlequin Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Harlequin Nursery Open?

Harlequin Nursery 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 Harlequin Nursery have capacity for?

Harlequin Nursery has capacity for a total of 30 Children.

How far is Harlequin Nursery to the centre of Huddersfield?

1.3 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 Harlequin Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Harlequin Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.