Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Gilthwaites Lane, Denby Dale, Huddersfield HD8 8SG
Review Us
9.9 38 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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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Denby Dale First and Nursery School
  • Local Authority Owned

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

Funding & Fees

  • 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.

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

Denby Dale First and Nursery School Reviews (38)

9.9

Denby Dale First and Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Denby Dale First and Nursery School has 38 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Denby Dale First and Nursery School
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Total of 38, showing 1-20
Review from Nicola M (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery and staff members
My middle child went and now attends reception and my youngest attends and has done for nearly a year
Both have extra needs and medical conditions and the nursery and school staff have been amazing in handling all of their needs


Wish I'd of sent my eldest here

he'd of enjoyed it massively
Keep it up guys
Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely review!
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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, every member of staff is friendly, knowledgeable and approachable, our child loves going to nursery and is very happy there, they do a broad range of activities, inside and outside, and it is just a great environment
Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Thank you for your lovely review, we do have a great team and its amazing when parents feel that too!
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Review from Lucy F (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved my son (age 2 &9 months) to Denby Dale Nursery from another nursery because my daughter was starting the school and make drop off easy. As he was very settled at his old nursery I was nervous on him starting a new environment however very excited as I knew that he would love the amount of things
and space to keep him entertained. I look back now and wonder why I was even nervous because from first meeting Cat , Caroline and the rest of the team at settling in sessions they where so warming and couldn't have made my son feel so welcome. Having just completed the first term - it couldn't have gone any smoother and you would think that Harry has been at the nursery the hole time. He has made so many new friends and his interaction with others has already come on leaps and bounds. He has so much fun there and the team are excellent constantly thinking of new engaging ways to learn through play. If you're thinking about sending your child here I can highly recommend it!
Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Thank you so much for your kind words, I'm so pleased that he has settled so well, I know how worrying it is as parent when you move nurseries. He has definately made lots of friends!
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Review from M A (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been in Denby Dale Nursery for a year now and our experience is nothing short of brilliant and superb! The staff were very lovely, flexible and accommodating. My son's time during in school is always joyful and productive. He comes home sharing what they've done and how he enjoyed the food
every meal. I highly recommend Denby Dale First & Nursery School. Thank you for your hard work.
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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had both my children in this nursery the staff are amazing and super friendly. They take the time to talk to you as a parent, take an interest in each child and what they get up to outside the nursery.My eldest has moved in to the school now but my youngest comes home every day telling me about
what she has been doing, lovely updates and pics on what they have been doing. Lovely meals, This place is 100% dedication to the kids. I would highly recommend to anyone five stars from me xxxxx
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Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started at Denby Dale Nursery in May 2025. After experiencing issues at another 'amazing nursery' with outstanding OFSTED I was concerned about finding somewhere I'd feel comfortable sending my child.


We looked around with the headteacher. The nursery coordinator and nursery officer made

me feel at ease. My child has settled in well and we haven't had any issues to date.


The only feedback I have is that CCTV makes it easier to review incidents should they occur.

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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at Denby Dale First and Nursery school when she was just turned 3. She settled in really well and felt comfortable from the very start.
Our daughter has good relationships with all the staff.
The range of activities is very good eg trips to the wood, sports, meeting baby chicks,
lots of crafts.
I really like that the nursery feels part of the school and is involved with school events like assemblies and the Christmas play.
I feel confident our daughter will settle into school really well after her time at nursery.
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Review from Rob H (Father of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not be happier with the nursery provision at Denby Dale. The team are absolutely fantastic and truly do have your child's interests, safety and needs at the heart of everything they do.
We utilise the breakfast club and afterschool options various times a week which are a godsend for working
parents and the hour coverage is perfect and flexible and also covers the school holidays.
Alongside developing from an academic perspective my child has developed in confidence, speech and has a broad awareness of feelings, others and the world itself and I attribute this learning to the nursery team. The facilities are broad including indoor and outdoor play materials and my child always comes home happy. We also use school meals which are varied and nutritious. I would 100% recommend this nursery to any parent in the area and I am personally really thankful for their contribution to my child's great start at "school"! Thankyou.
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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery very friendly staff and welcoming. My daughter settled in straight away very good at keeping check on everything. Great play spaces. My daughter loves going to play with her friends.
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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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 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 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 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…read more
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Review from Sarah G (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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…read more
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Review from I S (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.944)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10 for Denby Dale First and Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.944 for Denby Dale First and Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (235 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 248 Ratings = 4.944
  2. 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 21 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

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 an Enhanced Service - more info.