Denby Dale First and Nursery School

Gilthwaites Lane, Denby Dale, Huddersfield HD8 8SG
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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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Review from Sharon F (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Review from Helen C (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dragonflies nursery is outstanding with the care of our little girl. She loves going and playing with the other children. The staff are friendly and always make out little girl laugh and smile with lots of play activities!
Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery Manager at Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Thank you for your lovely review. We do like to have plenty of laughter and fun with the children!
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Review from D S (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are welcoming to parents and there is a genuine warmth towards the children. My son runs to the door as he can't wait to get in and see his friends and the staff every morning. The facilities are excellent and the outdoor space (weather permitting) is superb. The activities he does are
also very good with lots of focus on the real world and events/seasonal activities.
Reply from Cat Walker at Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Thank you for your kind words. We are pleased that your child is excited to come to Nursery and enjoys his time with us. We aim to provide the children with a "home from home" feeling.
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Review from Lindsey W (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing, helpful and my daughter has enjoyed her time at the nursery. My son also went to the nursery and I would always recommend to anyone. The nursery is a lovely space and environment for children to learn and play.
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Review from Katie G (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience has been very good. Our little girl settled in really well and enjoys and looks forward to her mornings here. She has really come on in all areas, including speech and social skills.
I would recommend.
Reply from Cat Walker, Nursery coordinator at Denby Dale First and Nursery School
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that your little girl looks forward to her nursery mornings and enjoys her time with us. The staff strive to provide the children with exciting…read more
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Review from Michaela P (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This school brought my worryingly nervous and shy child totally out of her shell. I had a daughter before her and she was never shy so I found it hard, I wasn’t used to her nature in her being clingy and upset and it broke my heart, I did not want to leave her with anyone as all she wanted was me or
her dad!


I made the decision to try and get her separated from us a little bit, choosing her nursery was very hard, but I’m so glad I chose this place. Her older sister was in a different school and the plan was nursery here and move her on to her sisters school where they could be together when at school age but I loved this school that much I couldn’t bare changing her school, so made the decision in keeping them on different schools, which was hard but I do not regret it one bit as every teacher and every child in this school are amazing. She’s got an amazing lovely, kind group of friends and the teachers are fantastic! I couldn’t be happier :)

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Review from JC (Father of Child) published on 19 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My four year old daughter has been attending this nursery since she was one year old (provision is now from age two onwards), initially for two days a week. The rapport she has with the wonderful staff and the care they provide are all excellent. Not only that, her curiosity for learning is always encouraged
and at just the right pace. She’s currently at an age where she’s about to make the transition from pre-school to full time education, and in my opinion, Denby Dale First and Nursery School manages this process particularly well.
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Review from LW (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended Dragonflies for nearly 2 years, I looked at several nurseries before choosing this one. As soon as I walked through the door, I knew this one was the right one for us, the staff are all lovely & friendly, well informed & communicate very well. The new premises are clean, well
equipped and always immaculately maintained. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Denby Dale nursery for 3 years now and I cannot praise them enough. The staff are fantastic, I know that my child is supported and that they genuinely care for her individual needs.
There is always a variety of activities ready for the children each day and they play
outside at every opportunity!
I would strongly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Jessica (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My 2 year old daughter loves going to nursery. She is there 4 days a week and has only been attending since February and has already grown up a lot. I get an updated daily activity report every day from toilet training to playing. Also very good with any special dietary needs as my daughter is lactose
& soya intolerant.
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Review from SJ (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are extremely happy with the provision at Dragonflies. There is lots to stimulate the imagination whilst at the same time it is organised so that the children feel safe to explore different activities both inside and outside. The staff are all friendly and caring and there is a good atmosphere.
My twins moved here about 6 months ago and they really enjoy going, I would highly recommend this nursery.
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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!

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