Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate

The Old School, Hook-A-Gate, Shrewsbury SY5 8BE
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8.4 19 Reviews
  • Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate, Shrewsbury
Located in Hook-a-Gate, a charming village just outside Shrewsbury, Hillside House Nursery is only a 10-minute drive from the town centre and within easy reach of five local primary schools.

They offer a comprehensive and stimulating EYFS curriculum that follows each child’s interests and imagination. They spacious indoor and outdoor play areas provide the perfect environment for exciting activities and free play for children from birth to five years old.

Their extra-curricular activities are available for all ages and include:

Diddi Dance

Pyjama Drama

Crafty Kitchen

Kickers

At Hillside House Nursery, their dedicated and experienced practitioners are passionate about caring for, supporting, and developing every child during their early years. They take pride in building strong, positive relationships with parents through daily communication, monthly newsletters, and social events. As a reflective nursery, they always welcome your feedback and suggestions.

All meals are freshly prepared on-site each day by the Nursery Cook, featuring a well-balanced, nutritious, and delicious menu. They cater for a range of dietary needs, providing suitable alternatives in line with their Healthy Eating Award.

Hillside House Nursery is open 51 weeks of the year, Monday to Friday, from 7:50am to 6:00pm.

For more information, please contact the Nursery Manager.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Pippa Smith (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
    We offer 2, 3 and 4 year old funding.
    Fees include all meals and snacks such as breakfast, homemade lunch/pudding and tea/pudding. Nappy wipes, nappy cream and sun cream.

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
    We offer 2, 3 and 4 year old funding.
    Fees include all meals and snacks such as breakfast, homemade lunch/pudding and tea/pudding. Nappy wipes, nappy cream and sun cream.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:50-18:00
    Tuesday 07:50-18:00
    Wednesday 07:50-18:00
    Thursday 07:50-18:00
    Friday 07:50-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Parking is available onsite.

Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate Reviews (19)

8.4

Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.416) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate has 19 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
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Total of 19, showing 1-19
Review from E D (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my son and daughter have attended Hillside, and we couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful care and support they've received. The staff have created such a positive and nurturing environment where both of my children have thrived.
Communication has always been excellent and prompt, with regular
updates shared through the app, including photos that give a real insight into what the children have been up to. At the end of each day, staff also take the time to give a thorough handover, which is always appreciated.
Throughout their time at the nursery, my children have enjoyed so many lovely experiences and made fantastic progress in their development. The team are always approachable, friendly, and genuinely take the time to get to know not only the child but the whole family too.
Thank you to everyone at Hillside for the warmth, dedication, and support you've shown our family over the years.
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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter really loved her time at Millside. She has always wanted to come to nursery and is keen to talk about it afterwards. Impressions of the staff are they're very approachable and communication with the nursery has always been swift and easy. My daughter loved the staff and were kind to her.
I really for possible consideration are a little refresh on toys and books. As they look tired a little more individual or personalised uploads on the app as we know very little day-to-day. Also, reading books to be sent home with preschool children. I asked multiple times if it was happening and was told yes, but nothing ever came of it. This is a shame because it would have been nice to get my daughter ready for school with this task so she wouldn't be surprised when at school. I am aware that the other nurseries to do this.
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Review from Tom A (Father of Child) published on 4 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff who let you know what they have been up to during the day. The facilities are all up to date, clean and tidy. My daughter is always happy to go to nursery and always comes home with a smile.
Reply from Paige Firmstone, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Thank you for your kind review Tom, it has been our pleasure to support your daughter and family during her time with us at Hillside! We look forward to continuing to care for your family. Kind…read more
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff makes an incredible effort to make both parents and children feel welcome and safe. You can tell how much my baby enjoys it and how she has developed a nice connection with the carers, which makes me feel good as a parent, to leave my baby in their care.
Reply from Paige Firmstone, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Thank you so much for your lovely words and kind review. We have loved welcoming you to Hillside supporting your Baby and family on the beginning of your nursery journey.
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Review from Ed B (Father of Child) published on 3 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hillside Hook-A-Gate was such a pleasure for our children to attend. The staff seem very attentive and caring. They try hard to stimulate the children to learn.
Reply from Paige Firmstone, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Hi, thank you very much for your kind words. We really enjoyed being a part of your child's nursery journey at Hillside, and we're pleased we can still support your family.
Many thanks
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Review from M M (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has loved being at Hillside House Nursery. She loves the staff as much as the kids. She also loves the food there is never a complaint about what she has eaten.
Reply from Paige Firmstone, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are missing you all! Hope all is well with school life. Please feel free to pop by and see us! Take care,
Paige.
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Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children have been through Hillside over the past six years. It has been an amazing journey for us all. The staff are supportive, friendly, kind, caring and approachable. We could not have asked for a better early years for our children.
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Hi, thank you for your kind words, we will miss you all as a family. Please come back and visit us soon!
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Review from Philippa D (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been happy customers of Hillside House Nursery for the past 7 years. Both of my children have had a wonderful experience here. The staff have all been truly amazing over the years; they are caring, professional, enthusiastic and work so very hard to make the children’s nursery days some of the
happiest. They encourage the children to thrive and nurture all of their little individual personalities. I’m sure they have actual magical powers! With only a few months left until my youngest moves on to school, we feel very grateful for the care, love and education Hillside has given to our children. Thank you so very much!
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Hi
Thank you so much for your kind words, we will miss you all! Please pop by in September so we can see your son in his school uniform.
Many Thanks
Lucie
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Review from Bethan L (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff team are all amazing. They care so much about the children. My son really thrived, experiencing such wonderful activities, I cannot recommend this nursery enough! They truly deserve the Outstanding from Ofsted! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Thank you so much for your lovely words. We have really enjoyed being a part of your family's Nursery journey at Hillside. We wish you all the best for the future and please come and visit us!
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Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot rate Hillside House Nursery highly enough - the staff were kind, cheerful and interested in teaching. Their professionalism was next to none. My daughter felt at home straight away, she was encouraged to be herself and grew daily in confidence.
She started school just turned 4 which made
us very nervous, but Hillside staff set her up so well that she is thriving.
I could not praise this nursery any more highly.
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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful team. A setting maintained to the highest standard and a wonderful atmosphere throughout. All three of my children have attended and the care and attention from the team is wonderful. Highly recommend!
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Thank you for your review and kind words.
Many thanks.
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Review from L E (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Incredible nursery, such caring and nurturing staff and a wonderful environment for children to develop, learn and grow. So much thought goes into the planning of the day and my children love going. My children loved the food and it was well balanced and full of nutrition. Can't recommend this nursery
enough.
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Thank you for your kind words. We will miss her very much and hope she enjoys school.
Please come back and visit us when you can.
Many thanks.
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Review from Kerry D (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at 8-months-old, and the staff have cared for and nurtured her development throughout. I can't recommend Hillside House Nursery enough. Also compared with the feedback I've had from friends about other nurseries. I can only say good things about Hillside. The setting, staff, food,
teaching has all been above and beyond.
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Hi Kerry, thank you for your kind words. We miss her very much and hope she is doing well at school. Please come back and visit us when you can.
Many thanks.
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Review from Joe E (Father of Child) published on 5 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hillside House Nursery has welcomed our child with open arms into the setting and ensures he is well cared for and enjoys his time there.
As parents, we were very anxious about how he would settle due to Covid, but we were greeted with smiles and felt welcomed from the second we walked in. Our little
boy loves nursery and is always spending his time in the creative or messy area. We have detailed handovers about how he gets on throughout the day, which puts us at ease knowing he is enjoying nursery.
Reply from Lucie Preston, Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate
Hi Joe, Thank you for your kind words.
Many Thanks.
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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful place Hillside is! Our daughter is now in her 3rd year at the nursery and has had such an amazing experience. The staff are all so warm and friendly, and the building itself is just lovely - very homely feeling and always immaculately clean. We viewed other nurseries prior to this,
and none of them even came close to the high standards of Hillside House, so much so that we have already reserved a place for our 2nd daughter to start in September 2021. We feel that Hillside has given our daughter the best start in her educational years, and are confident that with their input she will be more than prepared for starting Primary School next year. This review comes with our highest recommendations and urges any new parents that are looking to enrol their child into the nursery to certainly view Hillside House, Hook-a-Gate, you will not be disappointed!
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Review from Demi W (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Hillside House since she was 1 years old and has had the most fantastic time. Wonderful teachers and environment to play and learn. The outside play area is great too. I couldn’t recommend this nursery enough!
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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Hillside family have cared for and guided my two children from the age 1 to preschool age. Prepared them so well for their school journey. A happy and wonderful team, who all work so hard and put their children first. My children have been very happy at Nursery and I highly recommend it.
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Review from Gina P (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy thoroughly enjoys going to Hillside House, Hook-A-Gate Nursery. The staff are warm, welcoming and offer a very high standard of care. The food available is healthy, homemade and freshly cooked on site. There are often other activities (Crafty Kitchen, Football etc) available too which
is a great added extra! My little boy's beaming smile when we drop him off proves that he feels safe and content whilst in their care.
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Review from Kate R (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have felt so lucky that my son has been able to attend this nursery.
The staff at Hillside House Hook-A-Gate have been amazing with all the different things they teach the children and the activities they arrange.
The food is lovely and the handovers are detailed.
The actual building is lovely
and clean.
The staff are so happy and I've never been worried about anything while he has been in their care.
Each year we have had a beautiful booklet with Art, photos and observations and I can look back at his time there knowing we made the best choice.
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.416)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.416) out of 10 for Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 4 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 4.708 for Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.708
  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 3.708 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate is based on 4 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 = 3.375
    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 60 number of registered child places is 12. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.333
  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 (6)

Meet the Team (2)

Pippa

Pippa Smith

Job Title: Manager

Pippa is the Nursery Manager at Hillside House Nursery and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role. She has a genuine passion for early years education and is dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating environment where every child can thrive.


Pippa leads the team with warmth and professionalism, ensuring that both children and families feel supported and valued. She believes in the importance of building strong partnerships with parents and carers, maintaining open communication, and celebrating each child’s unique journey through their early years.


Under Pippa’s guidance, Hillside House Nursery continues to provide high-quality care and education in a welcoming, family-focused setting.

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Ruqayyah Muzamil-Rasool

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2022

Ruqayyah is the Deputy Manager at Hillside House Nursery and plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the setting. With her caring nature and strong commitment to early years education, she ensures that every child feels happy, secure, and confident to explore and learn.


She works closely alongside Pippa and the nursery team to maintain the highest standards of care and learning, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for both children and staff.


Ruqayyah is passionate about helping children reach their full potential and takes pride in building meaningful relationships with families, ensuring each child’s individual needs and interests are supported throughout their early years journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate

What is the Age Range of Children that Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate accepts?

Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate Open?

Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate is open: Monday 07:50-18:00, Tuesday 07:50-18:00, Wednesday 07:50-18:00, Thursday 07:50-18:00, Friday 07:50-18:00.

How many Children does Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate have capacity for?

Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate to the centre of Shrewsbury?

2.6 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 Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Hillside House Nursery - Hook-A-Gate has an Enhanced Service - more info.