First Day Nursery Hillside in Southminster became part of the First Day Nursery group in April 2023. In June 2025, the nursery proudly achieved full Curiosity Approach Accreditation, reflecting its commitment to creating an inspiring, child-centred environment where curiosity and creativity flourish.
At Hillside, children are encouraged to explore, discover and learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences. The nursery embraces a child-led approach, recognising every child as capable, curious and full of...
First Day Nursery Hillside in Southminster became part of the First Day Nursery group in April 2023. In June 2025, the nursery proudly achieved full Curiosity Approach Accreditation, reflecting its commitment to creating an inspiring, child-centred environment where curiosity and creativity flourish.
At Hillside, children are encouraged to explore, discover and learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences. The nursery embraces a child-led approach, recognising every child as capable, curious and full of potential. Practitioners carefully create invitations to play that reflect children's interests while celebrating the changing seasons and fostering a strong connection with the natural world.
The nursery's thoughtfully designed learning environments are calm, welcoming and inspired by the comfort of home. Filled with authentic resources, natural materials, low-level lighting and open-ended opportunities, each space encourages children to explore freely, develop independence and follow their own interests. Every room benefits from free-flow access to its own age-appropriate outdoor garden, allowing children to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor learning throughout the day.
Hillside's exceptional outdoor environment is one of its greatest strengths. Set within beautiful surroundings, the nursery offers separate gardens for each room, a large field, grassy mound, small orchard, playgrounds and mature trees that provide natural shade and opportunities for exploration. The neighbouring field of sheep adds to the unique rural setting, giving children daily opportunities to connect with nature and the world around them.
The dedicated team believes that children learn best through exploration, play and real-life experiences. Whatever the weather, Hillside's "weather warriors" embrace outdoor learning, helping children build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of nature in every season.
There is a gravel car park on site for drop off and pick up.
Funding & Fees
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
—/ month
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.
Defaults shown
9 months to 2 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
2 days per week
—
3 days per week
—
5 days per week
—
Adjust for your situation
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
What this price covers
Standard chargeable day 8:00am to 6:00pm (10 hours)
22.4 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks and Suncream
Price without government funding: £0 / month (£0 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 51 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
This nursery applies up to 10 funded hours per day, stretched across 51 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 22.4 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact First Day Nursery Hillside to get a personalised quote:
First Day Nursery Hillside has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.499) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time First Day Nursery Hillside has 12 reviews.
Review from Jodie B (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son started at 4 months olds until 4 years old and the care he has recieved has been fantastic all the way through.
The staff have been compassionate and caring through his time always seeing to his needs and addressing any issues swiftly and directly. The detail and time the staff take to...
My son started at 4 months olds until 4 years old and the care he has recieved has been fantastic all the way through. The staff have been compassionate and caring through his time always seeing to his needs and addressing any issues swiftly and directly. The detail and time the staff take to learn and know about all the children as individuals is refeshing too. Never at any point have I had to worry while at work ive had complete confidence in them as a nursery, which is a lovely feeling for a first time mum who has to go back to work when he was so young. The advice and help through my sons more difficult phases with my endless questions was fantastic with everyone being so patient. The trips they do locally as well is a huge bonus that my son always loved. Would 100% recommend and am sad his time there has come to an end.
Thank you to everyone at Hillside.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
We are so grateful to have been a part of your son's nursery experience. Thank you for speaking so highly of our staff, care and provision.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Stacy G (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The lovely ladies at Hillside have looked after my girls since they each turned 9 months old & they have been absolutely amazing in every way! They've helped my eldest become ready for her first day of school, working on her writing & even some maths! All the staff are always so friendly & my girls...
The lovely ladies at Hillside have looked after my girls since they each turned 9 months old & they have been absolutely amazing in every way! They've helped my eldest become ready for her first day of school, working on her writing & even some maths! All the staff are always so friendly & my girls absolutely love them to pieces. They take them out to the park or on the train to visit the next town, spend as much time outside in their gardens as they can & my girls always come home telling me about the fun things they've gotten up to! I honestly couldn't ask for better people to look after my children while I'm at work, I know they're in such amazing hands.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
What a wonderful review! Thank you for your kind words and for recognising how dedicated our staff are.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Libbie S (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
All four of my children have attended this nursery, and I honestly cannot praise the staff enough. Every member of the team goes above and beyond for both the children and their carers.
The lovely ladies in the office always greet the children and parents each morning with such warm and friendly...
All four of my children have attended this nursery, and I honestly cannot praise the staff enough. Every member of the team goes above and beyond for both the children and their carers. The lovely ladies in the office always greet the children and parents each morning with such warm and friendly faces, instantly making you feel welcome. The SENCO is also absolutely amazing. Having a child with additional needs, you naturally worry about how nursery life may be different for them. However, the staff and SENCO have worked incredibly hard to ensure that my daughter is included in everything and never made to feel different. They have always listened to our needs, made the necessary accommodations and gone the extra mile to support all 4 of my children
The staff have truly become like a second family to us. No matter how big or small our needs may be, they are always understanding, supportive and willing to help. I couldn't recommend this nursery enough!
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
We are so happy to be such a big part of your family! Thank you for recognising how amazing our SENCO is and the wonderful provision the team have provided.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Danielle B (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son started September 2025, the staff have been fantastic with him, since starting his communication came on in leaps and bounds, I couldn't be more happier. The staff in general are always so friendly. My youngest is due to start in a few weeks and I'm so excited for her. You really get the...
My son started September 2025, the staff have been fantastic with him, since starting his communication came on in leaps and bounds, I couldn't be more happier. The staff in general are always so friendly. My youngest is due to start in a few weeks and I'm so excited for her. You really get the sense that staff really know and understand the children. I'd rate them a 100 stars if I could and I'd recommend the setting to anyone looking for childcare.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are so pleased that your child is thriving with us and look forward to welcoming your youngest soon.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Finley C (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Hillside have been a phenomenal nursery from day one. My daughter has now been there for one year, starting at the age of one and I was personally so nervous to send her to nursery at such a young age. They made the process calm and easy, and my daughter always felt like a priority. They were...
Hillside have been a phenomenal nursery from day one. My daughter has now been there for one year, starting at the age of one and I was personally so nervous to send her to nursery at such a young age. They made the process calm and easy, and my daughter always felt like a priority. They were fantastic with her allergies, always accommodating or if they couldn't she would always have another similar option so she was never left out. They are amazing with bumps, and will always phone if there's an issue (very rarely there has been an accident but toddlers will be toddlers!)
I'm unfortunately having to leave Hillside due to relocating but I am absolutely gutted to be leaving such a wonderful nursery. The staff are attentive and caring, and really put your mind and heart at ease at every drop off. You wouldn't go wrong with this nursery.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
We are sorry to see you go! Thank you for your positive review. It is wonderful to hear that your daughter has had such a fantastic year with us.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from C I (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I couldn't be happier with this nursery. From the day my son started here he has been supported fully. He was non verbal for a long time and the staff got stuck right in with learning the BSL signs my son would use to communicate. The SENCO have been wonderful, setting up a one page profile and...
I couldn't be happier with this nursery. From the day my son started here he has been supported fully. He was non verbal for a long time and the staff got stuck right in with learning the BSL signs my son would use to communicate. The SENCO have been wonderful, setting up a one page profile and onto a one plan so my son is ready to be supported when he moves onto his next school. Since attending the nursery our son has flourished, he's now talking confidently and socialising well with others. This was such a big concern for us and we are so happy with how helpful the nursery have been. The communication is great, the updates and information constantly shared with parents means I always feel knowledgeable about what's happening every day. At the end of each day the staff let you know in detail how the day has been, from the child's behaviour, to the number of nappy changes and meal intake. Every accident is reported aswell. We feel extremely safe and trusting of this nursery! 10/10.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
Thank you for such a positive review! Our team at Hillside are amazing at what they do and I am pleased to see this reflected in your kind words.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Alysha R (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Both my sons have attended Hillside Nursery. Eldest started 2022-2024. Youngest started 2025 and is still currently there.
I can not fault the nursery, it is clean, the staff are amazing with the children and really treat them as their own. They have the most outdoor space I have seen at a...
Both my sons have attended Hillside Nursery. Eldest started 2022-2024. Youngest started 2025 and is still currently there.
I can not fault the nursery, it is clean, the staff are amazing with the children and really treat them as their own. They have the most outdoor space I have seen at a nursery I love that the children have free reign of the outdoor space my eldest needed this when he first started as he did not like being dropped off but as soon as they took him outside he was a different child and soon he started to love going to nursery. The nursery is very much learn through play they are taught in such a way that the children do not realise they are actually learning. My youngest asks on a daily basis if he is going to nursery which shows how much he feels happy and safe in the nursery environment. When anyone asks for nursery recommendations i always recommend Hillside as I love it as much as my boys do and did
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are very proud of our fantastic facilities! It is great to hear you recommend us to others too. It is a privilege to be part of your son's early years!
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Our daughter has a great time at Hillside. The staff are all so kind and caring, and we get the sense that they really know her well as a little person. They have supported her so well on her journey so far, from becoming more adventurous with food to potty training.
We love the nursery's ethos of...
Our daughter has a great time at Hillside. The staff are all so kind and caring, and we get the sense that they really know her well as a little person. They have supported her so well on her journey so far, from becoming more adventurous with food to potty training.
We love the nursery's ethos of play and exploration, and the overall feel is always happy and nurturing. We looking forward to seeing our daughter thrive even more as she goes up into the next room!
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
We are so pleased to hear your daughter is doing so well at Hillside. Our staff are dedicated to provide the happy and nurturing environment our children and their families know and love!
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Ellie D (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Both of my children currently attend Hillside and we have had a nothing but positive experience. The staff genuinely care about all the children and are kind, caring, knowledgeable and professional. Both of my children are thriving and I couldn't be happier with the progress they have made. Every...
Both of my children currently attend Hillside and we have had a nothing but positive experience. The staff genuinely care about all the children and are kind, caring, knowledgeable and professional. Both of my children are thriving and I couldn't be happier with the progress they have made. Every member of staff is passionate about what they do and they all show great care for the children and wider family. When my daughter started 2 years ago she settled well and has built strong relationship with the people who care for her, she loves going in each day and has thrived since starting. We feel so welcome at the nursery and our both our children love attending. It has made my transition back to work much easier knowing my children are happy and cared for and I cannot thank the nursery enough for the hard work and dedication they show every day.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
We are so pleased to hear you've had such a positive experience at Hillside! Thank you for such a wonderful review.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from M T (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter has attended this nursery since 2024 and she absolutely loves it. She is able to flourish, have fun and learn in a consistent and loving environment. All staff that have looked after her have always been lovely and engaging and encourages my daughter daily with her leading and...
My daughter has attended this nursery since 2024 and she absolutely loves it. She is able to flourish, have fun and learn in a consistent and loving environment. All staff that have looked after her have always been lovely and engaging and encourages my daughter daily with her leading and development. Couldn't recommend enough!
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
This is fantastic to hear! We are pleased to hear how supportive our staff are and how well your daughter is doing with her learning and development.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from k W (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Since my son started here he learnt alot can not fault the staff been amazing and helpful my boys loves it thier he always goes in happy and comes home happy. It helping him with his talking and interacting with other kids. Can not fault it amazing
Since my son started here he learnt alot can not fault the staff been amazing and helpful my boys loves it thier he always goes in happy and comes home happy. It helping him with his talking and interacting with other kids. Can not fault it amazing
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
Thank you for this wonderful review! We are so pleased to hear how well your son is doing with us.
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Our son has been at First Day Nursery Hillside since he was a baby and he is now getting ready to leave for Primary school. Throughout his time at the nursery we have been extremely happy with the care that he has received and the communications from the nursery have always been good. All the staff...
Our son has been at First Day Nursery Hillside since he was a baby and he is now getting ready to leave for Primary school. Throughout his time at the nursery we have been extremely happy with the care that he has received and the communications from the nursery have always been good. All the staff that we have had interaction with have been kind, caring and attentive to his needs. We particularly like the free-flow play environment and the fact that he has a lot of outdoor time. The encouragement to enjoy reading has also been a really positive thing for our son and the library that has recently been introduced has made him excited to bring home new books to share very week. The food offered is varied and balanced and updated regularly to encourage the children to try new things. We could not be more pleased with the care our son has received and I would suggest the setting to any parent looking for high quality child care.
↩Reply from Shiraz Kothia, Director at First Day Nursery Hillside
Thank you so much for this fantastic review! We have loved caring for your son and are so pleased to hear how happy he has been with us. We are grateful to see the recognition for our provision, care, communication, food and environment!
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
News
There are no news items for First Day Nursery Hillside.
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events for First Day Nursery Hillside.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for First Day Nursery Hillside.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for First Day Nursery Hillside.
Meet the Team (1)
Liz LongleyJob Title Nursery Manager
Liz is the dedicated Nursery Manager at First Day Nursery Hillside and has been a valued member of the team for many years. Her wealth of experience,...
Liz is the dedicated Nursery Manager at First Day Nursery Hillside and has been a valued member of the team for many years. Her wealth of experience, approachable nature and excellent communication skills help build strong, trusting relationships with children, families and staff. Liz is passionate about ensuring every child and family feels welcomed, supported and valued, always placing their individual needs at the heart of everything she does.
Frequently Asked Questions about First Day Nursery Hillside
What is the Age Range of Children that First Day Nursery Hillside accepts?
First Day Nursery Hillside accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is First Day Nursery Hillside Open?
First Day Nursery Hillside 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 First Day Nursery Hillside have capacity for?
First Day Nursery Hillside has capacity for a total of 85 Children.
How far is First Day Nursery Hillside to the centre of Southminster?
0.4 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 First Day Nursery Hillside to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. First Day Nursery Hillside has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
