Hillsborough Primary School, part of Inova Multi Academy Trust, is set to expand its nursery provision after being named as one of nine schools in Sheffield to receive government funding for new and enhanced nursery places. 

The school has been awarded £150,000 – the maximum available through this Department for Education (DfE) programme – to create a dedicated space for two-year-olds, building on its existing provision for children aged three and above. 

The funding comes at a crucial time for the local area, following increasing demand from families for high-quality early years provision, particularly at the Parkside Road school where parents have been keen to access earlier provision in a setting they know and trust. 

The new provision will include a purpose-built space tailored specifically for two-year-olds, creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, play and thrive. 

By extending its offer to younger children, the school aims to support more families to access high-quality childcare, while helping children develop key skills such as independence, curiosity and resilience ahead of starting school. 

Building work is expected to begin shortly, with the new provision set to be ready for September. The school hopes the expanded provision will further strengthen its role as a key provider of early years education within the Hillsborough community and across Inova Multi Academy Trust. 

 

Headteacher at Hillsborough Primary School, Nicola Wileman said: 

 
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for this grant – it’s such a great opportunity for our school and our whole community. 
 

“Our area has faced real challenges in recent years, with higher levels of deprivation and a reduction in nursery provision since Covid. Too many children have been starting school without having accessed early childcare, and we know how important those early years are.