Welcome to Portland Nurseries. We are a family-owned and run group of six day nurseries within the Huddersfield and Halifax area, Bradley House, Harlequin, Holly Bank, Fairfield, Oakwood House & Forest School and Portland House.
Our first nursery Portland House was established in 1991 by our founder Rosemary Murphy OBE a pioneer within the childcare sector. In September 2021 we celebrated 30 years in early years education.
We deliver the highest quality of care and education by providing a happy, nurturing and stimulating play environment where your child will be individually supported to develop to their full potential. We have a dedicated and experienced team of highly trained, qualified and passionate early years professionals ensuring your child receives the very best start in life.
Each nursery has its own individual character, and we feel confident you will find a nursery that meets the needs of you and your child. We hope you will visit soon and discover for yourself what makes each of our nurseries so unique.
The Portland Nurseries journey started in 1991 and every since our first nursery was established our team has worked tirelessly to bring the families the highest quality care and education for their children. We have achieved many milestones along the way from Ofsted Outstanding's to OBE's. Here are some of the key milestones on our journey over the last 29 years.
Portland Nurseries Timeline
1991
Portland House Nursery is Opened
Qualified Teachers, Rosemary & Michael Murphy open their first nursery due to an absence of high quality, flexible childcare.
1995
After School and Holiday Club is opened
The basement rooms were refurbished at Portland House to provide wrap around care.
1996
Harlequin Nursery is acquired
The company starts to grow, acquiring their second nursery in the group.
1998
CEO National Day Nurseries Association
After 3 years as Chairman & voluntary CEO, Rosemary formally took on the role. The NDNA is a national early years charity that provides support and advice, and campaigns for better funding for families.
2000
Holly Bank Nursery is acquired & expanded
Some of the staff are still working with us today!
2001
Rosemary is awarded an OBE for her contribution to Early Years Education
For her contribution to Early Years Education
2004
Healthy Eating Award
Our nursery menus are recognised by Kirklees and receive the Gold Healthy Eating Award
2009
Large Outdoor Development Projects at all 3 Nurseries
Our emphasis on outdoor play called for new outdoor areas; developed with funding support from a Quality Access Grant and opened by the Mayor and Huddersfield Giant’s star Andy Raleigh
2010
Oakwood House Forest School is opened
Based on the Scandinavian model of the importance of learning outdoors through the natural environment
2011
Portland Nurseries Limited is formed
Head office moves to Oakwood House and the company logo and website are rebranded
2011
Portland House & Harlequin both receive Ofsted ‘Outstanding’
2013
Oakwood House receives Ofsted ‘Outstanding'
2013
Rosemary & Michael’s children Anastasia & Michael become Managing Directors
2014
Portland Nurseries reaches 100 employees!
2014
One of our first children returns to use the nursery for their own child
2015
Rosemary is presented with the ‘Most Influential Person in Childcare’ award
By Nursery Management Today Magazine
2015
Introduced iConnect
Allowing us to take and link child observations and run comprehensive reports for cohorts or individuals
2015
Portland House Manager Julie Lister reaches 20 years with the company
2016
Portland House win the Huddersfield Examiner’s Nursery of the Year
2016
Food for Life Award
The first nurseries in the country to receive the Soil Association’s Early Years award, recognising our commitment to healthy eating and nutritional education
2016
Portland House & Harlequin both receive Ofsted ‘Outstanding’
Under the new, harder framework
2017
Parent Zone is launched
Online digital journal where parents can access their child’s observations and special moments from the day at nursery.
2018
Portland House receives 3rd Ofsted Outstanding in a row
The only nursery in Kirklees and Calderdale to achieve this at the time.
2018
Enhancement of our natural outdoor play areas starts across the 4 nurseries
2019
All 4 sites achieved their Green Flag Eco School Status
Recognising the environmental education and action we do across our nurseries.
2020
Portland House Manager Julie Lister reaches 25 years with Portland Nurseries
2021
Portland House Manager Julie Lister wins the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award at this year’s Nursery World Awards.
The Nursery World Award recognises her nationally for her fantastic work over the years.
2021
Regional Manager Gail Howarth is hired to support Portland Nurseries’ expansion.
2022
