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Hardwicke Early Years

Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
·Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy, Poplar Way, Gloucester, GL2 4QG · Gloucestershire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Gloucestershire

About this day nursery

Hardwicke Early Years has been a cornerstone of childcare in Gloucester for over three decades, offering a nurturing, secure, and enjoyable atmosphere. The nursery operates during term time within the grounds of Hardwicke Parochial School, fostering strong connections with the primary school.

As a registered charity, it is governed by a dedicated committee comprising parents and local community members, who actively engage in fundraising initiatives to enhance the children's learning and play opportunities. The facility prides itself on its devoted and welcoming staff who are committed to providing a positive and stimulating environment where each child can flourish and realise their full potential.

Recognising the unique qualities of every child, the nursery focuses on guiding and supporting them with care and affection. Hardwicke Early Years offers various session times throughout the week.

They actively accept government funding schemes, including both the 15-hour and 30-hour provisions. Furthermore, the nursery provides flexibility by offering blended hours in collaboration with other childcare settings, ensuring comprehensive support for families.

What it's like

Staff greet children warmly and provide clear routines, enabling them to feel secure and settle quickly. The manager and staff have adapted the environment to ensure children benefit from all aspects of the curriculum in a purposeful and calm way. Children are focused within their self-chosen activities and are confident in their interactions with staff and each other.

Charity-runTerm-time onlyLocated on primary school siteAccepts government funding

Pricing & funding

Charges are calculated at a flat hourly rate, with an additional optional daily fee for snacks. Parents are required to provide a packed lunch for children who attend either the full day or the afternoon session.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Parents can opt out of the daily snack charge on registration forms.
  • Packed lunches must be provided by parents for full day and afternoon sessions (12:00 to 14:45).

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday-Friday: 09:00-14:45

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

09:00-14:45, 09:00-12:00, 12:00-14:45

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Hardwicke Early Years

Last inspected 10 May 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff greet children warmly and provide clear routines, enabling them to feel secure and settle quickly. The manager and staff have adapted the environment to ensure children benefit from all aspects of the curriculum in a purposeful and calm way. Children are focused within their self-chosen activities and are confident in their interactions with staff and each other.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum supports children effectively in developing the skills needed to start school, with a particular focus on early language and literacy skills.
  • Staff encourage children to develop their physical development in a range of ways, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Staff support children to take turns and share resources, using tools like sand timers and offering praise for patient waiting.
  • The manager has a good understanding of areas for improvement and holds regular supervision meetings, taking staff views into account for training, especially in safeguarding.
  • Staff use early years pupil premium funding well, reflecting on the curriculum to ensure new resources match children's learning needs and promote progress.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the planning of activities so that they consistently align with children's next steps and offer sufficient challenge for new learning.
Inspection #10271257 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents are happy with the care their children receive.

They describe how staff share information on an online application to show what their children are learning.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

In the afternoon, children enjoy the space and freedom provided by the larger school field, running and chasing bubbles. Outside, children take it in turns to climb across stepping stones and balance across an arched ladder, moving confidently and safely within the smaller garden space.

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2023

Date: December 2022

  • May 2023Good
  • December 2022Inadequate

Frequently asked about Hardwicke Early Years

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