Term time / All Year
All Year
Hillside Playcare Centre
Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2023)
Number of places
85 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2023
Local authority
Essex
About this day nursery
Hillside Playcare Centre, established in 2021 in Southminster, provides a warm and nurturing environment for children aged 0-4 years, operating all year round from 7 am to 6:45 pm. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in April 2023, the nursery is praised for its caring staff who tailor the curriculum to children's interests and prior knowledge.
Utilising diverse teaching approaches such as "planning in the moment," Montessori, and the "curiosity approach," the nursery fosters interested, inquisitive, and eager learners. Children readily immerse themselves in play and demonstrate good manners, influenced by the high expectations and respectful role modelling of staff.
The nursery is fully inclusive, ensuring all children, including those needing additional support, make good progress. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator is highly knowledgeable and works closely with outside agencies to help children reach their full potential.
Children particularly enjoy their time outdoors, with ample and exciting spaces for learning and physical development, including a growing garden where they proudly discuss plants and flowers. Parents consistently express complete satisfaction, highlighting the staff's genuine interest in their children and families.
Our ethos
Hillside Playcare Centre operates under The Curiosity Approach philosophy, fostering children's natural curiosity, creativity, and independence through authentic resources and natural materials. They prioritise the process of learning, aiming to ignite a lifelong love for discovery within a "Homely Hygge" atmosphere that nurtures belonging and well-being. The curriculum promotes open-ended questions and outdoor experiences, valuing each child as a unique individual.
What it's like
Children are warmly welcomed by happy and caring staff who tailor the curriculum to their interests and prior knowledge, utilising diverse teaching approaches like "planning in the moment", Montessori, and the "curiosity approach". This leads to children being interested, inquisitive, and eager to learn, readily immersing themselves in play and demonstrating good manners and behaviour due to the high expectations and kind, respectful role modelling from staff.
Good Ofsted ratingChild-centred curriculumStrong SEND supportAmple outdoor learningMontessori approachPositive parent feedback
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Key facts
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Hillside Playcare Centre
Last inspected 28 April 2023
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children are warmly welcomed by happy and caring staff who tailor the curriculum to their interests and prior knowledge, utilising diverse teaching approaches like "planning in the moment", Montessori, and the "curiosity approach". This leads to children being interested, inquisitive, and eager to learn, readily immersing themselves in play and demonstrating good manners and behaviour due to the high expectations and kind, respectful role modelling from staff.
Inspector highlights
- The nursery is fully inclusive and all children make good progress, including those who need additional support.
- The special educational needs coordinator is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about her role.
- The new owner and manager are very dedicated and committed to provide children with an inspiring, safe and homely environment.
- Staff feel valued and enjoy their time at work, with their well-being considered.
- Children particularly relish their time outdoors, with ample, exciting spaces for learning and opportunities for physical development.
Areas to develop
- 1ensure the play space within the baby room enables babies to easily access all resources available to them and they have sufficient space to play
- 2provide more opportunities for children to expand their enjoyment of books.
Inspection #10281157 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
complete satisfaction with every aspect of this 'incredibly lovely' nursery
show a genuine interest in their children and families and that their children are thriving
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The nursery is fully inclusive and all children make good progress, including those who need additional support. The special educational needs coordinator is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about her role. Positive professional relationships have been established with outside agencies to ensure that all children reach their full potential.
Outdoor space
Children particularly relish their time outdoors. The nursery offers ample, exciting outdoor spaces in which children learn throughout the day. Children proudly show the visitors their growing garden, digging for worms and discussing plants and flowers. They also enjoy physical play, replicating activities like cutting down a tree and easily balancing a full, heavy wheelbarrow without bumping into friends.
Parent Reviews of Hillside Playcare Centre
5.0
(2)
Danielle Gargan
3 years ago
The girls are all amazing, welcoming and I'm so happy with the support they give my children with learning, getting ready for reception. Couldn't ask for a better team for the caring and safe environment they provide. Highly recommended 😊
Read on Google
timthemil
a year ago
Reviews from Google for Hillside Playcare Centre. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Ofsted records show this provider has closed and was never graded. There's no inspection history to display.
Frequently asked about Hillside Playcare Centre
About the setting
Hillside Playcare Centre Nursery registered in 2021. It is situated in Southminster, Essex. The nursery employs 46 members of childcare staff, with 32 holding appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 and above. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7am until 6.45pm, and provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.
- URN
- 2631755
- Registered person
- Hillside Playcare Centre Limited
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
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