--- title: "(Closed) Hillside Playcare Centre — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "This nursery has closed. Hillside Playcare Centre, a nursery in Southminster — Ofsted-rated Good. See opening hours, fees and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755#nursery", "name": "Hillside Playcare Centre", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Hall Road", "addressLocality": "Southminster", "postalCode": "CM0 7EH" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755#webpage" }, "telephone": "01164 300200", "email": "support@thecuriosityapproach.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://hillsideplaycare.co.uk/southminster/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.660844, "longitude": 0.837129 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Southminster" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 2, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Danielle Gargan" }, "reviewBody": "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 😊", "datePublished": "2023-04-27T15:14:14.213025Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "timthemil" }, "datePublished": "2024-09-05T12:46:06.924756Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East of England", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20of%20England" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Hillside Playcare Centre", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Hillside Playcare Centre's Ofsted rating?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Hillside Playcare Centre in Southminster received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted during its last inspection on April 28th, 2023. This rating reflects the high quality of care and education provided at the nursery, ensuring a positive learning environment for all children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Hillside Playcare Centre offer funded hours?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Hillside Playcare Centre accepts funded childcare. They offer the 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds and the universal 15 hours for three and four-year-olds. This helps families access quality childcare at Hillside Playcare Centre in Southminster." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What age range does Hillside Playcare Centre cater for?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Hillside Playcare Centre provides a warm and nurturing environment for children aged 0-4 years. The nursery is designed to support the development of very young children through to those preparing for school, ensuring continuity of care and learning in Southminster." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long has Hillside Playcare Centre been established?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Hillside Playcare Centre was \"established in 2021 in Southminster\". This modern nursery has quickly built a reputation for providing a high-quality, nurturing environment for young children in the local area." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What teaching approaches does Hillside Playcare Centre use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Hillside Playcare Centre uses \"diverse teaching approaches such as 'planning in the moment,' Montessori, and the 'curiosity approach'\". This varied educational philosophy at the Southminster nursery helps to foster interested, inquisitive, and eager learners, tailoring the curriculum to children's interests." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Hillside Playcare Centre support children with special educational needs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Hillside Playcare Centre is \"fully inclusive\" and ensures all children make good progress, including those needing additional support. The nursery's \"special educational needs coordinator is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about her role,\" working with outside agencies to help children reach their full potential." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What kind of outdoor facilities does Hillside Playcare Centre offer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children at Hillside Playcare Centre \"particularly relish their time outdoors, with ample and exciting spaces for learning and physical development\". This includes a \"growing garden where they proudly discuss plants and flowers,\" providing wonderful opportunities for natural exploration and play in Southminster." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I contact Hillside Playcare Centre?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can contact Hillside Playcare Centre by phone at 01164 300200 or by email at support@thecuriosityapproach.co.uk. For more information about the nursery and its offerings, you can also visit their website at https://hillsideplaycare.co.uk/southminster/." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. Hillside Playcare Centre # Hillside Playcare Centre Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Apr 2023) · 5.0 (2 parent reviews) · Hall Road, Southminster, CM0 7EH · Essex Number of places 85 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Apr 2023 Local authority Essex About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 rating Child-centred curriculum Strong SEND support Ample outdoor learning Montessori approach Positive parent feedback ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 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 →](https://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/contact) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Hillside Playcare Centre Inspection date Apr 2023 Inspection no. 10281157 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50218891)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/2631755) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://hillsideplaycare.co.uk/southminster/) Hall Road, Southminster, CM0 7EH [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/0.83713/51.66084/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Southminster - [Day nurseries in Southminster](/search?q=Southminster) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=hillside-playcare-centre-cm0-7eh-2631755) ## Key facts Term time / All Year All Year Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Hillside Playcare Centre Last inspected 28 April 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 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 - 1 ensure the play space within the baby room enables babies to easily access all resources available to them and they have sufficient space to play - 2 provide more opportunities for children to expand their enjoyment of books. Inspection #10281157 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50218891) ## 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIX9kPDXxBM2Njweil6JbzUnMHD-WWN9TWCJzfOjKOaHzznqw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) 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](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURSMGItVTVRRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d921eb6b30b74d:0x1a9bb4818d0d4c45) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKEZ60IQcM57OX0pfW0n5FrCz5HDOfo_pieZDma7QQAdBjvMw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) timthemil a year ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIdnNuTWxBRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d921eb6b30b74d:0x1a9bb4818d0d4c45) Reviews from Google for Hillside Playcare Centre. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1917324534886517829&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) 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 ### What is Hillside Playcare Centre's Ofsted rating? ### Does Hillside Playcare Centre offer funded hours? ### What age range does Hillside Playcare Centre cater for? ### How long has Hillside Playcare Centre been established? ### What teaching approaches does Hillside Playcare Centre use? ### Does Hillside Playcare Centre support children with special educational needs? ### What kind of outdoor facilities does Hillside Playcare Centre offer? ### How can I contact 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 ## Nearby day nurseries in Southminster Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Hillside Playcare Centre. - [ Ofsted: Good 2.1 mi ### Burnham Pre-School Burnham-on-Crouch · CM0 8EF ](/nursery/burnham-pre-school-cm0-8ef-402278) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.3 mi ### Treetops Preschool Burnham On Crouch Burnham on Crouch · CM0 8LG ](/nursery/treetops-preschool-burnham-on-crouch-limited-cm0-8lg-ey536848) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 2.4 mi ### Close to Home Childcare Burnham on Crouch · CM0 8HR ](/nursery/close-to-home-childcare-ltd-cm0-8hr-ey388219) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.0 mi ### Tillingham Pre-School Tillingham · CM0 7TW ](/nursery/tillingham-pre-school-cm0-7tw-203701) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.3 mi ### Second Steps Day Nursery (Althorne) Chelmsford · CM3 6YH 5.0(8 reviews) ](/nursery/second-steps-day-nursery-althorne-ltd-cm3-6yh-2689574) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 3.8 mi ### Diddydots Nursery Southminster · CM0 7LY ](/nursery/diddydots-nursery-cm0-7ly-ey484711) [See all nurseries in Southminster →](/search?q=Southminster) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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