Opening hours
9.00am - 3.00pm Monday-Friday during term times
Playdays Pre-school
Ofsted: Good
(May 2024)
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2024
Local authority
Somerset
About this day nursery
Playdays Preschool is a well-established independent nursery in Chard, providing care for children aged 2 to 5 years. With over thirty years of experience since its opening in 1993, the preschool focuses on creating a happy, caring, and fully inclusive environment where children can thrive.
The dedicated team, many of whom have been with Playdays for numerous years, prioritises each child's welfare and happiness, aiming to give them the best possible start in their Early Years Education. The preschool operates during term times, offering both morning and afternoon sessional care, as well as full day care from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Their approach emphasises a safe and welcoming setting where children learn to socialise and develop independence, with British values like kindness, respect, care, and equality at the core of their learning. A key person system ensures individualised attention and development support for each child.
Playdays Preschool also prides itself on its inclusive education, providing a stimulating environment for children with additional needs, and works closely with parents and carers to support the children's emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development.
Our ethos
Playdays Preschool is committed to creating a happy, caring, and fully inclusive environment. Their approach emphasises a safe and welcoming setting where children learn to socialise and develop independence, with British values like kindness, respect, care, and equality at the core of their learning. They utilise a key person system to ensure individualised attention and support for each child's development.
What it's like
Children love coming to this safe and welcoming pre-school. They separate from their parents with confidence and are eager to engage with the activities offered. Leaders provide an ambitious curriculum with planned activities covering all areas of the early years foundation stage requirements.
Independent preschoolEstablished 30 yearsBritish valuesKey person systemInclusive education
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
30 hours — working parents (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
Session types
morning session, afternoon session, day care
Waitlist
Waiting list available; email to add child's name
Age range
2-5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Playdays Pre-school
Last inspected 24 May 2024
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 love coming to this safe and welcoming pre-school. They separate from their parents with confidence and are eager to engage with the activities offered. Leaders provide an ambitious curriculum with planned activities covering all areas of the early years foundation stage requirements.
Inspector highlights
- Children use the climbing frame and expertly ride trikes, negotiating the spaces well.
- Children's imagination is stimulated as they play in the mud kitchen, collecting different 'ingredients' such as mud, herbs and teabags to make delightful 'cakes'.
- Children benefit from visits into the community, such as to the library, museum, pet shops and local café.
- Leaders have strong links with local schools and have a school readiness programme in place to help children prepare for the move.
- Staff are committed and passionate about their roles, reflecting on their practice and continually striving to improve.
Areas to develop
- 1develop ways to consistently support children who are learning hygiene routines.
Inspection #10335696 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents say that they are very satisfied with the pre-school and know what their children are experiencing everyday.
Parents of children with SEND report that their children are well supported.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
This is particularly important to effectively support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Parents of children with SEND report that their children are well supported. For example, a 'now and next' board is used to see the plans for the day.
Outdoor space
In the garden, children happily use the climbing frame and expertly ride trikes, negotiating the spaces well. They challenge themselves to walk across large tyres and balance beams. Leaders and staff provide a music area outside and have recently added a microphone to the resources.
Inspection history
Date: December 2013
- May 2024Good
- June 2018Good
- January 2018Inadequate
- October 2014Good
- December 2013Requires improvement
Frequently asked about Playdays Pre-school
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