Hillside Playcare Centre Southminster Ofsted rating

Hillside Playcare Centre, in Hall Road, Southminster, employs 46 members of staff and has 159 children on its roll.

The arrangements for safeguarding were described as effective and staff were said to “show a secure knowledge of safeguarding”.

In order to improve, the inspector said the nursery need to “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”.

The inspector said the centre also needs to “provide more opportunities for children to expand their enjoyment of books”.

Pupils were described as “interested, inquisitive and show an eagerness to learn”.

Inspector Lynn Hartigan said: “The nursery implements several approaches to teaching, such as 'planning in the moment', the Montessori ethos, and the 'curiosity approach', therefore children have many exciting opportunities to learn.

“They leave their parents with ease and immerse themselves in play. Children are aware of the high expectations of the staff, who are good role models.

“They speak with kindness and respect to the children, who in turn demonstrate good manners and behaviour.”

Nursery manager Sammy Hopkins said: “Hillside Playcare Centre are extremely proud and excited to announce that following our most recent Ofsted inspection, we received a good grading.

“We feel the report reflects the happiness and contentment of our children and staff perfectly.

“Hillside has continued to remain as a 'good' setting, to which we are very pleased - even with such new ownership.

“In April this year Shiraz Kothia took over as owner of the setting, with Les and Lesley, the former owners of over 40 years, ready to enjoy their retirement.

”We feel the grading is of course down to our amazing staff team with all their hard work, and our fantastic children and families. So thank you all.”