Cuddles, mud pies and maths—it’s all part of the day!
Hillside Nursery in Kingswood is Good
“Children of all ages thrive at the nursery,” – that was the resounding verdict from Ofsted inspectors following a visit to Hillside Day Nursery in Kingswood.
In a report published after the inspection on Tuesday, March 11, the nursery was once again rated Good across all areas, with the report painting a picture of a joyful, nurturing, and engaging environment where children ‘gain confidence and are well behaved’.
Located within the grounds of John Cabot Academy on Britannia Road, Hillside Day Nursery cares for 56 children aged from birth to four years old and offers 33 places.
The setting, which has been operating under current ownership since 2013, continues to uphold high standards of care and education.
Inspectors highlighted the genuine warmth and affection shown by staff, noting: “They all have very good relationships with the staff, who show genuine warmth and affection towards them.”
The report described how babies receive ‘sensitive support’ and ‘reassuring cuddles’ when they are wary of visitors, while older children exhibit ‘agility as they chase each other through the forest area’ and collaborate in play.
Outdoor learning was a standout strength. Inspectors noted that ‘staff provide very good opportunities for children to play and learn outdoors’, and praised the nursery’s forest area, where children engage in water-based construction, explore nature, and dig and transfer mud with toy dumper trucks. Staff were commended for enriching this play with new vocabulary and mathematical language.
The curriculum, while effective overall, was noted to have room for improvement in one area. “Monitoring of the effectiveness of the curriculum lacks vigour,” the report stated.
Although staff recognise advanced skills among some children, such as ‘impressive counting skills and mathematical awareness’, inspectors found that they ‘do not instinctively introduce more complex mathematical concepts’ to further stretch the most able.
Nevertheless, staff were widely praised for their instincts and professionalism. “Staff instinctively extend children’s language and thinking skills. They model language, provide a narrative to children’s play and introduce new vocabulary.”
Babies are encouraged to use manners and sign language, and older children confidently share their thoughts with visitors.
The nursery’s approach to personal development and independence was another highlight. “The youngest children learn to drink safely from small glasses and to feed themselves. Older children serve their own lunch and pour their drinks.”
There was also praise for how staff foster children’s early literacy: “Staff want children to develop their early writing skills. They provide mark-making implements and encourage children to draw. Staff show toddlers how to create lines and circles with chalk, and they quickly copy this.”
Staff engagement and enthusiasm were evident to the inspectors. “The managers and staff are very enthusiastic in their roles and ensure that every child has fun in their learning and development.” Crucially, they also know when to step back, allowing children space to explore.
Parents, too, were positive about the nursery, saying they feel well informed and value the regular updates and photographs that give insight into their children’s experiences.
Safeguarding was judged to be effective, with inspectors noting “an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.”
Responding to the Ofsted report, Hillside Day Nursery co-owners Sarah Cook and Donna Pepper said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection and proud to see the joy, warmth, and high-quality care that define Hillside reflected so clearly in the report.
“Our team works tirelessly to create a nurturing, stimulating environment where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn. It’s wonderful to see the strong relationships between staff and children, our forest school provision, and our focus on personal development recognised so positively.
“We also appreciate Ofsted’s constructive feedback and are already taking steps to strengthen our curriculum monitoring, ensuring we continue to challenge and support every child to reach their full potential.
“This report is a real testament to the passion and dedication of our staff, the trust and partnership of our families, and most of all, the energy, curiosity and resilience of the children we’re privileged to care for.”