Hopscotch, Bath

A nursery minibus, horse riding and tennis gave Hopscotch’s youngest learners experiences beyond the usual playroom in November 2022. That outward-looking streak sits alongside a small overall setting: Hopscotch, Bath has capacity for 26 children aged 12 to 60 months.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 8 November 2022 inspection, finding an engaging curriculum while identifying improvements needed in conversations with children and teaching about online safety. Those are useful priorities for families weighing its approach to learning.

In November 2022, the nursery occupied a hall at ground level, with an open-plan layout across a single floor. Children could choose their play and move between activities independently. Small steps at the handwashing tap made everyday self-care accessible to younger children.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: children build skills through play, conversation and everyday routines. In November 2022, younger children explored paint and glue, using spreaders to practise hand movements, while older children ran, jumped and practised pedalling outdoors. A torch activity encouraged exploration of light and shapes; water play introduced mathematical ideas about how much containers could hold.

Outings had substance. In November 2022, a nursery minibus supported exploration beyond the setting, with gym sessions, tennis and horse riding among the experiences offered to all children. These gave children opportunities to try activities beyond their familiar nursery routines.

At the November 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged safeguarding effective and found that staff supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities through collaboration with families and outside agencies. Recommendations from those agencies informed each child’s support.

In November 2022, a buddy arrangement between key people helped practitioners exchange information about children. The single-floor layout also helped adults and children get to know one another. Calm conversations and gentle reminders supported sharing and taking turns, rather than leaving children to manage disagreements alone.

Communication with parents combined conversations, electronic updates and meetings in November 2022, including ideas for continuing learning at home. Practitioners used tablets to log observations and track development. Although screens were turned away to shield children from advertisements, teaching children how to stay safe online remained an improvement priority.

The address is 98 Wellsway, Bath, BA2 4SD. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, with an earlier 4pm finish on Friday. The nursery opens throughout the year and closes on bank holidays. That shorter Friday needs to fit the family’s working week.

In November 2022, funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise about a family’s entitlement or attendance arrangement.

• Friday finish. Closing time is 4pm on Fridays. Families needing care later that afternoon should weigh this against their weekly schedule.
• Conversation and digital safety. In November 2022, some questions came too quickly and left little room for children to expand their answers; online-safety teaching also needed development. At a visit, ask how everyday practice now addresses both priorities.
• Attendance and funding. The opening week includes a shorter Friday, and funded education formed part of the November 2022 offer. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your child?

Hopscotch suits families who value a small overall setting and the combination of practical play with experiences beyond the nursery described in November 2022. Its buddy key-person arrangement and family communication were useful features of that account. The earlier Friday finish is a concrete constraint; the communication and online-safety priorities deserve attention alongside the Good judgement.