Hopscotch Pre-School

Tricycles, balancing planks and memories of a farm trip give Hopscotch Pre-School a practical, playful character in its July 2025 snapshot. Based at Village Hall Moira Dale in Castle Donington, it has capacity for 26 children. Children attending in July 2025 were aged two to four; that is an inspection-time age range.

At its 2 July 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the provision Good and found safeguarding effective. The main reservations concerned keeping children engaged in adult-led activities and making staff conversations more challenging.

The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning and care, with play supporting children's language, relationships and development. In July 2025, children had sustained stretches of self-chosen play, including dressing and feeding dolls. Younger children practised naming objects, while older children developed conversation skills.

Mint leaves and lemon-scented dough brought smell, texture and vocabulary together. Staff introduced descriptive language as children explored the materials. Books offered another route into communication: younger children handled them and discussed illustrations, while older children remembered familiar storylines.

Outdoor activity had substance, too. In July 2025, children listened for aircraft and spotted ladybirds during sensory walks. Pedalling tricycles and constructing a balancing course with planks gave them opportunities to exercise and cooperate. Photographs from a farm outing prompted children to recall animals and share their experiences.

In July 2025, children separated confidently from parents, and staff got to know their individual needs. When children became distressed, adults responded promptly with comfort. These relationships gave children someone familiar to turn to.

Everyday routines also encouraged independence. Children cleared their crockery after snacks, and staff supported sharing and turn-taking with praise and gentle reminders. This made expectations concrete rather than relying solely on instructions.

Communication with families in July 2025 included conversations at collection and dedicated parent meetings. Staff shared children's learning and achievements. Team discussions covered children's development and wellbeing, alongside how to arrange activities and the play environment.

The address is Village Hall Moira Dale, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2PJ.

In July 2025, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with Thursday running from 9am to 12.30pm. Attendance operated during term time. That timetable offered a shorter Thursday alongside the longer opening days.

Government-funded children attended in July 2025. This is a dated participation fact, rather than a promise of a funded place.

• Group activity engagement. In July 2025, some adult-led activities required children to sit for too long, and interest faded. At a visit, ask how these activities now accommodate children who need to move or change task.
• Challenge during play. In July 2025, staff did not consistently develop children's ideas through their interactions. Ask for examples of how practitioners extend a child's chosen activity.
• Term-time routine. The July 2025 timetable included a shorter Thursday. How would the current attendance arrangements fit your family's week and holiday childcare needs?

Hopscotch's July 2025 picture suits families drawn to child-chosen play, sensory exploration and active outdoor experiences. Its term-time timetable suited families using the longer opening days as well as those needing the shorter Thursday. Warm relationships were a strength of that snapshot; engagement in group activities and greater challenge during play were the points to examine closely.