Hop Skip and Jump Playscheme

The December 2023 account of Hop Skip and Jump Playscheme centres on holiday play, board games and space for a quiet break. Based at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey, it has capacity for 30 children in total.

At its December 2023 inspection, Ofsted recorded that requirements were met, but made no judgement about the quality of early-years provision because no early-years children were present; the findings came from staff discussions, premises checks and documentation. That distinction matters. This was a requirements assessment rather than an evaluation of how younger children learned.

In December 2023, the playscheme catered for children aged 4 to 10. Activities were planned around interests gathered before children started, while children helped choose board games. Those arrangements gave children a say in their play.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care. Here, the December 2023 account included activities shaped around what children needed to learn next, alongside opportunities for play.

During that month, the manager described improved engagement with the outdoor space, where children spent substantial time developing movement skills. Fresh air and exercise also formed part of the account of daily life. These are useful details for families weighing active holiday play against quieter indoor activities.

At the December 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff understood their safeguarding responsibilities, supported by regular training and scenario questions used to test their knowledge.

In December 2023, staff encouraged sharing and turn-taking, and a cosy area offered somewhere quieter for children needing a break. Support for managing emotions therefore included both adult guidance and a physical retreat.

A designated mental health first aider supported children and staff at that time. Staff also reported feeling valued, with attention given to their wellbeing. Healthy snacks formed part of the setting's approach to teaching children about health.

The address is St Peter's Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PZ.

In December 2023, opening hours were 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during school holidays. This described a holiday playscheme rather than a term-time nursery routine, an important distinction for families planning care around the school calendar.

• Holiday-care fit. The December 2023 age range was 4 to 10, with operation during school holidays. Does the current holiday arrangement suit your child's age and the dates you need?
• Quiet space and emotional support. In December 2023, children had a cosy retreat and access to a mental health first aider. On a visit, ask how those arrangements would support your child during a busy holiday day.
• Inspection limits. The December 2023 requirements outcome did not assess early-years quality, because no children in that age range were present. Treat it as a narrower finding when weighing care for a younger child.

For families looking for holiday care with both active play and quieter options, the December 2023 account offers concrete reasons for interest: outdoor movement, child-influenced games and a place to pause. Its requirements outcome has clear limits, however. It supports a discussion about this playscheme rather than a broad judgement about early-years quality.