Kids Planet Hatchford

Preschool is the whole purpose at Hatchford. Kids Planet Hatchford works closely with nearby Kids Planet Solihull to help children move from nursery into a setting centred on preparing for school. That relationship gives families already using Solihull a practical point of continuity: the two teams coordinate the move, rather than treating preschool as an unrelated fresh start.

Hatchford has 30 places in total and caters for children aged 30 to 60 months. At its November 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and found safeguarding effective. Its strongest character is the combination of school preparation and everyday independence, with learning through conversation, movement and practical play evident during that visit.

The nursery opens on weekdays throughout the year, with a current opening window of 7.30am to 6pm.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care here; in everyday terms, play and ordinary routines become opportunities to practise communication, early mathematics and looking after oneself. Preschool preparation therefore reaches beyond recognising numbers or listening to stories. Taking part, making choices and managing everyday tasks matter too.

In November 2024, staff used children's interests and assessments of their development to decide what to introduce next. Children could choose the direction of their play, while practitioners recognised opportunities to add an idea or skill. For parents, the useful distinction is between simply occupying children and using something that already interests them as a starting point for learning.

A mixing activity during that visit introduced ideas about weight and how much a container held. Children also explored changes when colours and materials were combined. Familiar stories encouraged them to remember events and ask questions, while action songs involved changes in body position and stopping movement with the music. These were practical ways to connect language, thinking and physical activity.

There was a clear limitation alongside that detail. In November 2024, staff often used questions with a short, fixed answer when a more open question could have encouraged children to explain their thinking. Families weighing school preparation should consider the quality of those conversations as well as the activities themselves.

Outdoor and Community Life

Outdoor learning forms part of the group-wide approach used at Hatchford, including exploring wildlife, vegetable growing and active play. These experiences bring observation and movement together: children have things to investigate as well as opportunities to be physically active.

During November 2024, physical activity took place both inside and outdoors. School preparation was not confined to seated activities.

Relationships and Communication

The connection with Kids Planet Solihull is a central part of Hatchford's transition arrangements. Staff across the two settings work together to make the change into preschool familiar. This is useful for children moving between those settings, because coordination can help connect their earlier nursery experience with the next stage.

Famly, the group-wide parent app, provides updates about children's days and is included in the fee. It gives families a channel for following nursery life alongside their child's own account of what happened.

In November 2024, children helped one another find toys, invited friends into play and offered compliments spontaneously. Those small interactions matter for a child learning to join a group: cooperation was being practised through ordinary play, rather than saved for an adult-led discussion.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

Everyday care also supported independence during November 2024. Children managed handwashing and toileting tasks, handed out cups and cleared their plates. Staff discussed toothbrushing and how food helps the body. The practical value is clear: children had opportunities to take responsibility for familiar tasks before moving to school.

Personal space needed more attention at that visit. Adults sometimes reached across children seated at tables, disrupting their involvement in meals or learning activities. This was a specific practice to improve, rather than a reason to overlook the independence children were developing.

The November 2024 staffing snapshot comprised four members of staff, three holding relevant qualifications at level 2 or above. That is a dated picture of the team, rather than a measure of today's group sizes.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is 2 Hatchford Brook Road, Solihull, B92 9AG. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across 52 weeks of the year. For direct enquiries, contact hatchford@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk or telephone 0121 726 1389.

Funding and Paid Extras

Hatchford offers funded childcare as well as paid care. Meals and snacks are included in the fee, alongside non-food essentials including sun cream, wipes and nappies. Food is freshly prepared, with dietary needs accommodated; sports activities and the parent app are also included.

Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation. For families combining funding with paid care, the important decision is the complete arrangement for their child's attendance, rather than the opening window alone.

• Preschool transition. Hatchford and Kids Planet Solihull coordinate children's move between the settings. On a show round, ask how staff introduce a child to the new team and organise their settling period.
• Conversation and personal space. The November 2024 improvement points concerned questions that extend children's answers and adults reaching across children at tables. Ask how these two practices have changed.
• Your attendance and funding arrangement. The nursery opens across 52 weeks and accepts funded childcare. Ask which booking pattern suits your family and how meals, consumables and any paid hours are treated within that particular funded arrangement.

Hatchford suits families seeking a dedicated preschool stage, especially those whose children are moving from Kids Planet Solihull. The coordinated transition is its clearest practical attraction, supported by a November 2024 picture of learning through play and growing independence. The Good judgement provides a useful quality reference; the two specific improvement points give families equally useful questions about daily staff practice. Its weekday, year-round opening will also matter to parents planning care around work.