Brook Green Early Years

Books, climbing and imaginative play gave Brook Green Early Years its character in September 2022: babies explored textured pages, while older children discussed roles in pretend play. At its September 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and safeguarding effective. Later safeguarding action matters to the choice, too.

Based at Hillside Children's Centre in Taunton, the nursery has capacity for 50 children aged 3 to 60 months. That whole-setting figure is separate from the size of any group.

In September 2022, babies practised moving around furniture, tackled a small enclosed slide and explored soft-play equipment beside a mirror. Toddlers played together with miniature toys, while older children developed shared pretend-play stories. These examples show how movement, conversation and imagination fitted into the day.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, September 2022 examples included adults supplying words as babies explored books and pausing during stories so older children could contribute familiar words. Children sometimes chose between indoor and outdoor learning.

There were limits to that practice. In September 2022, adults sometimes ended exploration too soon, and opportunities for older children to solve puzzles or work out how to put on coats were missed. More frequent professional development, especially around problem-solving, was an improvement priority. The practical issue was giving children time to try things themselves.

In September 2022, staff comforted babies, helped children express feelings and sought children's agreement before tidying away activities. Handwashing and oral-care activities supported everyday independence; children practised brushing dolls' teeth. Meals, snacks, water and exercise also formed part of that inspection-era routine.

Communication in September 2022 combined conversations with parents and digital exchanges, while open days let families learn about nursery practice inside the premises.

Ofsted's May 2025 outcome described corrected safeguarding procedures following late notification of an incident, but its December 2025 outcome recorded another notification failure and concerns about applying safeguarding procedures to staff suitability, then confirmed the required action had been met. The repeated issue deserves attention despite the completed action.

The address is Hillside Children's Centre, Eastwick Road, Taunton, TA2 7HD. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas.

In September 2022, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated funding position, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Repeated safeguarding action. The May and December 2025 outcomes both involved notification failures, and the December action was met. Ask how notification deadlines and regular staff-suitability reviews are now monitored.
• Time to work things out. September 2022 improvement priorities concerned staff development and children's independent exploration. A visit is a useful opportunity to discuss how adults now support puzzles and child-led activity.
• Attendance arrangements. The opening window runs from 8am to 6pm on weekdays. Which booking patterns would fit your child's routine?

Brook Green Early Years merits consideration for families seeking weekday childcare in Taunton. Its September 2022 account contains concrete examples of language, physical play and growing independence. The repeated safeguarding issues in 2025 weigh alongside that Good judgement, even though the later action was met.