Hassockmoor Childcare & Out of School Club

In May 2023, Hassockmoor's activities included climbing equipment for babies and toddlers, books with sensory pages and water play shaped around children's interests. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good and found that children made good progress, although staff interactions needed greater consistency.

Based at The Old School in Barrington, the setting has 51 places in total. In May 2023, children attending ranged from birth to 11 years, spanning early years care and the older-child provision reflected in its name.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: the day brings these together through play, conversation and practical activities. In May 2023, staff responded to children's interests by arranging climbing equipment for younger children and water activities for older ones. Traditions, seasonal changes and celebrations also formed part of learning.

Books offered an accessible starting point. In May 2023, younger children chose books themselves and explored textured pages with adult help, while babies returned independently to familiar pictures. Everyday routines also gave children opportunities to practise independence: using cutlery, pouring drinks and looking after their belongings in personalised bags.

Community activity extended beyond the children's daily routines. In May 2023, open evenings, exhibitions of children's art and family social events formed part of efforts to rebuild local connections. These gave families ways to take part in the setting's life.

In May 2023, key people helped children settle into routines, with careful support for newcomers. Staff followed children's interests with parents, tracked learning and shared next steps; home-learning packs carried activities beyond the setting. Daily communication and parents' evenings provided further opportunities to discuss development.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to recognise and report welfare concerns, risk assessments guiding practice and procedures supporting safe movement around the premises. Children also received explanations about behaviour that could hurt others.

In May 2023, staff development included training opportunities and support from a life coach for wellbeing. This sat alongside attention to keeping workloads manageable.

The address is The Old School, Water Street, Barrington, Somerset TA19 0JR. In May 2023, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with operation throughout the year.

At that time, the setting received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This describes the inspection-era arrangement rather than a current entitlement or attendance offer.

• Conversation and concentration. In May 2023, interactions varied between staff, and some children lost concentration, limiting opportunities to develop language. Ask how staff now sustain conversations and help children stay engaged.
• Early years and older-child care. Children attending in May 2023 ranged from birth to 11 years. During a visit, ask how your child's age group is organised and which attendance and funding arrangements would fit your family.

Hassockmoor merits consideration for families who value learning built around children's interests and regular communication with parents. Its May 2023 picture combines practical independence, responsive play and family involvement. Consistency in adult interaction is the key point to explore: the activities matter, but so does the conversation that accompanies them.