Highfield Hoppers Ltd

Inspection of Highfield Hoppers Ltd Alsager Highfields Cp School, Fairview Avenue, Alsager, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST7 2NW

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

The programme of learning offered is broad and fun and supports children's thirst to learn. Staff deliver sessions called 'forest fun' to teach children about nature. For instance, with close supervision, children enjoy picking wild berries and talk about how fruit grows. Staff discuss with children how and why bees and wasps pollinate. Through their curiosity and intrigue, coupled with quality teaching, children develop a sound understanding of the world around them. Staff recognise their role as teachers and their participation in children's play is focused and targeted. They make suggestions to guide and extend learning. For instance, during role play, staff encourage children to make five cups of tea and share their imaginary cake 'equally and fairly' among their friends. Children develop their mathematical counting and numeracy skills through this largely imaginative game.

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The provision is good

Children show maturity in their social skills as they begin to negotiate with each other and play cooperatively. For example, staff encourage children to take turns during a game of hide and seek. They work as a team to find their friends and show fairness and respect in their playful interactions. Staff join in this game and children relish the excitement and enjoyment this cooperative play offers. Staff promote children's good health and plan activities to enhance children's physical activity. Children have frequent opportunities to play outdoors and enjoy daily fresh air and exercise. Trips to local parks and walks to the nearby amenities extend children's physical movement. Furthermore, children enjoy healthy and nutritious breakfasts and snacks. Children begin to understand the importance of healthy eating and are eager to try new foods, such as blueberries, for the first time. Children who attend this setting are supported to be happy, curious, resilient and

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need to do better?

n Routines are consistently implemented by staff and well understood by children of all ages. Everyone knows what to do and what is expected of them. As such, the setting runs smoothly and day-to-day tasks are completed with ease. Children are cooperative, helpful and polite. n Relationships shared between children and staff are based on a secure foundation of respect and kindness. Staff lavish children with plenty of praise and encouragement, which successfully builds their confidence and self-esteem. n Staff plan a wide range of high-quality activities and games. Each activity has clear purpose and intent, to build on what children already know and can do. This means children receive increasing levels of challenge in their play and make good progress. n Every child's uniqueness is celebrated in this truly inclusive setting. Staff adapt and carefully differentiate their practice to meet children's differing needs and

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need to do better?

8 August 2025 abilities, and everyone is supported to flourish and reach their full potential. n Partnerships with parents are good. Staff use many ways to communicate with parents. For instance, they share updates and photos about children's experiences securely online. Detailed verbal discussions are valued by both staff and parents to share information about children's ever-changing care needs. Effective and open communication helps to ensure parents are kept up to date and promotes consistency for children. n Staff continually talk to children and ask interesting questions. They support older children to engage in back-and-forth conversations, sharing their opinions and ideas. Younger children hear plenty of new words in this language-rich environment, and their emerging language skills are equally well supported. n Families benefit from the expertise of experienced and suitably qualified leaders

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need to do better?

and managers, who strive to create a happy and safe space for children. Leaders and staff meet collectively in productive staff meetings. Together, they frequently reflect on the quality of the provision and identify areas to develop. This collaborative self-evaluation works well to drive improvements and benefits the children and families who attend. n Staff and leaders recognise the value and importance of ongoing training. They engage in some professional development. However, this is not always targeted in areas that would most benefit their practice and, therefore, have the greatest impact on children. n Staff are enthusiastic teachers, and their energy successfully promotes children's enjoyment in learning. However, sometimes, staff distract children with new tasks before their play concludes. This occasionally interrupts children's deep focus and concentration.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n extend the programme of professional development to enhance staff's skills even more, in order to impact on outcomes for children n help staff to understand how to minimise distractions to ensure children have opportunity to fully focus and engage in sustained concentration.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY338686 Local authority Cheshire East Inspection number 10399032 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 46 Number of children on roll 93 Name of registered person Highfields Hoppers Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01270 878205 Date of previous inspection 18 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Highfield Hoppers Ltd registered in 2006. The setting employs 11 members of childcare staff, eight of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The manager holds an appropriate early years qualification at level 6. The setting opens Monday to Friday and sessions are from 7.45am until 6pm. The setting provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The provider and inspector completed a learning walk. They discussed how the environment is organised and how the curriculum is designed. n The inspector spoke with children and staff at appropriate times during the inspection and considered their views and comments. n The inspector observed interactions between staff and children, indoors and outdoors, and considered the impact of teaching on children's learning. n The inspector took account of parents' comments. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working at the setting.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

8 August 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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