Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Hereford
Highmore Hedgehogs is a small, family-friendly nursery established in May 2000 as part of the Westfields Community Hall in Hereford. As a registered charity, we operate as a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable childcare for children aged 18 months and older. Our purpose-built facility features a spacious playroom, a dedicated quiet area, and a large garden with views over Hereford racecourse, enabling free-flow outdoor access throughout the day. We maintain a maximum capacity of 30 children per session to ensure personalised care and employ 10 trained staff members, including qualified professionals with Foundation Degrees and Early Years qualifications.Our play-based curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, incorporating diverse activities such as art, construction, and sensory play. We utilise an electronic learning journal (Tapestry) to track child development and facilitate real-time parent engagement. Regular staff training ensures ongoing professional development, while flexible session times accommodate diverse family needs. Our SENCO specialist provides tailored support for children with additional needs, and we maintain strong partnerships with parents through keyperson systems and progress reviews.
Services
Childcare Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Flexible Session Times
Outdoor Learning Activities
Learning Journals
Progress Assessments
SEN Support
Parent Engagement Sessions
Early Years Foundation Stage
Electronic Learning Updates
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer non-profit childcare services committed to affordability.
- Our staff hold Foundation Degrees and Early Years qualifications.
- We provide flexible session times to accommodate family needs.
- Our nursery features a large garden with views over Hereford racecourse.
- We use an electronic learning journal for real-time parent updates.
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity (1148296)
Services
Childcare Services
We provide high-quality childcare for children aged 18 months and older in a safe, stimulating environment. Our services combine structured activities with free play, supporting physical, social, and cognitive development through the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Qualified staff ensure individualised care.
Play-Based Curriculum
Our curriculum uses play as the primary learning method, incorporating painting, construction, sensory activities, and outdoor exploration. This approach develops creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction while aligning with national early years educational standards for holistic child development.
Flexible Session Times
We offer morning sessions from 8am-11:30am, afternoon sessions from 12:30pm-4pm, and lunchtime care. Parents can choose start times at 8am, 8:30am, or 9am, with flexible arrangements available to meet specific family requirements.
Outdoor Learning
Children access a large patio and garden area freely throughout the day, featuring natural play opportunities with views over Hereford racecourse. Outdoor activities promote physical development, environmental awareness, and unstructured creative play in all weather conditions.
Learning Journals
We use Tapestry, an electronic learning journal, to document children's development through observations, photographs, and assessments. Parents receive real-time updates via a secure app and can contribute personal comments and media to support continuous learning.
People
Dawn Merriman
Manager
Dawn holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years Education and oversees nursery operations. With extensive experience in childcare management, she ensures high educational standards and compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining strong parent relationships.
Molly Williams
Deputy Manager
Molly, currently on maternity leave, possesses a Foundation Degree in Early Years Education. She supports nursery management and curriculum implementation, focusing on staff development and maintaining quality care standards during her tenure.
Kelly Benjamin
Deputy Room Leader
Kelly holds a Foundation Degree in Early Years Education and manages classroom activities. She specialises in creating engaging learning environments and supporting staff in delivering the play-based curriculum effectively.
Lauren Thompson
Assistant Room Leader
Lauren, covering maternity leave, has Qualified Teacher Status in Early Years and Primary Education. She focuses on classroom organisation, activity planning, and ensuring educational continuity within the nursery's framework.
Debbie Chidlow
SENCO/Nursery Practitioner
Debbie holds an NVQ/Cache Diploma Level 3 and specialises in special educational needs. She develops individualised support plans and collaborates with parents and external professionals to address children's specific developmental requirements.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from 18 months old up to school reception year, providing age-appropriate care and educational activities.
What are your opening hours?
We operate Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm, offering both term-time and stretched care options with flexible session arrangements available.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes staff with Foundation Degrees, QTS (Early Years & Primary), and NVQ/Cache qualifications up to Level 3, ensuring professional expertise in early years education.
How do you track child development?
We use Tapestry electronic learning journals for real-time progress tracking, allowing parents to view updates and contribute observations securely via mobile app.
Do you offer outdoor activities?
Yes, our large garden with racecourse views provides continuous outdoor access for physical play, nature exploration, and weather-independent learning experiences.
How can I enrol my child?
Contact us via telephone at 01432 273861 or complete our online enquiry form to discuss availability and arrange a visit to our nursery facilities.
