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Business Details
Quality Childcare in Chard, Somerset
Established in Chard, Somerset, Holyrood Playgroup has been providing high-quality childcare services for over three decades. Our dedicated team creates a nurturing environment where children aged 2 to school age learn through play, following The Foundation Stage guidelines set by the government. We offer both indoor and outdoor learning experiences, including a sensory garden, mud kitchen, and timber trail, to support holistic development. As an Ofsted-registered provider, we are approved to deliver funded early years education for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. Our experienced staff, including NVQ-qualified professionals with decades of experience, ensure each child receives personalized care and educational support.

We maintain strong partnerships with families, offering flexible session times from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Our curriculum changes seasonally, incorporating themed activities like painting, cooking, and nature exploration to keep learning engaging. We prioritize creating a bright, welcoming space where children feel safe to explore their creativity and develop social skills. Our commitment to quality childcare has made us a trusted choice for local families since 1990. We continuously update our practices to align with the latest educational standards while maintaining our core philosophy of learning through play.
Services
Childcare Services Early Years Education Outdoor Learning Activities Funded Places Play-Based Learning Seasonal Themed Programs Flexible Session Times
Highlights and features
  • We have 27 years of experience delivering childcare services in Chard
  • Our NVQ Level 3 qualified staff provide expert early years education
  • We offer seasonal themed learning activities aligned with government guidelines
  • Our outdoor spaces include sensory gardens and timber trails for active play
  • We provide government-funded places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds
Associations and certifications
  • Ofsted
Services
Childcare Services
We provide structured childcare for children aged 2 to school age in a safe, stimulating environment. Our qualified staff deliver play-based learning programs that support early childhood development across all key areas. Sessions run Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm with flexible booking options available.
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows The Foundation Stage guidelines, offering educational activities that prepare children for school. We combine structured learning with free play, focusing on communication, physical development, and personal, social and emotional growth through themed weekly topics.
Outdoor Learning
Children explore our outdoor spaces featuring sensory gardens, mud kitchens, and timber trails. These areas support hands-on learning about nature, seasons, and mini-beasts while developing motor skills through climbing, digging, and creative play in natural environments.
Funded Places
We offer government-funded childcare places for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds. Our Ofsted-registered provision allows parents to claim up to 15 hours weekly funding, making quality early years education more accessible and affordable for local families.
Seasonal Programs
Our curriculum follows seasonal themes with weekly topics like Christmas celebrations, springtime exploration, and summer seaside adventures. These changing themes keep learning fresh and exciting while developing children's creativity, knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
People
Tessa Spiller
Supervisor
With 27 years of experience at Holyrood Playgroup, Tessa holds an NVQ Level 3 in Child Care & Education. She has progressed from parent and committee member to assistant and now supervisor since 1990.
Louise Clarke
Pre-School Assistant
Qualified with a Level 3 BTEC in Early Years, Louise brings passion for music and rugby to her childcare work. She enjoys outdoor activities with her family and has extensive experience working with young children.
Emma Halford
Pre-School Assistant
Emma moved to Chard from Southampton where she worked in preschools for six years. As a mother of five, she returned to work after maternity leave, bringing both professional and personal childcare experience.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from 2 years old up to school age, providing a continuous learning journey through early childhood development stages.
Do you offer government-funded places?
Yes, we're registered to provide funded childcare for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds through the government's early years entitlement scheme.
What are your operating hours?
Our sessions run Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, with flexible booking options available to suit family needs.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
We have a comprehensive outdoor learning space featuring sensory gardens, mud kitchens, timber trails, and areas for physical play and nature exploration.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes NVQ Level 3 qualified professionals with extensive childcare experience, ensuring high-quality care and education for all children.
Reviews (1)
Tessa Spiller
Apr 29, 2017 Report
My grandchildren really enjoyed there time at Holyrood Playgroup they learnt so much and the outside area is amazing, you should all check it out.