The Hillside Barn

The Hillside Barn, operated by Talbot, Maxine Louise under license number 2518555, provides sessional day care services for up to 16 children in Little Waltham.

There are a total of 16 places across 1 providers in Little Waltham.

Our Child Caring UK team has prepared this review so you can be more informed before enrolling your child in The Hillside Barn.

Table of Contents

🌟  Overall Effectiveness

The Hillside Barn has an overall score of 1. 1 of providers in Little Waltham share the same score.

The childcare effectiveness rating provides a holistic evaluation of education quality, behavior and attitudes, personal growth, and leadership and management. It measures how effectively providers supports children’s needs, guaranteeing their safety, well-being, and progress in learning and development.

The effectiveness of provision areas working together to create a supportive environment is a key focus for Ofsted inspectors. A strong rating ensures that children experience high-quality care, build essential skills, and are well-prepared for their educational journey.

An outstanding rating is awarded when The Hillside Barn excels in every area, delivering a strong curriculum, exceptional teaching, and a continuous drive for improvement. Leaders must inspire a culture of ambition and high expectations, fostering a well-managed and enriching environment for children.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of October 21, 2021.

👩‍🏫  Quality of Education

The Hillside Barn has a score of 1. 100% of providers in Little Waltham share the same score.

The quality of education rating for childcare in the UK reflects how effectively providers support children’s development within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It looks at teaching effectiveness, curriculum suitability, and the learning progress children make.

Ofsted inspectors examine the quality of activities, the development of children’s skills and knowledge, and their preparedness for the next stage of learning. Exceptional childcare environments foster curiosity through engaging and enriching educational experiences.

To secure an outstanding rating, The Hillside Barn must provide a well-planned and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all children. Teaching should be highly effective, promoting strong progress, with staff showcasing expertise in child development and fostering excellent relationships with both children and parents.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of October 21, 2021.

🎭  Behaviour & Attitudes

The Hillside Barn has a score of 1 for behaviour. 100% of providers in Little Waltham share the same score.

In the UK, the behavior and attitudes rating for childcare evaluates how effectively children develop positive behaviors, self-regulation, and respect for others. It considers their confidence, motivation, and engagement in learning, as well as their ability to build strong relationships with both peers and adults.

Ofsted inspectors evaluate the ways in which staff model positive behavior, support children’s emotional well-being, and establish clear expectations. A high rating demonstrates that children feel secure, appreciated, and consistently show positive attitudes in their daily interactions.

Achieving an outstanding rating requires The Hillside Barn to foster a peaceful, respectful, and supportive setting where children exhibit high levels of focus, resilience, and emotional regulation. Staff must provide clear guidance, employ effective emotional support techniques, and encourage a culture of kindness and inclusivity.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of October 21, 2021.

🌱  Personal Development

The Hillside Barn has a score of 1 for personal development. 100% of providers in Little Waltham share the same score.

The UK’s personal development rating for childcare measures how well The Hillside Barn supports children’s overall growth, including their emotional, social, and physical development. It highlights the importance of confidence, independence, resilience, and awareness of healthy lifestyles and the wider world.

Ofsted inspectors assess how childcare settings foster positive relationships, embrace diversity, and instill respect for others. High-quality provision helps children develop strong social skills, self-awareness, and a sense of personal responsibility.

An outstanding rating is awarded when The Hillside Barn establishes an environment that promotes children’s well-being and prepares them for future learning. This involves creating opportunities for children to follow their interests, build resilience, and develop positive habits in a safe, inclusive space.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of October 21, 2021.

👩🏻‍💻  Leadership & Management

The Hillside Barn has a score of 1 for personal development. 100% of providers in Little Waltham share the same score.

In the UK, the leadership and management rating for childcare evaluates how well leaders oversee and enhance the quality of care and education. It examines their ability to support staff, uphold regulatory compliance, and sustain high standards throughout the setting.

The assessment of leadership by Ofsted inspectors includes evaluating how clearly leaders set expectations, how effectively they engage with staff and parents, and how well they foster an inclusive environment. A strong leadership team ensures a structured, child-centered setting that promotes continuous improvement.

Securing an outstanding rating requires leaders to demonstrate a clear and ambitious vision, offer exceptional staff training, and uphold high expectations. They must proactively address challenges, creating a safe and enriching setting that supports children’s growth and development.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of October 21, 2021.

💼  Ownership & Operations

The Hillside Barn is licensed to provide sessional day care for up to 16 children in Essex, Little Waltham.

The Hillside Barn is owned by Talbot, Maxine Louise, which operates 3 facilities in the UK. The Hillside Barn takes contributes 25.8% of total capacity for Talbot, Maxine Louise.

Single-location providers often concentrate their efforts on one setting, ensuring dedicated resources and personalized attention. In contrast, larger providers benefit from greater access to advanced training, enhanced facilities, and structured curriculums. They can also maintain consistent standards across multiple sites, offering flexibility for families who move or need adaptable childcare options.

Choosing The Hillside Barn for your child should involve more than just reviewing its background or size. Visiting the setting, asking relevant questions, and ensuring the program meets your child’s unique needs are essential steps in making a confident decision.

📜 Registry

The Hillside Barn is listed in the Early Years Register and Compulsory Childcare Register.

  • ✅ The Early Years Register (EYR) is a mandatory register maintained by Ofsted for childcare providers who care for children from birth to five years old. The Hillside Barn is listed in the Early Years Register.
  • ✅ The Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) in the UK is for childcare providers caring for children aged 5 to 7 years. Registration is mandatory for those offering childcare services to this age group for more than two hours a day, either on or off school premises. The Hillside Barn is listed in the Compulsory Childcare Register.
  • ❌ The Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR) in the UK is an optional register for childcare providers who care for children over the age of 8 or those providing care for less than two hours a day for younger children. The Hillside Barn is not listed in the Voluntary Childcare Register.

If The Hillside Barn is not what you are looking for, use the below search bar below to find another facility in Little Waltham or elsewhere.