Willowdene at Sherfield Park

Raggy the Rabbit gives Willowdene at Sherfield Park a memorable way to talk about behaviour: in January 2023, children used the character to recall nursery rules and think about how they treated their surroundings. Social play was another clear emphasis, with staff joining children's imaginary adventures to encourage interaction.

At its 10 January 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. Based at Sherfield Park Community Centre in Hook, the setting has 40 places in total; children attending in January 2023 were aged two to four.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday meaning can be seen in the January 2023 activities: imaginative play, conversation, stories and opportunities to practise doing things independently.

Dinosaurs appeared in cornflour gloop, while superhero play gave children reasons to collaborate. Staff chose materials around children's interests and joined play to help conversations develop. The garden provided another setting for talking together, alongside indoor story sessions.

Language development needed more consistent attention. In January 2023, staff sometimes missed chances to draw children into conversation during meals. Everyday exchanges mattered as much as planned activities: sharing an idea over lunch was an opportunity to extend learning.

At the January 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding arrangements, effective support for children with SEND and those learning English as an additional language, and good progress across the areas of learning. Communication strategies included Makaton, used to help children communicate and participate.

Relationships gave care its structure in January 2023. Children had close connections with their key person, and staff knew their interests. Parents received developmental updates through conversations, emails and an online assessment tool, giving them several ways to follow their child's learning.

Self-care was developing unevenly. In January 2023, children managed their coats and practised handwashing, but adults sometimes carried out snack-time tasks that children could have attempted themselves. More consistent encouragement of independence was an improvement priority.

Staff support also had a regular rhythm that January: monthly team discussions covered activities and children's development, while termly supervision and access to training supported practitioners' learning. Safeguarding knowledge was refreshed through training and team discussion.

The address is Sherfield Park Community Centre, Sunwood Drive, Hook, RG27 0FP.

In January 2023, opening hours were 8am to 5pm on weekdays, across 51 weeks of the year, with bank-holiday closures. At that time, the nursery received early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. These are dated practical details, rather than a current attendance offer.

• Language in everyday routines. January 2023 improvement priorities included making better use of ordinary conversations. During a visit, ask how meals now help children share ideas and extend their language.
• Doing things independently. Adults sometimes took over manageable snack-time tasks in January 2023. Look for how staff encourage children to try these for themselves.
• Attendance planning. The January 2023 opening pattern spanned weekdays and most of the year. What booking patterns and funded-hour arrangements would fit your child's attendance now?

Willowdene merits consideration from families who value imaginative play, a key-person relationship and practical support for communication. Its January 2023 picture combined engaging activities with clear improvement priorities around conversation and independence. Those everyday details provide useful questions for judging whether the care fits your child.