The Treehouse Pre-School

Counting coloured lids, balancing on ride-on toys and learning to fasten a coat give The Treehouse Pre-School a practical character. These January 2024 examples connect early learning with things children can handle and do themselves. The setting has capacity for 38 children on Coxhill Way in Aylesbury.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good and judged its safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to four.

In January 2024, activities were shaped around children's interests and development. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for learning, development and care: here, counting during crafts, conversations about stories and outdoor movement illustrate how learning fits into play.

Mathematics had concrete starting points. Children sorted coloured lids during crafts and counted as they climbed steps. Books also prompted discussion about characters' feelings, linking language with understanding emotions.

Daily outdoor activity took place in the pre-school garden, with climbing frames and ride-on toys giving children opportunities to practise balance and coordination. Staff helped children work through disagreements over shared toys. Learning to play together mattered alongside learning to count.

At the January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that the key-person arrangements supported individual needs and that children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, made good progress. Familiar relationships were an important part of that account.

In January 2024, independence included washing hands, clearing dishes, helping tidy and fastening coats. These small tasks gave children practice in managing everyday routines before moving on to school.

Parents' evenings took place each term. Staff also collaborated with professionals, nearby schools and the local authority, while additional funding helped obtain resources for language development and emotional wellbeing. This connected support beyond the setting with children's day-to-day learning.

The address is Coxhill Way, Aylesbury, HP21 8BF. In January 2024, the pre-school used premises within the grounds of Southcourt Baptist Church.

Opening hours at that time were 8.30am to 2.30pm on weekdays during school terms. Funding was accepted for free early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These are dated arrangements rather than a current attendance offer.

• Freedom in adult-led activities. In January 2024, staff sometimes gave too much direction, reducing opportunities for children to revisit skills, think independently and create their own work. Ask how activity planning now gives children more control.
• Term-time routine. The January 2024 opening pattern followed school terms and ended at 2.30pm. How would the current attendance arrangements fit your working day and school holidays?

Treehouse's January 2024 account will appeal to families who value practical independence, conversation and outdoor movement for preschool children. Its Good judgement sits alongside a clear improvement priority: giving children more freedom during adult-led tasks. The dated term-time pattern makes the fit with family routines an important part of the decision.