The Willows Day Care Nursery

Animal sounds for babies and questions about pink flamingos for older children give a concrete picture of learning at The Willows Day Care Nursery in Soham. In February 2022, these experiences brought conversation into play, with staff adjusting the detail to children's stage of development.

At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall. The setting has 68 places in total and accepts children aged 3–60 months, at Mereside, Soham, CB7 5EE.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: play supports communication, physical development and growing independence. In February 2022, stories, songs and conversations gave children opportunities to hear and try unfamiliar words. Babies listened to animal names and sounds; older children explored explanations about the natural world.

Outdoor play had tangible materials to work with. In February 2022, toddlers and older children used real bricks in pretend garage-building, explored sand and practised balance on climbing equipment. These experiences brought imaginative play and physical movement together.

Babies also spent time outdoors each day that February, but their choices were narrower. Expanding outdoor experiences for babies was an improvement priority, especially for those who preferred learning outside. That distinction matters for families weighing the youngest children's day, rather than judging the outdoor offer solely by activities for older children.

At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, positive work with parents and staff who recognised additional learning needs and coordinated support with families and other professionals. These findings give a dated assessment of care and inclusion alongside the overall grade.

In February 2022, staff exchanged information with parents about children's interests and development at home, alongside updates about their nursery day. This made communication a two-way exchange: family knowledge could inform the experiences staff planned.

Home languages also had a place that February. Children could choose the language they used for a greeting during singing together, giving them a way to bring familiar language into a shared activity. Babies received cuddles and encouragement as they experimented with speech and walking.

Mereside, Soham, CB7 5EE is the address for this nursery. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It operates across the year, closing for bank holidays and a week at Christmas.

In February 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for three- and four-year-olds. Current prices come in the nursery's written quotation.

• Babies outdoors. Broadening babies' outdoor experiences was a February 2022 improvement priority. On a visit, ask how outdoor activities now cater for babies who prefer being outside.
• Staff interactions. In February 2022, managers needed to evaluate interactions more closely and give staff useful feedback. Ask how observation and feedback now shape everyday practice.
• Funding and everyday costs. Funded education for three- and four-year-olds formed part of the February 2022 offer. What would a current written quotation include for funded hours, meals and everyday consumables?

The Willows suits Soham families seeking care from babyhood onwards and weekday opening extending from early morning into the evening. Its February 2022 assessment gives useful grounds for considering it, while the outdoor experience for babies and the oversight of staff interactions deserve specific attention during a visit.