Elm Tree Nursery

A bear's postcard from Holland and a den assembled with large pegs give Elm Tree Nursery its character: everyday play becomes a reason to talk, think and solve problems. These were features of nursery life in June 2023, when children explored ideas with staff and played alongside friends.

Elm Tree Nursery occupies premises at Elm Tree Primary School in Lowestoft and has capacity for 30 children aged 24 to 59 months. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, with teaching that developed children's language through conversation and activities built around their interests. The improvement priority was practical: giving children more chances to complete everyday tasks themselves.

In June 2023, learning followed the early years foundation stage, the framework for children's learning, development and care: play, conversation and everyday routines provided opportunities to develop skills. Staff planned from children's existing knowledge and interests, rather than treating activities as isolated tasks.

Den building made this concrete. Children considered how to join their materials and remembered that large pegs would help. The nursery bear's holiday postcard prompted conversation about Holland, windmills and pancakes. These examples show how an activity could make room for both problem solving and new vocabulary.

Mathematics also grew out of play in June 2023. Older children discussed hexagons and octagons, while younger children explored number and compared how much sand their buckets held. Physical materials gave abstract ideas something children could handle and describe.

Books supplied another route into language. During June 2023, staff used animated storytelling to hold children's attention and encourage anticipation of what happened next. Adults also extended children's comments during play and repeated speech clearly, giving them examples of how to express their ideas.

Imaginative play gave children something of their own to contribute in June 2023. A seashell prompted talk about hearing the sea, and children brought seagulls into their descriptions. Staff allowed children's ideas to shape the exchange. That made conversation a chance to share an imagined experience as well as answer an adult. Vocabulary teaching reached into play too: adults introduced words including bog and tentacles. The practical value was the connection between unfamiliar language and an activity that already interested the children.

At the June 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and identified SEND support as a strength, with the special educational needs coordinator working with families and external professionals, and nursery staff using additional funding to support individual needs. For parents considering support, the useful detail is that coordination between adults formed part of the approach.

Relationships were visible in children's play in June 2023. Children shared resources, waited for turns and helped friends match pictures during a board game. Staff demonstrated polite conversation and recognised children's achievements, linking expectations about behaviour to ordinary interactions.

Independence was less consistent. In June 2023, children practised putting on shoes and preparing to go outside, but adults took over manageable jobs at snack time. That distinction matters: encouraging persistence during one activity does not replace opportunities to practise throughout the day.

The address is Elm Tree Primary School, Ranworth Avenue, Lowestoft, NR33 9HN. Opening hours are 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the nursery closes for school holidays. Families therefore need childcare arrangements that fit that calendar.

In June 2023, session times were 8.45am to 11.45am and 12.15pm to 3.15pm, with lunch club between 11.45am and 12.15pm. Funded early education for children aged two, three and four also formed part of the offer at that date.

Being based at Elm Tree Primary School does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception applications for the school go through Suffolk County Council, so nursery attendance and the school application are separate decisions.

• Independence in everyday routines. The June 2023 improvement priority concerned adults doing snack-time tasks children could manage. On a visit, ask how children now take responsibility during snacks and other routines.
• The term-time calendar. Opening hours end at 3.15pm and school holidays are closure periods. Consider how that fits your working day and holiday childcare needs.
• Moving into Reception. Sharing a school site does not guarantee admission. Plan for the separate Suffolk County Council application process.

Elm Tree suits families seeking nursery care for this age group within a term-time calendar. Its June 2023 strengths were concrete: conversation threaded through play, mathematical ideas explored with materials, and coordinated support for individual needs. Everyday independence deserves attention alongside those strengths when assessing the nursery today.