The Willows Daycare

Windfall apples, a makeshift shelter and an imaginary bus journey give The Willows Daycare a recognisable character: children have room to invent, investigate and keep trying. These were June 2025 experiences, with adults joining the play and extending conversations rather than directing every step.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding on 25 June 2025. Based at The Willows Children's Centre in Ipswich, it accepts children from one month to five years old.

In June 2025, personal, social and emotional development shaped the curriculum, with children's interests helping determine activities. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, play brought conversation, cooperation and practical problem-solving together. Some principles of the curiosity approach also informed the curriculum, alongside opportunities to investigate with authentic resources.

The large outdoor learning space supported sustained imaginative play. Children worked out together how to toast windfall apples on their make-believe bonfire beneath a makeshift shelter. They also persevered in attaching apples to sticks. Elsewhere, a make-believe bus ride involved inviting friends and adults aboard and using golden coins as fares. These examples show the practical value of open-ended resources: children could make decisions and develop a shared game.

Babies' June 2025 activities included trampolines, water play and learning to operate a spinner. Singing and dancing sessions gave children opportunities to participate together, while frequent conversations encouraged them to ask questions and practise vocabulary.

At its June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found teaching Outstanding, safeguarding effective and children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), making sustained progress through support tailored to their needs.

In June 2025, staff reviewed individual development and discussed it in briefings before planning children's next learning experiences. Additional funding addressed gaps in learning, and SEND support plans involved others contributing to each child's development. Staff also used training to extend their knowledge.

Relationships had practical substance. During June 2025, parents were encouraged to share developmental information, offered learning and story sacks for home use, and invited to participate in children's activities. Staff used respectful language and consistent expectations with children. For babies, individual routines included cots, familiar comforters and cuddles when they needed sleep.

The address is The Willows Children's Centre, Magdalene Close, Ipswich, IP2 9UX. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures.

In June 2025, session times ran from 8am to 6pm, and the nursery provided government-funded early education for eligible children. Eligibility remained a condition of that provision.

• Learning through invention. June 2025 activities included pretend journeys and collaborative outdoor games. This gives families a concrete picture of the play-led experiences to weigh against their child's interests.
• Settling and sleep. Babies' individual routines were respected in June 2025. At a visit, how would settling arrangements accommodate your child's current sleep and comfort routines?

The Willows merits consideration for families who value imaginative outdoor play, conversation and individual attention to children's learning. Its June 2025 examples are persuasive because they connect ordinary materials with sustained activity, cooperation and problem-solving. For working families, weekday opening from 8am to 6pm across the year is another practical strength.