The Willow Children's Centre

Communication and practical independence gave the March to May 2023 judgement a clear character. The Willow Children's Centre is an open, full-day setting on Barnhill Road in Wembley, with capacity for 98 children. Its latest published inspection judged overall effectiveness Good, with Good judgements across education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

During March to May 2023, staff adapted to children's individual needs and built on their experiences at home. Sign language, visual prompts and simple gestures were part of communication for children with SEND and children learning English as an additional language.

The Early Years Foundation Stage, usually shortened to EYFS, sets the standards for children's learning, development and care from birth to five. It means children learn through play, relationships and everyday experiences as they develop before school.

In March to May 2023, core books gave each age range a shared thread. After We're Going on a Bear Hunt, children used a bear in mark-making and explored mud and grass in their pictures. Babies made sandwiches, while older children examined tomato seeds with a magnifying glass and planted them in the garden. Daily exercise took place in a vast garden space.

In March to May 2023, quiet spaces supported children receiving targeted help with their key person or other professionals. Communication tools gave even very young children another route to express needs, including babies using signs to communicate hunger.

Daily toothbrushing after lunch and a rolling snack-time routine were intended to strengthen independence. Two improvement priorities were also set: more support for younger children, including those with SEND, to develop self-care during routines, and closer checks that training had been understood and carried into practice.

Safeguarding arrangements were effective in March to May 2023. The inspection described staff knowledge of welfare concerns, recruitment checks, daily risk assessments and a secure building.

The nursery is on Barnhill Road, Wembley, HA9 9YP. It operates weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 throughout the year and has capacity for 98 children.

The March to May 2023 inspection recorded early-education funding for children aged two, three and four. Current nursery-specific prices are supplied in the provider's written quotation.

• Age and room fit. The March to May 2023 inspection covered children aged one to four. Discuss the current age range and room arrangement for the child before deciding.
• Attendance pattern. The setting's published operating window is weekdays, 08:00 to 18:00, all year. Clarify the bookable pattern that fits the family.
• Inspection priorities. Self-care during routines and staff follow-through after training were the 2023 improvement priorities. Explore how these areas work in practice now.

The Willow Children's Centre suits families looking for weekday full-day care with an all-year operating window, and who place weight on communication tools, practical independence and outdoor activity. Its latest published inspection was Good; the dated detail is strongest for families who want to discuss the current age and booking arrangement directly before deciding.