Willow Tree Nursery

Fifteen places give Willow Tree Nursery a small whole-setting scale, with children aged two to five accepted at its Hayes address. At its August 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective.

The strongest detail from that period is practical: planting seeds, recycling, storytelling and outdoor movement. The same assessment raised two useful cautions for families: adults directed too much of the activity, and younger children needed more chances to manage everyday tasks themselves.

In August 2022, children explored colour and texture by making pretend ice creams with craft materials. Brushes and play dough gave them opportunities to practise hand control, while slides, scooters and ball games brought movement into the day. These activities connected creative play with skills needed for everyday tasks.

The early years foundation stage is the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday meaning was visible in the August 2022 activities: stories supported language, counting songs introduced numbers, and garden hopscotch linked number recognition with movement.

During that period, staff used changes of voice and props to bring stories to life. Family photographs prompted conversations about cultural differences, while religious and cultural occasions introduced children to experiences beyond their own households. Planting and recycling connected learning with food production and caring for the planet.

In August 2022, staff knew children individually, and children formed close bonds with them. Morning greetings and conversations about feelings created opportunities to talk about emotions. Parents received daily written updates covering care and learning, alongside ideas for activities at home.

Staff development also featured in August 2022: the manager discussed workloads and arranged support, and autism training had expanded staff understanding. Safety practice included training, checks of equipment and premises, and CCTV throughout the nursery.

At that time, meals and snacks were balanced, and staff discussed healthy eating with children. Stories about looking after teeth added an everyday health message. Older children managed coats and shoes independently; younger children had fewer opportunities to practise self-care during eating routines.

Willow Tree Nursery is based at The Apostolic Church, Willow Tree Lane, Hayes, UB4 9BB. It has capacity for 15 children aged two to five.

Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures. This gives families a broad daily opening window.

In August 2022, the nursery accepted funding for free early years education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation detail, rather than a promise of an individual funded place.

• Children's choices. In August 2022, adults directed much of the activity. At a visit, ask how children now choose and develop their own play.
• Everyday independence. Younger children had fewer chances to manage tasks at meals and snacks in August 2022. Ask how staff support self-care for a child starting at two.
• Attendance and costs. The nursery opens across the year. Which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements would fit your week, and what would your written quotation cover?

Willow Tree Nursery suits families seeking a small setting for children aged two to five, with weekday opening across the year. Its August 2022 account combines hands-on learning, outdoor activity and regular parent communication. The central decision is how today's daily routine balances adult guidance with children's choices and growing independence.