Buttercups Chiswick Lane

In May 2023, tree climbing, real tools and home-grown herbs gave Buttercups Chiswick Lane a practical, exploratory character. At its Homefields Park setting, outdoor discoveries formed part of the learning, rather than simply providing a break from it.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 5 May 2023 inspection. It has capacity for 42 children; in May 2023, the children attending were aged two to four. The strongest examples from that visit combine children's own ideas with everyday responsibilities.

In May 2023, children climbed trees in The Burrow and handled real tools, learning to consider hazards and make their activities safer. Garden construction involved logs and pallets, with children devising structures for balancing. These experiences gave them something concrete to plan, test and reconsider.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 examples included practical exploration, conversation and ordinary household tasks: children helped with laundry and bed-making, bringing useful life skills into the day.

Growing vegetables and observing animal life cycles connected different discoveries. In May 2023, children drew on earlier learning about growth when considering new examples. Storytelling also involved predicting endings and proposing alternatives, giving children opportunities to develop ideas rather than simply listen.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and linked children's exceptional progress to key persons' detailed understanding of their individual learning needs. That is a dated assessment of both protection and developmental support.

In May 2023, settling arrangements were adapted to each child's circumstances. Staff helped children work through disagreements and reach peaceful solutions, while close relationships supported their sense of security.

Communication support that May included visual prompts, gestures, more singing and storytelling. Staff also worked with parents on toilet training and oral hygiene, helping home and nursery routines support the same goals. Training plans and continuing attention to practice supported staff development.

The address is Homefields Park, Chiswick Lane, London W4 2QA.

In May 2023, opening hours were 8am to 6pm on weekdays, with the nursery operating throughout the year. At that time, it received funding for free early education for children aged two, three and four. These are inspection-era arrangements, rather than a current booking offer.

• Attendance arrangements. The May 2023 opening window covered weekdays across the year. Which current attendance pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family?
• Practical risk-taking. The Burrow's May 2023 activities included tree climbing and real tools. Consider whether this hands-on approach matches the experiences you want for your child.
• The date of the judgement. The Outstanding assessment dates to May 2023. Treat its detailed examples as a picture of practice at that time when weighing the nursery today.

The May 2023 account of Buttercups Chiswick Lane will appeal to parents drawn to practical exploration, outdoor learning and children taking an active role in everyday tasks. Those historical examples give that character substance: garden construction, growing plants and thoughtful conversations all contributed to the day. Learning and care worked together in that account, making it a useful picture of the nursery at that time.