Willow Children's Centre

In May 2025, a tree house, a mud kitchen and mosaics made from recycled tiles gave Willow Children's Centre a practical, adventurous character. At its May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding and judged safeguarding effective. The detail behind that judgement matters: children had choices about their activities, while staff used their interests to develop learning.

Based at 1a Holbrooke Court, London N7 0BF, Willow has capacity for 70 children aged 6 to 60 months.

In May 2025, outdoor play brought together movement, imagination and discovery. Children climbed a wooden wall, explored the tree house and practised balancing on logs. In the mud kitchen, mixing materials became an experiment in making cement and building walls. The garden gave children several ways to test what their bodies could do.

Making mosaics added a different kind of challenge. Children wore safety glasses to work with hammers and recycled tiles, discussing careful tool use with staff. Counting the sides of the resulting pieces brought mathematics into a purposeful activity.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the May 2025 examples show learning through play, conversation and physical exploration. Around the compost bin, staff introduced vocabulary connected to what children were investigating. Adults spoke at children's level and allowed time for them to process what they heard.

Older children also helped organise activities around their interests and earlier learning. Regular outings extended experiences beyond the nursery, while the planting area prompted conversations about feeding birds and which berries children should avoid eating.

At the May 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that children with SEND or gaps in learning received expert support, with teaching adapted alongside health and education professionals and parents helped to access specialist services. This connected support within the nursery with help beyond it.

In May 2025, care for babies included tummy time and opportunities to practise standing and moving while holding on. These activities prepared babies physically for walking. Staff responded to babies individually and built relationships with their families.

Staff development also supported the day-to-day work. During that month, leaders arranged regular training, and observations of children informed decisions about their next learning steps. Activities could therefore respond to children's development as well as their interests.

The address is Willow Children's Centre, 1a Holbrooke Court, London N7 0BF. Its age range covers babies through to children aged 60 months.

In May 2025, the nursery offered government-funded childcare places and received additional funding for disadvantaged children. This establishes participation at that date, rather than an entitlement for every family.

• Practical adventure. In May 2025, children used hammers and recycled tiles with safety glasses and adult discussion about careful handling. This will appeal to families who value supported experimentation and physical challenge.
• Attendance arrangements. The age range spans 6 to 60 months. At a visit, what booking pattern, funded-hours arrangement and accompanying charges would apply to your child's age and intended attendance?

Willow suits families who value hands-on learning, outdoor exploration and individual attention. In May 2025, practical activities connected language, movement and mathematics, while specialist collaboration helped children needing additional support. The strongest impression is of children taking an active part in their learning.