Apple Tree Day Nursery, Hilbaldstow

Garden apples became pie ingredients, while children helped check their play spaces as safety spies: Apple Tree Day Nursery, Hilbaldstow had a practical, participatory character in August 2022. Everyday activities gave children reasons to investigate, talk and take responsibility.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding at its 10 August 2022 inspection. It currently has capacity for 52 children, with an accepted age range of 3 to 60 months.

In August 2022, children's interests shaped learning. A garden insect hunt prompted new vocabulary and identification using books; curiosity about an unfamiliar animal led to research on an iPad. These were opportunities to connect questions with information, rather than simply move through activities.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the August 2022 examples included learning through stories, exploration and practical tasks. Children gathered garden apples for baking and prepared produce for others, using a child-sized kitchen equipped with utensils and a working sink. Cooking connected healthy eating with hands-on experience.

Eye-level clocks also helped children understand the day's routines in August 2022. The daily safety spies activity involved selected children helping adults inspect rooms and the garden before play, giving them a concrete role in recognising hazards.

At the August 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, strong support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and rapid developmental progress. Staff understood how to raise concerns about children or colleagues, while communication with families and external agencies supported inclusion.

In August 2022, settling arrangements followed each child's home routines and individual needs. Babies received affectionate care alongside songs and stories, while consistent learning sequences helped children move between rooms and prepare for school.

Family communication extended beyond parents in August 2022: grandparents could access the secure app, creating opportunities to talk about nursery experiences at home. Families also took part in Christmas tree singing and an evening for parents of children leaving the nursery.

The address is 18 Brigg Road, Hibaldstow, Brigg, DN20 9PD. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with a Christmas closure.

In August 2022, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of a funded place today.

• Time since the inspection. The Outstanding judgement dates to August 2022. A visit should explore how the settling arrangements, practical learning and family communication work now.
• Funding and daily costs. Funded early education was offered in August 2022. What would your proposed attendance pattern include, and how would meals and consumables be handled?

Apple Tree suits families who value practical exploration and close communication about their child's day. Its August 2022 strengths lay in ordinary experiences used thoughtfully: investigating insects, preparing food and involving children in safety checks. The weekday opening window also gives families a clear starting point for assessing whether the nursery fits their routine.