The Learning Tree Preschool

In June 2025, a movement room, vegetable growing and a pond used to explore tadpoles gave The Learning Tree Preschool a practical, hands-on character. This Scunthorpe setting has 30 places in total; independence and communication were prominent in its June 2025 daily life.

At its June 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good and found safeguarding effective and children making good developmental progress. Children attending then were aged one to four; that age range describes the inspection cohort.

In June 2025, children used climbing apparatus in the movement room and explored an enclosed sand pit through scooping and pouring. The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for learning, development and care: here, play provided opportunities to practise language, movement and everyday independence.

A drinks station in the baby room introduced pouring before children moved to the older room. Older children could get themselves a drink when thirsty. These were small, useful steps towards managing their own needs.

Makaton supported early communication, while staff introduced vocabulary through conversation and play. Growing vegetables gave children something to tend; the covered pond area brought tadpoles and life cycles into their learning. These experiences connected words with things children could observe and do.

There were also two teaching weaknesses in June 2025. Large-group activities sometimes failed to hold children's attention because they did not accommodate different developmental stages. Adults also missed opportunities to let children work out answers themselves. Enjoyable activities therefore did not consistently translate into well-matched group learning or deeper thinking.

At the June 2025 inspection, Ofsted found effective key-person support and settling arrangements, including home visits, alongside good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Developmental assessments helped staff identify learning gaps and plan support; funding for disadvantaged children backed targeted strategies.

In June 2025, an online nursery app kept parents informed. Staff also used words from children's first languages to help explain routines, making everyday instructions more accessible.

Sand-timers helped children manage turns with shared resources. Healthy snacks were accessible during the day, and songs reinforced handwashing and tooth brushing. The Pantosaurus story supported conversations about bodily ownership, privacy and personal safety.

The preschool's address is Manor Farm Childrens Centre, Priory Lane, Scunthorpe, DN17 1HE.

In June 2025, opening hours were 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year. The setting offered government-funded childcare places at that time. These are dated operating details rather than a current attendance commitment.

• Group activities. In June 2025, some children lost interest when activities did not suit their developmental stage. Ask how group activities now accommodate children at different stages.
• Thinking for themselves. Adults did not consistently help children devise their own solutions in June 2025. Explore how practitioners now extend problem-solving during play.
• Your attendance plan. The June 2025 opening window spanned the working day. At a visit, ask which booking patterns, funded-hour arrangements and meal or consumable charges would apply to your child's proposed attendance.

The Learning Tree Preschool suits families who value practical play, everyday independence and communication support. Its June 2025 picture combines useful physical resources with thoughtful care arrangements. The decision should also weigh how teaching now handles mixed developmental stages and encourages children to think through problems themselves.