Cherry Tree Nursery

Language, imaginative play and help with sharing give Cherry Tree Nursery its character in the October 2024 account of daily life. Based at Headington Community Centre in Oxford, it has 24 places for children aged 24 to 60 months. That is whole-nursery capacity, rather than the size of an individual group.

At its October 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children needing additional support were included successfully and made good progress. The strongest decision value lies in the detail: learning adapted to children's needs, practical help for parents and two clear areas for improvement.

In October 2024, the curriculum gave particular attention to language and children's social and personal development. The early years foundation stage provides the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, play and conversation helped children practise those skills.

Familiar stories became material for imaginative play. Children used props to recreate them, drawing on language and play skills staff had taught. Adults asked permission before joining children's games, then demonstrated other uses for resources and introduced useful vocabulary. This gave adult guidance a place within children's own play.

The October 2024 learning environment was arranged to avoid overwhelming children. Staff also chose their words carefully when supporting understanding and vocabulary. These are practical details for families weighing how their child responds to busy surroundings or lengthy explanations.

In October 2024, timers helped children manage taking turns, alongside guidance about sharing and other people's needs. A visible cue gave them something concrete to work with during social disagreements.

Staff identified additional needs early, including less obvious difficulties, and adapted learning accordingly. During that same month, leaders pursued extra support and funding for children who needed it. Parent communication included song sheets sent home, allowing families to practise the words and actions children would use at nursery. The link between home and nursery was tangible.

The address is Headington Community Centre, 39 Gladstone Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 8LL. Opening hours are 9.15am to 2.45pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, with closure during school holidays. Families need an attendance arrangement that fits that daytime window and a separate plan for holiday care.

In October 2024, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of a funded place.

• Learning about cultures. In October 2024, experiences exploring children's own cultures and those of others needed further development. Ask how this is now built into activities.
• Online safety. Early teaching about staying safe online was another October 2024 improvement priority. Ask how children now encounter this topic.
• Fit for your child. The October 2024 approach used carefully chosen language and a learning environment planned to avoid overwhelming children. A visit can explore how these arrangements would work for your child's communication and support needs.

Cherry Tree Nursery suits families seeking term-time daytime care, with an inspection-era emphasis on communication, supported play and working with parents. Its October 2024 strengths are concrete, but cultural learning and online safety deserve attention when assessing the present experience.