St Marys Treehouse

A take home bear links play, family life and the move towards school in St Marys Treehouse’s September 2022 account of nursery life. Children took photographs and completed a diary with their families, while the bear also offered comfort during transitions. It gave parents a concrete way to join in.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 9 September 2022. Based at St Mary's Community Centre in Eccles, it has 61 places in total; children attending at the September 2022 visit were aged two to three.

In September 2022, children could select accessible resources for themselves. Mark-making involved drawing patterns through foam with sticks and using brushes on a fence. These were practical ways to exercise the hands and arms needed for writing.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for learning, development and care: here, the September 2022 examples included stories, counting and physical play. A crocodile story prompted questions and new vocabulary, while a play-dough face became an opportunity to count eyes and explore adding another item. Learning extended into ordinary routines.

Physical activity also reached beyond the premises in September 2022. Children climbed and ran at a local park and took part in swimming at a local leisure centre. Activities marking Eid Mubarak introduced different faiths and cultures through shared experiences.

At the September 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and reported that children with special educational needs or disabilities, and those learning English as an additional language, made good progress through learning adapted to their needs.

In September 2022, settling centred on attachment to a key person, and children new to the setting settled quickly. Staff modelled considerate behaviour and explained expectations in ways children could understand. At meals and snacks, younger children practised serving themselves, with help when needed and conversation about healthy eating.

School transition involved staff working with school colleagues in September 2022. The take home bear added a familiar source of emotional support. Managers also held meetings to evaluate provision and encouraged staff to develop their understanding of children's learning.

The address is St Mary's Community Centre, Oxford Street, Eccles, Salford M30 0LU.

In September 2022, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 9am to 3pm. That daytime pattern fitted care around the school year rather than year-round attendance. At the same date, the nursery received funding for free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

• Extending individual learning. In September 2022, staff did not consistently identify the help each child needed to take learning further. Ask how the key person now chooses a child's next steps and adjusts activities around them.
• Term-time attendance. The September 2022 pattern was weekday sessions from 9am to 3pm during term time. At a visit, establish whether today's attendance arrangements fit your working hours and holiday needs.

St Marys Treehouse suits families who value practical play, links between home and nursery, and support for the move towards school, judging by its September 2022 provision. Its September 2022 account gives concrete examples: independent resource choices, swimming outings and the take home bear. Families seeking term-time daytime attendance have a relevant historical pattern to weigh, alongside the need for sharper individual learning support identified at that visit.