Family Tree Nursery

Nuts, bolts and a shape-sorting dinosaur give Family Tree Nursery’s June 2022 account its character: practical play, shared games and children learning to do things for themselves. This Wotton-Under-Edge setting has 18 places in total.

At its 9 June 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged 0 to 4; those ages describe the setting at that time.

In June 2022, children practised finger control by turning nuts and bolts and using a hammer with nails. A shape-sorting dinosaur prompted turn-taking, while dolls and teddies became the centre of collaborative care games. These were concrete ways to practise coordination and share ideas.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children’s learning, development and care: here, the June 2022 examples included learning through play, stories and everyday routines. Staff used children’s interests to choose activities, then extended them with questions about a favourite story or what might happen next.

During that month, signing helped younger children communicate requests and endings. Colour matching with interlocking blocks and comparisons between spoon sizes brought early mathematical language into ordinary play and meals. However, some activities did not adequately accommodate the youngest children. The improvement required was better planning for their needs and next steps.

In June 2022, children sought comfort from their key person and enjoyed playful exchanges with staff, including tunnel games. Adults asked permission before wiping noses or changing nappies, giving children a voice during personal care.

Mealtimes that month combined conversation with independence: children served lunch, cleaned their faces and prepared themselves for sleep. Staff encouraged them as they took on these tasks. Learning was monitored to identify children who needed additional help, and parents received information about their child’s activities and development.

The address is Flat 10, Church Street, Wotton-Under-Edge, GL12 7HB.

In June 2022, opening hours were 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with operation across the year. These were opening hours rather than a description of bookable sessions. At that time, the nursery received early education funding for three-year-old children.

• Planning for the youngest children. The June 2022 improvement point concerned activities that did not fully meet their needs. During a visit, ask how activities are adapted for children at different developmental stages.
• Matching care to your week. The June 2022 opening window covered weekdays across the year. What attendance patterns and funded-hour arrangements can you book now?

Family Tree Nursery suits families who value practical play, personal relationships and opportunities for children to become more independent. The June 2022 picture gives those priorities substance, from construction play to self-service lunch. Planning for the youngest children is the clear point to weigh alongside that account.