The Willow Tree Private Nursery

Animal-named rooms, a dining space built around growing independence and digital journals give The Willow Tree Private Nursery in Stanley a clear identity. Koala, Monkey and Lion mark the stages from babyhood to preschool, while a separate wraparound area serves children before or after school. For parents, that makes the nursery's organisation easy to understand: care changes as children grow.

At its 2 June 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged the assessed areas to meet the expected standard and found safeguarding standards met. The useful detail sits beneath those judgements: children explored movement, books and early mathematics, but outdoor sensory learning and outdoor language support needed further work.

The nursery has capacity for 75 children, with an accepted age range from birth to five. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation apart from bank holidays.

Rooms and Ages

Koala room serves children aged 0 to 2, Monkey room takes ages 2 to 3, and Lion room covers ages 3 to 4. These are room age bands, rather than measures of how many children attend together. Each room has its own routine, giving children a daily pattern suited to their stage of development.

In June 2026, babies had room to crawl, pull themselves upright and practise stepping with walking aids. Blocks exercised coordination, while drinking from open cups helped some babies prepare for their next room. These were small, practical steps towards doing more for themselves.

Older children's experiences were equally concrete. In June 2026, young children enjoyed parachute play and movement songs, listened for environmental sounds and used outdoor climbing equipment. Preschool children worked with letters from their names, examined caterpillars and planted sunflowers. Learning connected words, movement and living things rather than staying confined to a table.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its everyday meaning includes learning through play: handling objects, sharing books, talking with adults and gradually developing physical and social skills.

In June 2026, teaching followed children's interests while using knowledge of their starting points to decide what came next. Babies heard counting while making chalk marks; preschool children experimented with water travelling through guttering and discussed its speed. Those examples show how early mathematics could grow out of an activity already holding a child's attention.

Books featured across age groups, and staff paired words with signs for babies. However, June 2026 outdoor provision needed greater thought: an empty sand pit gave young children little material for sensory investigation, and children learning English as an additional language needed more help understanding words outdoors. These are specific weaknesses for families to weigh alongside the indoor learning.

Relationships and Communication

Every child has a Key Worker responsible for monitoring development, supporting wellbeing and building a relationship with parents. Tapestry Journal, a digital record of observations and developmental moments, sits alongside everyday conversations. Parents therefore have both a written account to return to and opportunities to talk about their child.

A settling-in session is recommended before a child starts. It allows families to discuss routines and helps a child become familiar with a different setting, whether this is their first nursery or a move from elsewhere. The emphasis is on the individual child's transition rather than simply beginning attendance.

In June 2026, parents knew their child's key person, although they described earlier staffing changes as having disrupted consistency. They also reported that a more stable team was benefiting children's wellbeing. That makes continuity of care a sensible subject for a settling conversation.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

At the June 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that quiet spaces helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities regulate their behaviour, and that children generally made appropriate progress from their starting points. The preschool room had been moved to provide more space, with a quieter area giving children somewhere to pause alongside the busier play.

In June 2026, staff combined information from parents with observations and assessments to plan individual support. Early years pupil premium helped pay for resources and staff development, while adults used strategies such as games built around an anticipated start. The practical value is support attached to a child's needs and participation in activities.

Babies' care in June 2026 included adults explaining nappy changes before carrying them out and responding to their need for rest. Children could drink fresh water throughout the day. These routines gave personal care and rest a place alongside learning.

School transition also received attention in June 2026. Staff worked with receiving teachers, including teachers from specialist schools, on children's individual and emotional needs. This was preparation for change, rather than a claim about securing admission.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is 78 Lake Lock Road, Stanley, Wakefield, WF3 4HP. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm and operates throughout the year, closing on bank holidays. Its dedicated wraparound area provides care before or after school.

Parents can enquire through the contact form, by telephone on 01924 788061 or by email at info@thewillowtree-nursery.co.uk. A visit-booking route is also offered. These give families a direct way to begin the joining process.

Food and Dining

Breakfast, tea and snacks are provided, while parents supply lunch boxes under the nursery's lunch-box policy; charges may apply to food provision. Meals take place in a dedicated dining space with a self-service station to practise independence, and the nursery publishes a nut-free policy while catering for dietary requirements and allergies.

• Outdoor sensory learning. June 2026 provision gave young children too little to explore in the sand pit. On a visit, ask how outdoor resources now support hands-on investigation and adult interaction.
• Language outdoors. In June 2026, children learning English as an additional language needed more support understanding words during outdoor play. Families using another language at home should discuss how staff support this part of the day.
• Lunch and allergies. Parents provide lunch boxes, alongside nursery-provided breakfast, tea and snacks. Allergy-affected families should confirm current food practice and discuss how the lunch-box policy works for their child.
• Settling and continuity. A settling-in session is recommended, and parents described staffing consistency as important in June 2026. Use that session to discuss the Key Worker's role and how familiar care continues when that adult is absent.

The Willow Tree suits families seeking nursery-age care organised into clear developmental stages, as well as those needing before-school or after-school wraparound care. Key Workers, Tapestry Journal and settling sessions give parents practical ways to stay involved.

The June 2026 picture combines thoughtful everyday care and concrete learning experiences with two clear priorities outdoors: sensory exploration and language support. Those priorities deserve attention when choosing, alongside the room structure and the opportunities children have to practise independence.