Maple Tree Nursery and Pre-school

Stories, songs and communication gave Maple Tree Nursery and Pre-school its clearest character at its March 2023 inspection. In March 2023, children practised language through familiar tales, actions and imaginative play, including retelling stories with objects in sand. These were practical opportunities to speak, listen and join in.

At the 29 March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good and judged safeguarding effective, while noting that the provider had not understood its obligation to supply all appropriate information, which had not affected children's care or safety. The nursery has 82 places in total and accepts children from birth to 96 months.

The early years foundation stage sets expectations for children's learning, development and care: play, communication and growing independence belong alongside their everyday care needs.

In March 2023, staff used observations to identify children's next learning steps and plan activities around their interests. Storytelling and nursery rhymes supported language, while pretend cooking with real food gave children opportunities to share and play together. Children also practised managing everyday tasks, such as putting on wellies and clearing their lunch things.

Outdoor play brought daily opportunities for movement and exploring nature. At that March 2023 visit, children balanced on beams and played in muddy puddles. However, staff participation in outdoor play was inconsistent, reducing its learning value. Mathematics also needed greater depth: counting objects and arranging numerals did not sufficiently develop children's understanding of number. Both are meaningful points for families weighing the educational experience.

At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found effective collaboration with families and external services to support children with special educational needs or disabilities, alongside support for communication through signing and targeted speech and language work. Pictures helped children understand the day's sequence, and ear defenders reduced the impact of noise. These measures addressed specific communication and sensory needs.

In March 2023, babies received comfort in response to their needs, and staff used shared languages or learnt key words to help children learning English communicate. Parents were kept informed about development and wellbeing, with toilet training approached according to the child's readiness.

Meals at that visit were nutritionally balanced, and individual placemats identified medical or cultural dietary needs. Community support also extended beyond childcare: in March 2023, the nursery had links with food banks, contributed clothing and raised funds for local charities.

The address is 279a West Bromwich Road, Walsall, WS5 4NW. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closure on bank holidays and for one week at Christmas.

In March 2023, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of participation, rather than a promise of an individual child's funded place.

• Early mathematics. In March 2023, number activities needed more depth. During a visit, ask how counting now develops into understanding quantities and number relationships.
• Adults outdoors. Staff engagement in outdoor play needed improvement in March 2023. A visit can explore how practitioners now extend children's learning alongside physical play.
• Attendance and age groups. The nursery accepts children from birth to 96 months and opens across the year. Ask which booking pattern and age group would suit your child's routine.

Maple Tree suits families seeking year-round childcare. Communication, imaginative play and everyday independence shaped the experience observed in March 2023. Its March 2023 account provides concrete examples of care and inclusion, balanced by clear weaknesses in mathematical depth and adult involvement outdoors. Those two teaching priorities deserve attention when deciding whether it fits your child.