The Willow Tree Nursery School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this outstanding nursery. They are extremely happy and confident.

All children have a positive attitude to learning. Leaders have exceptionally high expectations for every child. These are matched by the excellent teaching skills of the staff team.

Children are consistently engaged, excited and interested, and enjoy exploring the excellent range of learning experiences. They make the most of opportunities to develop their interests, and they rapidly build on their skills and knowledge. Children are captivated by meaningful activities that ensure they are highly motivated to learn.

F...or example, staff introduce children to dice with symbols which they use to create pictures of crocodiles. They count and talk about 'how many more' they need to complete the picture. Children new to the setting settle tremendously swiftly.

This is because staff gain such a deep understanding of them, and build up such a close relationship with their families, as quickly as possible. New children, including those who speak English as an additional language, show they are already confident in the routines and access facilities independently. Staff have high expectations of the children, and children respond readily to these.

Children are shown much respect and that their contributions are highly valued. Their behaviour is exceptional. High levels of well-being and involvement help children to learn desired behaviours.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

The quality of teaching is outstanding. Every time staff interact with children it is carefully considered based on what they know about the children and what children need to learn next. Staff constantly encourage children to 'have a go'.

Staff use many open-ended questions so that children consistently have to think, solve problems and articulate their responses.The manager and her staff are ambitious for all the children in their care. They are proud of the impact they have on children's development.

They ensure that all children, including those who speak English as an additional language, make exceptional progress.Staff are deeply committed to giving children an exceptionally good experience. They plan inspirational activities to build on existing interests and abilities.

For example, staff discuss with children things children are interested in and would like to learn about, and include this in their planning. For example, children tell staff they are interested in unicorns, and staff find books which reflect this theme and share them with children.Children are encouraged to learn about good hygiene routines.

For instance, staff introduce children to the concept of germs; they talk about how small germs are and look at their hands with a magnifying glass to see if they can find germs. Then they use glitter to help children understand about thoroughly washing their hands to ensure they are really clean and prevent the spread of germs.Staff help children understand about respect for one another's choices and views.

For example, at story time, children vote for which book they would like to read.Staff encourage children's speech by creating superb opportunities for them to share their thoughts and ideas. For example, during snack time, children engage in social conversations.

Older children are absolutely intrigued as they name fruits such as sharon fruit. Staff use these opportunities exceptionally well to help children to hear new words.The manager and staff are highly reflective.

They meet each week to discuss and evaluate how they can build on learning opportunities for children. Staff do their own research online and share ideas and activities. They identify areas to improve, such as the garden area.

They have excellent plans for how to develop the garden to build on growing opportunities. Children have access to drama sessions that build their confidence and strengthen their physical skills. Children develop an excellent range of skills in a highly stimulating environment.

Parents unanimously praise the nursery. They appreciate the high levels of communication, such as regular meetings, weekly newsletters and feedback on how to support children's learning at home. Parents comment on the 'remarkable' progress their children make.

They say the nursery has a 'warm, homely feel and is all about happiness'.There is a rigorous professional development programme targeted at each staff member's interests and needs. Staff refresh and update their knowledge frequently.

They use this to share good practice ideas.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The safety of the children is at the very heart of all that the staff do.

Staff know how to identify and report concerns they may have about children's welfare. They understand their responsibilities to keep children safe and confidently follow the robust policies and procedures the manager has put in place. Regular safeguarding training is undertaken through online and face-to-face courses.

The manager uses robust recruitment procedures to help ensure the suitability of staff. Staff conduct risk assessments to minimise any risks to children. They are vigilant in keeping children safe from harm and supervise them effectively.