The Learning Tree Preschool

Inspection of The Learning Tree Preschool Manor Farm Childrens Centre, Priory Lane, Scunthorpe DN17 1HE

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

p.1

The provision is good

Children are happy in this warm and welcoming setting, because staff know children well. Babies show how secure they feel as they reach out to their carers on arrival and confidently explore the environment. Staff promote children's communication and language skills effectively. When working with babies, staff use lots of simple language and describing words as they play. As children get older, staff introduce new words to help extend their vocabulary. For example, during discussions and general play, staff use words, such as 'shade, hydrate' and 'shadow', to help children learn these in the right context. Staff encourage children to be independent. A drinks station has been carefully set up in the baby room as staff introduce toddlers to the concept of pouring their own drinks in preparation for when they move up to the older children's room. Older children learn to freely access and pour their own drinks independently when thirsty. All children make

p.2

The provision is good

good progress in their development, due to the positive interactions of staff.

p.2

The provision is good

Leaders and managers are reflective and demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm for their role. They continually evaluate the learning environment, updating areas and resources regularly to ensure they reflect children's interests and abilities. This supports children's active engagement as they are supported to learn through play. Staff feel well supported and encouraged in their roles.

p.2

need to do better?

n Leaders and managers evaluate and reflect on practice often. They make adaptions to the environment to meet children's needs. Children can now access a new movement room with climbing apparatus. This enables them to develop their physical skills in a smaller area. Children also explore the new, enclosed sand pit where they sing songs as they scoop, fill and pour. n Parents are happy and confident in the setting. They are involved in their children's learning and supported by the staff team. The key-person role is effective and there is a supportive settling-in process, including home visits from nursery staff. Staff use effective communications and the online nursery app to keep parents updated. Parents feel that they can reach out to the staff for support. n Staff track and assess children's development regularly. They quickly identify any gaps in learning before planning ways to build on these areas. Children with

p.2

need to do better?

special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Disadvantaged children are supported with well-thought-out strategies and use of their specific funding. n Children's behaviour is good. Staff support children to learn how to wait for their turn. For example, children help themselves to sand-timers and explain to their peers it will be their turn when the sand runs out. This encourages children to

p.2

need to do better?

19 June 2025 share resources and use manners. Children are encouraged to follow the routines of the setting as staff give them a prior warning before it is time to tidy up. Children then actively engage as they race around to pack away all resources. n Staff use their thorough knowledge of what children like and can do to help support and extend their learning during child-initiated play. Children are engaged and engrossed in their chosen learning opportunities, supported by caring staff. However, planned large-group times do not always take into account the developmental abilities of all children. This results in some children's interest and focus not being fully maintained. n Staff use Makaton to support children's early communication and language skills. They sing songs and model language during children's play. Children who speak English as an additional language feel valued and respected. This is because

p.2

need to do better?

staff use words in children's first language to help them understand the routines of the day. n Children are supported and encouraged to learn to look after themselves. Children of all ages are able to access healthy snacks throughout the day. Staff sing songs about tooth brushing and handwashing. Children are encouraged to learn to wash their hands before eating. Staff use the 'Pantosaurus' story to help children understand that their body belongs to them. Staff talk to children about privacy and encourage them to keep themselves safe. n Leaders and managers promote critical thinking and problem solving. They use phrases such as 'the water is all gone, how can we get some more water?', when children fill the water tray. However, staff do not consistently encourage children to think about and find their own solutions. n Children have opportunities to learn about the world around them. They plant seeds and take care of vegetables in the garden. Staff use the covered pond

p.3

need to do better?

area to help children to learn about tadpoles and life cycles.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n consider how group times are planned to ensure they consistently take account of all children's developmental abilities n support staff to consistently demonstrate high-quality interactions, which encourage children's critical thinking.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 2763608 Local authority North Lincolnshire Inspection number 10409229 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 34

p.4

Name of registered person

The Learning Tree Preschool @ Priory Lane Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07591531244 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The Learning Tree Preschool registered in 2023 and is located in Scunthorpe. The nursery employs seven members of staff, all of whom hold a relevant qualification at level 3 or above. The nursery is open all year round, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The provider offers the government funded places for childcare and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The manager and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the nursery and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The inspector observed interactions between the staff and children. n The inspector spoke to staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The manager and inspector completed a joint observation and evaluation of an activity. n The inspector viewed documentation regarding the suitability of staff, qualifications of staff and staff training certificates.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

19 June 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6