The Willows Daycare Limited

Inspection of The Willows Daycare Limited The Willows Children's Centre, Magdalene Close, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9UX

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Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Outstanding

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The provision is outstanding

Children thrive in this nursery because staff use their expert knowledge and skilful interactions to create a safe, rich learning environment for all children attending. A meticulously planned, ambitious curriculum captures children's interests and growing skills. Children demonstrate they are self-assured, confident and eager to explore activities available to them. Children arrive eager to start their day. They are greeted by kind, happy staff who are genuinely pleased to see them. Children quickly become engrossed in their self-chosen tasks. The nursery curriculum has a strong focus of supporting children's personal, social and emotional development. They follow children interests and also promote some principles of the curiosity approach. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make sustained progress from their starting points. They rapidly develop the skills they need to be ready for the next stage in learning and the

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in the large outdoor learning environment. They show complete fascination in everything around them. Children use authentic resources to investigate. They show resilience as they manage problems for themselves. Children invite staff and friends to join their bus ride and offer golden coins to use as payment. They are fully engrossed in their creative activities and explain about their magical journey and travels on the bus. Skilful staff engage children in meaningful conversations and children ask many questions. Children have established close and trusting bonds with the staff who are excellent role models. Staff speak respectfully to the children who understand the consistent, high expectations and their behaviour is very good.

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need to do better?

n Quality of teaching is outstanding. This is because staff regularly monitor and review the progress of individual children. They use this detailed information alongside extensive reflection and discussion during staff briefings. Together, the management and staff plan sharply focused support to ensure each child has learning tailored to their specific interests and needs. Additional funding received is purposefully targeted to close gaps in learning and achieve the best possible outcomes for all children. n Staff are highly motivated and committed to provide positive outcomes for all children attending. They speak with enthusiasm about their role and say they are fully supported by the management. They welcome opportunities to build on their already secure knowledge, through training opportunities, to enhance their own professional development. n Staff know the children extremely well. They invest time getting to know what

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need to do better?

the children like and have established close bonds with all the children. Superb,

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need to do better?

25 June 2025 professional relationships have been formed with the parents who are positively encouraged to share information about their children's development. They welcome the use of exciting learning and story sacks that are offered to continue learning at home. n Staff provide a wealth of support for all children including those with SEND. They complete robust support plans that include all those involved in the children's learning and promote an inclusive environment. As a result, all children make very good progress and are fully integrated in nursery life. n Children have a strong sense of self. They are confident and initiate their own games. Children demonstrate incredible imagination as they work together in small groups. They negotiate how to toast windfall apples they find on their pretend bonfire under their makeshift shelter. They show sustained concentration and perseverance as they attach apples to sticks. Staff are skilful

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need to do better?

in their interactions. They recognise the importance of allowing children time to discover for themselves, but are close by to facilitate and challenge their thinking. n Babies thoroughly enjoy bouncing on trampolines, splashing in water play and learning the skills needed to use a spinner. Their individual routines are fully considered. They are made comfortable in cosy cots when they are tired and offered their comforters. Babies enjoy cuddles as staff soothe them to sleep. n Parents speak highly of the homely nursery. They say it is 'such as special place' where their children are cared for by nurturing staff who celebrate their children's achievements, however small. They were keen to express their sincere gratitude for the support they receive as a family. n Children demonstrate a wide and varied vocabulary. Children make progress in their speech and language as staff continually engage children in conversation.

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need to do better?

Children excitedly join in organised, singing and dancing sessions. They are keen to learn new things and proudly show their parents, who are invited to participate, their new skills and knowledge.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

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

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY337463 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 10392458 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 46 Number of children on roll 120 Name of registered person The Willows Daycare Ltd

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reference number

Telephone number 01473601327 Date of previous inspection 23 August 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Willows Daycare Limited registered in 2007. The nursery employs 18 members of childcare staff. Of these, 17 hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am to 6pm. It provides government funded early education for all eligible children.

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Inspection activities

n The manager showed the inspector around the areas that children access. n They discussed how staff organise the environment and plan the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector and manager carried out a joint observation. n The inspector held discussions with staff, children and parents at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at a sample of documents, which included evidence about staff's suitability and training. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

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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.

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Inspection activities

25 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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