Willow Tree Preschool and Holiday Club

Inspection of Willow Tree Preschool and Holiday Club Loreus Ltd, 15 Green Lane, Nottingham NG11 9HT

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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

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The provision is good

Children are warmly greeted by friendly staff and settle quickly into the pre-school routine. On arrival, they confidently find and place their name card to self-register. They separate from their parents with smiles and waves, demonstrating a strong sense of security. Children's communication and language is supported well. Staff read interactively, encouraging children to relate stories to their own experiences and introducing new vocabulary in context. For example, they talk about superheroes in the community such as 'Doctors' and the 'Police'. Children enjoy hands-on experiences to develop their curiosity about the natural world. For example, they collect herbs they have grown in the garden to add to the playdough they have made with staff. Children make good progress in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children are supported to appreciate and respect each other's differences. Staff engage them in conversations about the celebrations they enjoy at home, including the foods they eat and the clothes they wear. Culturally relevant resources are thoughtfully included in the role-play home corner, ensuring that children feel represented and valued. This helps to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Staff give clear messages about rules and the importance of taking turns, which helps children learn to cooperate with others. Children behave well and understand what is expected of them. As a result, they build strong friendships and play together calmly and respectfully.

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need to do better?

n The provider evaluates the quality of provision and teaching effectively. When children's mathematical development was identified as an area for improvement, leaders implemented targeted actions that have had a positive impact on practice. Staff weave mathematical language seamlessly through activities. For example, when playing in the water, staff use the words 'large' and 'small' that children then remember and use in their own play. n Staff provide children with many opportunities to explore and ignite their curiosity. For example, children demonstrate high levels of engagement and motivation as they engage in role play, happily making pretend pizzas and making a ramp for vehicles to roll down. However, at times, staff over direct activities and children's play instead of encouraging children to explore, solve problems and try their own ideas. This limits opportunities for children to develop their own ideas and enhance their thinking skills during play.

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need to do better?

n Staff provide children with opportunities to climb and develop physical skills using equipment such as climbing frames, scooters and bikes. The curriculum for physical development is well sequenced as staff plan to move children from pushing along on scooters to using pedals to ride bikes. However, children wear wellies to enable outdoor play in all weathers, which restricts their movement

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need to do better?

11 August 2025 and makes climbing and pedalling more difficult. As a result, children often give up quickly meaning they are not always challenged in their physical abilities to extend these skills further. n Parents speak very highly of the pre-school and say their children are happy and enjoy attending. They particularly appreciate the caring staff. Parents comment on the good progress children make and feel fully involved in their early education. Staff give them regular feedback about children's achievements and provide useful activities to extend children's learning at home. n The provision to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is strong. Leaders and staff have a clear understanding of each child's individual needs and work closely with parents and other professionals to secure any additional support required. Staff swiftly identify when children need further help and implement effective strategies, such as

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need to do better?

using signing and picture lanyards to help support communication. Additional funding is used effectively to provide targeted interventions and sensory equipment, ensuring that children with SEND have the tools and experiences they need to achieve well. n Mealtimes are used effectively to promote children's independence and understanding of healthy lifestyles. Children confidently manage their packed lunches with minimal support. Staff engage children in conversations about food choices and encourage even the youngest children to do things for themselves. This helps to build self-care skills and prepare them well for future learning. n Staff create a safe and secure environment in which children can play and learn confidently. They carry out regular risk assessments and daily checks of the pre- school to ensure all areas remain safe and well maintained. Children are taught how to use equipment safely and with care. For example, they competently use

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need to do better?

scissors in the craft area and follow staff's clear guidance when shown how to operate tools such as the tape dispenser.

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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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should:

n maximise opportunities for children to develop their own ideas and thinking skills and solve problems during play n strengthen the implementation of the physical development curriculum to enable children to persist with physical challenges and build confidence and skills effectively.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2724591 Local authority Nottingham Inspection number 10399937 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 42 Number of children on roll 31 Name of registered person Lane, Rebecca

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reference number

Telephone number 07767857003 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Willow Tree Preschool & Holiday Club registered in 2023 and is located in Clifton, Nottingham. The preschool employs four members of childcare staff. Of these, one holds an appropriate early years qualifications at a degree level and two at level 3. The preschool opens Monday to Friday from 9am until 3pm during term time. There is a holiday club during some school holidays that is open between 8.30am until 4pm. The preschool provides funded early education for two-, three- and four- year-old children. It supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

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Inspection activities

n The provider, who is also the manager, and inspector completed a learning walk together of all areas of the preschool and discussed the early years curriculum. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a musical activity with the provider. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n Children communicated with the inspector during the inspection. n The inspector spoke with parents during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of the staff working in the preschool and a selection of other records.

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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

11 August 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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