Willow Tree Nursery is set in a old Victorian House overlooking Milton Park. We have a front and back garden which we use all year round and the children transition through the four rooms of our nursery based on their individual stage of development, providing a flowing journey from babies to preschool. We are an extension of home and family, providing learning through play, exploration and hands-on experiences.
Each room is homely and cosy with resources which meet the needs, interests and next steps of children to provide a holistic learning experience which builds the eight values outlined in our bespoke curriculum: I am independent, kind, confident, curious, respectful, resilient, creative and healthy.
Our bespoke curriculum also identifies the key milestones, skills and experiences children will be working through at each stage. Find out more about each room below...
ROBINS
Babies 3 months - 2 years
Babies in our Robins Room enjoy a quiet, cosy space with up to 6 children and 2 adults which they can safely explore to gain the first skills in the seven areas of learning. They enjoy plenty of sensory play which is key for helping them to understand how the world around them works. Our babies have a loose routine to ensure their needs are met and they benefit from a seperate sleep room for naps. Adults are responsive to the needs of the children to ensure they feel safe and secure, building their self-esteem and confidence right from the start.
WRENS
Toddlers 1.5 - 2.5 years
Our Wrens will be beginning to explore with more confidence and starting to develop their own interests and preferences. Their room is cosy and bright and has a variety of real and natural resources alongside traditional toys, such as small world and role play. Our Wrens will be learning new language at a vast rate which will be supported by our adults who engage in play and conversation throughout every activity and routine. Adults provide a safe space to explore big feelings which begin to arise at this age by labelling, role modelling and providing comfort as needed.
THE NEST
Preschoolers 2.5 - 3.5 years
The Nest is the first step to becoming a preschooler! Another cosy and homely room which provides a wealth of loose parts, small world, role play and creative and messy play. We have up to 10 children with 2 adults and will focus on building independence skills such as putting on our own shoes and coats. The children will develop skills in all areas of learning and we begin to introduce more focused activities and activities to support emergent maths and literacy skills. Adults are responsive play partners who follow the lead of the children and help support their next steps through their chosen play.
KINGFISHERS
Preschoolers 3 - 5 years
Our Kingfishers will be at a very important stage in their journey with us as they continue to learn new skills and knowledge alongside developing special friendships with their peers. We work to build independence, confidence and problem-solving skills and encourage curiosity and discovery to instill a love of learning and finding out more preparing them for their school years ahead. We are passionate about building emotional literacy skills to help them navigate and understand theirs and others' feelings. Adults balance child-led and adult-led play and learning opportunities, building on what the children already know to introduce new learning.
We have two garden spaces which are used by all children throughout the year, rain or shine ☀️☔
In addition to this, we explore our local community by visiting parks, the beach, local cafes and shops, the library and Fratton Park!
Take a virtual tour of our setting... so far!