The Willows Preschool - Sherwood, Nottingham

15/08/2026

Planning to use funded childcare from September?

The deadline to apply is 31st August, so now’s the time to make sure your childcare code is sorted.

Apply online through GOV.UK, then send your code over to our nursery team so we can get everything in place for September.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or need a hand with what to do next, please get in touch, we would be delighted to help.

05/08/2026

Could your childcare payments go a little further?

With Tax-Free Childcare, the government adds £2 for every £8 you pay into your online childcare account.

That means £200 paid in becomes £250 towards your childcare fees, with eligible families able to receive up to £2,000 per child each year.

You can then use the money in your account to pay your nursery fees directly.

Visit GOV.UK to check whether you’re eligible and find out how to apply.

25/06/2026

Looking for something simple to try at home during the warmer weather? All you need is a bowl of water, a paintbrush or sponge, and an outdoor surface such as a fence, patio or path.

As children paint with water, they are doing far more than keeping cool. This simple activity supports early mark making, hand eye coordination and fine motor control, helping to build some of the skills that support early writing.

It also encourages curiosity as children notice the water appearing, changing and drying in the warmth.

A lovely activity for warm days at home, especially in a shaded spot with a drink close by.

23/06/2026

The sun has finally clocked in ☀️

Hot weather can be gorgeous for garden play, paddling pools and post nursery ice lollies, but little bodies can heat up quickly.

A few simple reminders for sunny days:

☀️ Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight
🧴 Use SPF 30 or above with good UVA protection
⏰ Reapply sun cream often, especially after water play
🌳 Find shade where you can, particularly between 11am and 3pm
👒 Choose wide brimmed hats and loose, lightweight clothes
💧 Offer drinks regularly, even when children don’t ask
🛏️ Keep bedrooms cooler by closing curtains or blinds during the day
🚗 Never leave children in cars, even for a minute
🚫 Avoid covering prams with blankets or muslins, as this can trap heat and stop air flowing

16/06/2026

Ofsted inspections have changed, which means nursery reports now look a little different for families.

Instead of one overall grade, nurseries are now assessed across several separate areas, giving parents a clearer picture of what is working well and where a setting is continuing to develop.

We’ve put together a simple guide to explain what has changed, what the new terms mean, and how this helps families when choosing a nursery.

Read the full guide here.

Choosing a nursery is one of the biggest decisions a family makes, and an Ofsted report is often part of that choice. From November 2025, the way nurseries are inspected and graded changed. Here is a guide to what is different and, more importantly, what it means for you and your child. What has act...

11/06/2026

Looking for your next role in early years?

When you join our team, you’ll have access to a benefits package designed to offer support at work and beyond.

Our staff benefits include confidential 24/7 wellbeing support through Health Assured, structured counselling, life and leadership coaching, virtual GP access, menopause support, work health assessments, occupational health support, the Wisdom app and online portal, income protection, life insurance and death in service.

We also offer practical everyday benefits, including uniform support, food and snacks at work, wellbeing treats, duvet days, flu jabs, wellbeing baskets, mileage payments when covering at other nurseries, annual leave incentives for long service and a recommend a friend bonus.

For some roles, a joining incentive may also be available, paid 50% when you start and 50% when you pass probation.

Get in touch to find out more about our current vacancies.

07/06/2026

A nature scavenger hunt is a simple way to turn a walk or outdoor play into a learning adventure at home.

As children search, spot and talk about what they find. From spotting leaves and flowers to feeling bark, grass, stones and petals, every discovery supports curiosity, sensory exploration, language development and early learning.

Why not try one together today and see what natural treasures you can discover?

04/06/2026

It's World Environment Day tomorrow and we’re encouraging little explorers to look a little closer at the world around them.

Building a bug hotel is a simple, hands-on activity that helps children learn about nature, habitats and the important role minibeasts play in our environment.

Find out how to make your own with this guide from the Woodland Trust:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2026/02/how-to-make-a-bug-hotel/

02/06/2026

We care deeply about every child who walks through our door, so hearing how happy and settled they are makes all the difference.

Thank you to the families who trust us with their children, it's a privilege we never take for granted.

If you'd like to see what makes our nursery so special, we'd love to show you around. Send us a message or visit our website to arrange a visit.

29/05/2026

Learning social skills is an important part of every child’s early years journey. From sharing toys and taking turns to building friendships and learning how to express emotions, these everyday experiences help children grow in confidence and develop important life skills. In a nurturing nursery e...