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We’ve had a fantastic Christmas here at Magnolia Tree Day Nursery! Over the past few weeks, the children have been busy exploring, creating and learning through a wide variety of fun and engaging Christmas activities here at the nursery.  We believe that play is at the heart of early learning, and this period has been full of wonderful opportunities for the children to develop new skills, build confidence and, most importantly, have lots of fun. Sensory Play and Exploration S

The new Ofsted framework was launched in November 2025 and is designed to give parents much greater clarity. Instead of relying on a single judgement word, the new approach provides at-a-glance grades across multiple areas, supported by more comprehensive written explanations. This provides a more transparent and balanced picture of each setting’s strengths and improvement priorities. Below is a summary of how the new system works in practice. New 5-Point Assessment Scale Ins

When people hear the word science , they might think of white coats, bubbling test tubes, or complicated experiments. But for young...

When most people think of literacy, images of children reading books or writing their first words often come to mind. But literacy doesn’t start with reading and writing — it begins much earlier. Long before children can hold a pencil or sound out letters, they’re building essential literacy foundations through play. At Magnolia Tree, we know that play is a child’s most powerful tool for learning. It fuels curiosity, communication, imagination, and early reading skills. Here’

Why Messy Play Matters at Magnolia Tree At Magnolia Tree, we believe learning should be playful, hands-on, and sometimes a little bit...

Young children may not always be able to tell you they love routine—but they show it every day. Predictability helps little ones feel...

Starting school is a huge moment in a child’s life — and for parents too! But being “ready for school” isn’t about knowing the alphabet...

For many parents, the word "maths" brings back memories of times tables and worksheets — but in the early years, maths is far more...

our garden is far more than just a space for outdoor play. It's an essential part of your child's growth and development. From improving physical health to nurturing emotional well-being.

Early Years is a crucial time to build a healthy relationship with food. Providing children with nutritious, balanced meals is a big part of how we support their development. Discover our approach to healthy eating and why we've chosen not to offer traditional desserts.

Starting nursery is a big milestone in a child’s life—and often an emotional one. While it’s natural for little ones to feel nervous or unsure at first, it’s also the beginning of a powerful journey in emotional growth and resilience. At our nursery, we believe that helping children understand and express their emotions is just as important as teaching them to count or share. The early years are a key time for developing emotional intelligence—something that will benefit chil

Play-based learning is crucial in early years education to encourage children to learn through exploration, imagination and interactive activities.