The Willows Preschool was established to provide high-quality, child-led early education in a nurturing and nature-connected environment. The setting has earned a strong reputation for its unique approach to learning, placing outdoor exploration, curiosity, and sustainability at the heart of every child’s journey. We continue to lead with passion and purpose, ensuring each child feels confident, valued and ready for their next stage in life.
Opened in 2025, The Willows Preschool is the dedicated next step for children aged 3–5 moving on from Poplars Blossoms Nursery School. Rooted in the Poplars Approach, our preschool offers a nurturing space for child-led learning, outdoor exploration, and school readiness – continuing the journey that begins at Poplars Blossoms.
Our Forest School sessions offer children playful, hands-on natural experiences, supporting their confidence, independence, and curiosity. Set in our natural outdoor environment, children explore freely, take supported risks, and engage in sensory, nature-based play.
Whether building dens, investigating minibeasts or creating art with natural materials, every activity encourages critical thinking, creativity and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Through Forest School, children become curious explorers, environmentally aware, and confident learners—ready for their next stage.
In our preschool room, we support children in building the confidence, independence and curiosity they need to thrive in school and beyond. Learning experiences are shaped around the children’s interests and the natural world, allowing them to make meaningful connections through play. Whether exploring the seasons outdoors, investigating cause and effect, or expressing themselves through art, every child is encouraged to think critically and communicate confidently. Areas of learning including literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts are embedded naturally into our environment.
We offer a flexible and holistic curriculum:
Supportive of each child’s natural pace of development
Mealtimes at The Willows are social and supportive, encouraging children to develop independence, learn new skills and try a variety of healthy foods. Children are involved in serving themselves and are gently encouraged to explore different tastes and textures. We provide a balanced diet in line with guidance from the Food Standards Agency.
Play at The Willows is purposeful, inclusive and meaningful.
We believe play is the pathway to deep and lasting learning.
We welcome and support all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Every child at The Willows is valued as an individual. Where additional support is needed, we work in partnership with parents and professionals to create tailored learning journeys.
Our inclusive practice ensures all children can access our curriculum, environment and activities with confidence and joy.
Working parents with children aged 9 months to 5 years may be eligible for 15 or 30 hours of funded childcare, depending on factors like employment status, income, child’s age, and location.
At The Willows Preschool we offer this funding stretched across the whole year. Eligibility criteria can be checked childcarechoices.gov.uk
Universal Funding: Every child is eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after their third birthday.
Funding for Younger Children: Children aged 9 months and older may also qualify for 15 hours of funded childcare from the term after they turn 9 months, provided certain eligibility criteria are met for working parents.
Our spaces fill very quickly so we do recommend you enquire as early as possible to ensure you get the sessions and start date you require.
We welcome your interest in our nursery. Online applications will be processed as quickly as possible.
© 2025 The Willows Preschool
