Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

The Willow Set Preschool

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2025)
·Stoke St Gregory Primary School, Huntham Lane, TAUNTON, TA3 6EG · Somerset
Number of places
24 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2025
Local authority
Somerset

About this day nursery

The Willow Set Preschool, established over thirty years ago, is a well-regarded educational charity and is regulated by Ofsted. Located within the grounds of Stoke St Gregory Primary School in a charming rural village, the preschool provides a stimulating environment for children.

It boasts extensive indoor and outdoor facilities, and children frequently enjoy exploring the village and local park. " On Fridays, a "rising 5s" group prepares older children for their transition to primary school, benefiting from the support of Stoke St. Gregory Primary School.

The curriculum focuses on a rich play-based approach, emphasising problem-solving, collaboration, and individual learning development. Practitioners prioritise a safe yet exciting environment, encouraging children to explore and take calculated risks, fostering confidence and skill development in areas such as gross and fine motor skills, communication, and social interaction, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance.

The preschool values strong partnerships with parents, recognising their crucial role as a child's primary educators, to ensure each child receives the best opportunities for growth and success.

Our ethos

The Willow Set Preschool champions a rich play-based approach aligned with the EYFS, fostering problem-solving, collaboration, and individual development. They prioritise creating a safe yet exciting environment that encourages children to explore and take calculated risks, building confidence and skills. The preschool also highly values a strong partnership with parents, viewing them as crucial collaborators in their child's education.

What it's like

Leaders demonstrate clear curriculum intentions, such as providing children with opportunities to develop their social skills, build relationships and become independent learners. Staff deliver a well-sequenced curriculum, helping to build on children's skills and knowledge as they move through the setting. Children are motivated and curious learners.

Educational CharityRural SettingForest School (implied by "Forest School" link in navigation, but no content seen)Play-based LearningWrap-around Care

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

Sun Up: 7:30 am – 9:00 am; Willowset Preschool: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Sun Down: 3:00 pm/3:15 pm – 5:30 pm; Moor Fun Holiday Club: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

Session types

Morning session (Sun Up), Full days (Willowset Preschool), Afternoon session (Sun Down), Holiday Club (Moor Fun)

Term time / All Year

Mixed

Established

2011

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Willow Set Preschool

Last inspected 25 April 2025 · Chelsea Woollard

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Leaders demonstrate clear curriculum intentions, such as providing children with opportunities to develop their social skills, build relationships and become independent learners. Staff deliver a well-sequenced curriculum, helping to build on children's skills and knowledge as they move through the setting. Children are motivated and curious learners.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders demonstrate clear curriculum intentions, such as providing children with opportunities to develop their social skills, build relationships and become independent learners.
  • Staff know the children well and use this information to plan fun and engaging activities for them.
  • Leaders and staff provide excellent support for children to begin to manage their emotions with compassion and empathy.
  • Leaders and staff place focus on supporting children's physical development.
  • Leaders form strong bonds with the on-site school and seek rich opportunities for children to experience.

Areas to develop

  • 1review the organisation of group times to minimise distraction, helping to further enhance children's attention and focus.
Inspection #10363505 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak highly of the setting and its staff team. They praise the dedication of staff and feel well informed about their child's day.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Outdoor space

Outside, staff and children excitedly search for bugs and children say, 'The beetles have scuttled away.' Leaders and staff place focus on supporting children's physical development by providing access to daily exercise and weekly visits from a sports coach.

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2025

Date: November 2011

  • April 2025Good
  • August 2024Requires improvement
  • October 2019Outstanding
  • April 2015Outstanding
  • November 2011Outstanding

Frequently asked about The Willow Set Preschool

Nearby day nurseries in TAUNTON

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Willow Set Preschool.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more