Business Details
Trusted Childcare in Axbridge, Somerset
At Yew Trees Nursery, we are dedicated to creating an enriching environment where children learn through play. Our purpose-built facility in rural Somerset offers expansive outdoor spaces, fostering exploration and physical development. As part of the YMCA Dulverton Group, we combine charitable values with a commitment to high-quality early years education. Our play-based curriculum prioritises individual interests, encouraging independence and creativity. With over 20 years of collective experience, our team ensures a safe, stimulating setting for children aged 3 months to 5 years. We actively involve parents in their child's development, providing regular updates and collaborative opportunities.Our outdoor learning philosophy integrates nature conservation and hands-on experiences, preparing children for future academic and social success. Facilities include dedicated spaces for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, alongside animal care and gardening activities. We maintain rigorous standards through Ofsted registration and continuous staff development. By reinvesting funds into our services, we uphold exceptional care, nutrition, and community engagement, ensuring every child thrives in a nurturing environment.
Services
Baby Room Care
Toddler Development
Preschool Education
Outdoor Learning
Animal Interaction
Gardening Activities
Flexible Hours
Healthy Meals
Parent Collaboration
Nature Conservation
Highlights and features
- We offer a play-based curriculum focused on outdoor learning in a rural 11-acre setting
- Our staff exceed expectations with continuous professional development
- We provide daily access to animals, gardening, and nature conservation activities
- Funds reinvested into maintaining exceptional facilities and resources
- We maintain strong parent partnerships with regular developmental updates
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Baby Room Care
Our Baby Room provides a warm, secure environment for children aged 3-12 months. Specially designed spaces encourage sensory development through play while maintaining safety. Staff ratios exceed requirements to ensure individual attention and responsive caregiving.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor sessions utilise our 11-acre rural site for experiential learning. Children engage with weather patterns, seasonal changes, and natural materials. Activities include tool use under supervision, conservation projects, and physical challenges to develop coordination and confidence.
Preschool Education
Our preschool room prepares children for formal education through structured play. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is delivered via creative activities, social interaction, and problem-solving tasks. Individual learning plans track progress across key developmental areas.
Animal Interaction
Children participate in daily animal care routines with chickens, ducks, and fish. This develops responsibility and empathy while teaching about life cycles. Egg collection and feeding activities provide practical learning experiences connected to food production and habitats.
Parent Collaboration
We maintain daily communication through face-to-face updates and the Family app. Parents contribute to developmental records and receive tailored guidance for home learning. Regular meetings ensure alignment between nursery and home environments to support each child's unique needs.
People
Liz Bayram
Chief Executive of Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years
Recognised expert in early years education advocating play-based learning approaches. Her research highlights the importance of physical development and independence in early childhood education frameworks.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm, closing only for English Bank Holidays and between Christmas and New Year.
Do you provide meals?
Yes, we offer healthy meals and snacks prepared on-site using fresh ingredients, including produce from our own vegetable patches.
How do you involve parents?
We provide daily updates through our Family app and face-to-face conversations, plus regular developmental reviews and home learning suggestions.
What outdoor activities are available?
Children access our 11-acre site daily for gardening, animal care, physical play, and seasonal exploration with appropriate clothing and equipment provided.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we hold Ofsted registration number EY555987 and maintain high standards through regular inspections and staff training.
How do you support child development?
Our play-based curriculum focuses on physical coordination, social skills, and independence, with individual learning plans tracking progress across all developmental areas.
Reviews (2)
Danielle Long
Feb 28, 2021
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I can't recommend Yew Tree enough, my son started at around 8 months I was beyond nervous, he was assigned Bridie as his support and what a credit she is to the company, absolute star! My son has came on leaps and bounds since starting Yew Tree, they are on the ball with updating me with his progress as well as what he has been up to during the day. Everything is just so well planned, the monthly themed learning as well as the projects and activities. Thank you to the Yew Tree team, you have made my transition of going back to work full time so much easier and my son well and truly LOVES going
Emma Ballard
Oct 21, 2020
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Yew trees is an amazing nursery. I have used them for 7 years with both my children. They have loved every room and the summer camp. The staff are amazing, nothing is ever a bother. The food there is fantastic. My boys have experienced amazing things during their time at yew trees from forest school to visiting the beach and learning so much on the classroom.
