Ben Rhydding Pre-School Playgroup

Building imaginary houses, measuring heights and discussing stories gave learning a practical shape here in June 2024. At its 11 June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated Ben Rhydding Pre-School Playgroup Outstanding, finding that sustained conversations and carefully chosen staff responses helped children develop their ideas.

Based in The Annexe at Ben Rhydding Primary School in Ilkley, the playgroup has 25 places in total. Children attending in June 2024 were aged two to four. The strongest thread through that snapshot is independence: children tried things, discussed them and took responsibility for familiar tasks.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the June 2024 examples show how play brought language, number and practical skills together.

In June 2024, pretend building involved digging into sand, laying makeshift pipes and working out how to add a roof to a structure. Staff extended the conversation as children experimented. Mathematical thinking also followed children's interests: a comparison of heights prompted the use of a tape measure, while younger children matched objects and sang number songs.

Books supplied another starting point. Children discussed possible endings and retold familiar stories in sequence. Learning also included cultures and religions beyond their own experience, giving conversation a wider subject matter than the immediate play activity.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and judged that personalised support enabled children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to participate throughout the day and make strong progress.

In June 2024, staff training included support for children with autism, and leaders tracked development to plan individual next steps. Emotional support extended to helping children understand bereavement. These were concrete mechanisms for responding to different needs.

Everyday routines carried useful responsibilities. Children poured drinks, prepared fruit and managed shoes and socks themselves. Tidying involved checking that an area was clean, rather than simply putting resources away. Children also helped one another with sharing, digging and using tape, giving them opportunities to practise cooperation as well as practical skills.

The address is The Annexe, C/o Ben Rhydding Primary School, Bolling Road, Ilkley LS29 8QH. Being based at the primary school does not guarantee a Reception place.

In June 2024, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday. Session times were 8:45am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and 8:45am to 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday. At that time, the playgroup provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. These are the attendance and funding arrangements at that dated point.

• Term-time planning. The June 2024 timetable followed school terms, with later finishes on Wednesday and Thursday. Families needing holiday childcare should weigh that pattern against their working year.
• A discussion grounded in practice. At a visit, how would staff adapt the June 2024 examples of personalised support and interest-led learning to your child's needs?
• Reception is a separate decision. The primary-school address brings no guarantee of admission. Plan the Reception application separately from choosing preschool care.

Ben Rhydding Pre-School Playgroup suits families drawn to practical play, thoughtful conversation and children taking increasing responsibility for themselves. In June 2024, staff helped children develop their ideas through sensitive conversations. The term-time pattern recorded then is an important consideration for families matching preschool attendance to their working arrangements.