Riverside, Spicey Gill Private Day Care

Outdoor exploration gives Riverside its clearest character: caterpillars, bubbles and riverside outings featured in children's learning in July 2022. At its 26 July 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall and found safeguarding effective. That is a dated assessment of care and education.

Based in Ilkley, the nursery has 48 places in total. Children attending in July 2022 were aged 1 to 4; that age range describes the children there at that time.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing language, physical development and understanding of the world into everyday play. In July 2022, children investigated caterpillar development, learnt the word cocoon and explored how light affected the colours they could see in bubbles.

Outdoor play also connected movement with listening and counting. In July 2022, what time is it Mr Wolf? involved children choosing roles, counting steps and running, while babies used a slide with adults nearby. Trips to the riverside brought learning about living things into a local setting.

There were weaknesses alongside those experiences. In July 2022, adults sometimes supplied answers to toddlers' questions rather than allowing them time to think, and did not consistently know each child's next learning step. These are practical issues about the quality of conversation during play and stories.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found that a key person and a backup supported continuity between home and nursery, while the special educational needs coordinator arranged referrals and staff collaborated with families and professionals on targeted support.

In July 2022, adults helped children manage emotions, share resources and wait their turn. Staff also considered choking risks and supervision during meals; children ate a balanced diet together around a table. For children moving on, a graduation party, visits from teachers and school visits with parents helped prepare them emotionally for change.

The address is 2 Kings Road, Ilkley, LS29 9AD. In July 2022, opening hours were 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year.

Funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds formed part of the offer in July 2022. These opening and funding details describe that period.

• Conversation and next steps. July 2022 findings highlighted toddlers' opportunities to think aloud and staff knowledge of individual learning needs. On a visit, ask how practitioners now extend children's questions and choose what to teach next.
• Fit for your child. The July 2022 attendance range was 1 to 4, with a long opening window. Ask which current age groups, attendance patterns and funding arrangements would fit your child.

Riverside will appeal to families drawn to outdoor play and learning connected to the nearby riverside. Its July 2022 assessment gives a positive starting point, balanced by specific weaknesses in questioning and individual teaching. The strongest decision rests on how those everyday interactions work for your child now.