The Railway Children

Puddle jumping, den building and stories about feelings shaped children's experiences at The Railway Children in March 2023. At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good overall. Outdoor exploration and practical independence were prominent parts of children's experiences at that time.

Based at Menston Railway Station in Ilkley, the nursery has capacity for 51 children aged 12 to 60 months. Its station address is a useful practical detail, while the inspection account gives parents concrete examples of how children spent their day.

In March 2023, outdoor play included getting wet and muddy, exploring the neighbourhood and building dens. Older children practised knots and secured pegs with a mallet. These were hands-on experiences involving movement, tools and materials.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: everyday play and routines support learning alongside children's physical and emotional needs. In March 2023, children used weighing scales to explore weight, while food and drink choices introduced comparisons of quantity.

The Colour Monster linked storytelling with recognising feelings. Jack and the Beanstalk led into planting beans and discussing what plants need to grow. Puppets and story spoons also gave children resources for retelling stories themselves.

Interactions with younger children needed attention in March 2023. Some toddlers received little conversation from staff at snack time, and improving those exchanges was the identified development priority. That matters because an ordinary routine can also be an opportunity for language and learning.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with staff understanding how to respond to concerns and managers refreshing safeguarding knowledge through termly meetings. This is a dated judgement.

In March 2023, independence extended to pouring water, serving lunch with tongs and washing hands after nappy changes. Praise supported sharing and turn-taking. Children also visited a residential home to bake, sing and play board games with residents, bringing contact with other generations into their experiences.

School preparation included planned sessions with a local school in March 2023. These supported the move beyond nursery through contact with the next setting.

The address is Menston Railway Station, Station Road, Ilkley, LS29 6JH. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6.15pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with bank holiday closures.

In March 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for three- and four-year-olds. This describes the position at that visit.

• Younger children's interactions. The March 2023 improvement priority concerned staff exchanges with younger children. During a visit, ask how practitioners now extend toddlers' conversation and learning during snacks.
• Station setting. The nursery's address is Menston Railway Station. Consider how this location fits your family's regular childcare journey.

The Railway Children suits families seeking year-round weekday childcare at a station address. Its March 2023 account combines practical independence, outdoor exploration and purposeful story activities. For parents of younger children, the interaction priority deserves particular attention alongside the Good judgement.