Ridings Pre-School

In February 2022, a mud slide and an investigation into crabs illustrated Ridings Pre-School's outdoor challenges and learning sparked by children's questions. At its February 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the pre-school Good overall.

Based on Flood Street in Ockbrook, Derby, it has 28 places in total. In February 2022, the children attending were aged two to four; that inspection offers a dated picture of daily life rather than a description of today's arrangements.

In February 2022, children's curiosity about crabs led to online research, new vocabulary, drawing and counting legs. One interest connected language, number work and control of crayons. Stories, songs and letter-sound jigsaws also featured, with some older children able to write their names.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2022 examples show what that can mean in practice: learning through play, conversation and activities that connect several skills.

Outdoor learning had a physical edge in February 2022. The forest school supported adventurous play, including tackling a mud slide, while balancing on planks helped children experiment with arm movements and changes of direction. These were concrete opportunities to practise movement, rather than outdoor time alone.

At the February 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described staff identifying additional needs promptly, then working with parents and professionals to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

In February 2022, staff used gentle reminders about behaviour, encouraged children to put toys away and supported their understanding of emotions. Wellbeing activities included yoga and massage between children. First-aid play introduced slings and bandages, making looking after themselves part of the learning.

Communication also had a practical purpose in February 2022: parents understood their child's next learning steps and how to help at home. Children served themselves fruit at snack time and discussed toothbrushing and germs, linking independence with everyday health habits.

The address is Flood Street, Ockbrook, Derby, DE72 3RF.

In February 2022, attendance ran Monday to Friday in term time, with sessions from 9am to 3pm. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. Those arrangements belong to that date; families should obtain a current written quotation for prices.

• Purpose behind activities. In February 2022, some practitioners needed a clearer understanding of the skills and knowledge each activity should develop. On a visit, ask how staff now connect a child's chosen play with the next learning step.
• Term-time planning. The February 2022 pattern was a weekday session from 9am to 3pm during term time. Does the current attendance and funding arrangement fit your family's working hours and holiday needs?

Ridings merits consideration for families drawn to practical outdoor experiences and learning that follows children's questions. Its February 2022 offer suited a term-time weekday routine, with language activities, physical challenges and everyday independence threaded through the day. The important qualification is the age of that picture, alongside the need for clearer activity intentions identified at that inspection.