Dimples Riverside Day Nursery

Books, signing and playful mathematics give Dimples Riverside Day Nursery a clear educational character. At its June 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, judged safeguarding effective and found exceptional support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Based on Sharrock Close in Middlesbrough, TS3 6DF, the nursery has 110 places in total for children from birth to five years. That is whole-setting capacity, rather than the size of a child's daily group.

In June 2024, babies listened to stories with dinosaur sound effects, while toddlers practised sharing through bubble play. Books and rhymes were used alongside signing across the nursery, giving children familiar ways to build communication as they moved through it.

The early years foundation stage is the required framework for children's learning, development and care. In June 2024, learning through play included outdoor shape drawing, treasure hunts using positional language and games linking numerals to cans knocked down with bean bags. Mathematics had a practical purpose within the games.

Writing preparation began with physical practice. In June 2024, dough disco helped children strengthen their grip; toddlers made shopping lists in a role play shop, and children recorded floating and sinking experiments with marks. These activities connected early writing to things children were doing, rather than treating it as an isolated exercise.

In June 2024, online journals carried information between staff and families, while stay and play sessions and celebration days involved parents in children's learning. Communication extended beyond an update about the day: families could contribute information about their children too.

Support arrangements that June included referrals to other professionals, individual target plans and time with the special educational needs coordinator. The coordinator knew children's plans and worked with other staff on their implementation. These were concrete mechanisms for tailoring support to individual needs.

Health routines in June 2024 included toothbrushing encouragement, handwashing and children getting their own drinking water. Staff followed children's medical plans and took account of allergies. For the move to school, teachers visited the setting, staff shared information and accompanied children needing extra support on school visits.

The address is Sharrock Close, Middlesbrough, TS3 6DF. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm on weekdays, with year-round operation except bank holidays and one week at Christmas.

In June 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding provision, rather than a promise of a funded place for an individual child.

• Attendance pattern. The weekday opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm. Which booking pattern would fit your family's working week?
• Individual support and school transition. In June 2024, target plans, professional referrals and supported school visits formed part of children's care. During a visit, discuss how those arrangements would work for your child.

Dimples Riverside suits families seeking care from babyhood through the preschool years, with a June 2024 inspection that gives substantial weight to its educational and support arrangements. The strongest examples connect learning with ordinary play: shopping lists, outdoor mathematics and grip-building dough activities. Its weekday opening hours also offer a broad window for families organising care around work.