Little Ducks Nursery, North Duffield

A mud kitchen, a community book swap and practical help for parents give Little Ducks Nursery, North Duffield its character. These were features of daily life in October 2023, with play and family support closely connected.

At its October 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged that children made good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The nursery has 33 places in total; children attending in October 2023 ranged from 0 to 11 years old.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care: here, the October 2023 examples included learning through conversation, outdoor exploration and everyday routines.

In October 2023, children could choose between indoor and outdoor play. The mud kitchen included a pizza oven, giving children reasons to exchange ideas about cooking and compare quantities. Garden discoveries, including a frog and a worm, prompted questions about animals and movement. Leaves, digging tools and stories connected play with an autumn theme.

Babies explored through sensory activities, bubbles and familiar songs in October 2023. Adults responded with expressions and sounds that encouraged babies to join in. Walks also included a community book swap, allowing children to take a book home to share with their parents.

In October 2023, children formed close relationships with their key person and settled readily. Adults helped them recognise emotions and practise managing their behaviour. Independence had a practical shape: children put away belongings, changed shoes, helped clear lunch crockery and tidied toys. These routines supported preparation for school.

Family support extended beyond learning updates in October 2023. A parent support hub supplied free dry food, nappies and sanitary products, while newsletters offered ideas for activities at home. Assessments had become more frequent in response to parents' requests, giving families more regular information about development.

The address is North Duffield Cp School, Broadmanor, North Duffield, Selby, YO8 5RZ. Attendance at a nursery on a school site does not guarantee a Reception place.

In October 2023, opening hours ran from 7am until 6pm on Monday to Friday, across the year. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four at that time.

• Early mathematics. In October 2023, adults discussed quantities during play but missed opportunities to explain measuring time. Extending mathematical thinking was an improvement priority, relevant to families weighing the preschool learning programme.
• Staff development. October 2023 improvement priorities included making coaching and training more closely match each practitioner's needs. This matters because children's experiences depend on how adults develop their practice.
• Attendance arrangements. The October 2023 opening window covered weekdays across the year. At a visit, ask which booking patterns and funded-hours arrangements now fit your family's routine.

Little Ducks suits families who value everyday independence, outdoor discovery and practical support for parents. Its October 2023 provision combined sensory play for babies with conversation and exploration for older children. The Good judgement provides a clear inspection position, balanced by specific priorities for mathematics and staff coaching.