Riverside Pre-School

Clay modelling, globe puzzles and a daily helper role give Riverside Pre-School's May 2022 account its character: children practised conversation, persistence and responsibility through ordinary play. This Chippenham setting has 18 places in total.

At its 19 May 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated Riverside Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children made good progress, with learning gaps identified and support arranged promptly. Children attending then were aged three to four. These findings describe that period of care.

In May 2022, stories, songs and conversations supported language development, while a world puzzle and globe introduced vocabulary about countries and shapes. Children recalled learning about Australia and its animals. This connected new words with something they could discuss and remember.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care; here, the May 2022 examples included play that developed speech, hand control and early literacy. Clay tools gave children practice using their hands, and older children recognised their names and letter sounds.

In May 2022, the special helper role involved distributing snacks and gathering name cards. Weekly physical education included a traffic light game that children helped adapt, plus bean-bag balancing. However, opportunities for more energetic movement needed increasing.

In May 2022, children chatted readily with staff and practised sharing during games. Staff also used hand signs to aid communication following training, adding another way for children to express themselves.

Take-home oral health packs in May 2022 contained toothpaste, a toothbrush, information and a chart, with a tooth brushing superstar certificate for a completed chart. That linked a nursery activity with a practical routine at home.

Parents received written progress updates and could speak with staff daily in May 2022, but limited face-to-face contact left some uncertain about their child's next learning steps. Communication needed to make those steps, and ways to support them at home, clearer. Liaison with professionals and children's future schools also formed part of the work at that time.

The address is The Mobile, Monkton Park School, Sadlers Mead, Chippenham, SN15 3PN. In May 2022, Riverside operated on the grounds of Monkton Park Primary School, opening on weekdays between 8.45am and 2.45pm during school terms. These were opening hours, rather than separate booking patterns.

In May 2022, the pre-school received funding for free early education for three- and four-year-olds. Attendance at a nursery on school grounds does not guarantee a Reception place.

• Learning updates. Communication about individual next steps needed strengthening in May 2022. At a visit, ask how those steps are shared and translated into activities at home.
• Energetic outdoor play. Weekly physical education featured in May 2022, but children needed more opportunities for vigorous movement. Ask how active play fits into the day now.
• Term-time planning. The May 2022 opening pattern followed school terms. How would the current attendance arrangements fit your family's working week?

Riverside suits families drawn to a preschool setting with practical learning and everyday responsibility: its May 2022 account combines clay work, conversation and helper duties. The Good judgement provides a dated quality reference. Clearer learning updates and more energetic physical play were the two priorities for improvement, and both deserve attention when choosing care.