Riddlesden St Mary's Nursery Review

Long stretches of play, books that shape each half term and learning in the school grounds give this nursery its character. At Riddlesden St Mary's CofE Primary School, Tadpoles caters for two-year-olds, while Frogs is the nursery class for children aged three to four. Both belong to the school's early years provision on Grange Road in Keighley.

The distinction between the classes matters practically: the two-year-old provision has its own morning and afternoon sessions. Across early years, children have time to pursue their own interests as well as join activities led by adults. This gives families a picture of a day built around exploration, rather than a succession of formal lessons.

Play has room to develop here. Children get extended periods to investigate and discover, with a balance between activities they choose and tasks adults organise. In this early years foundation stage (EYFS) provision, the emphasis is on learning through play, conversation and stories. A child can follow an idea, while adults introduce another task or topic.

Books provide a thread through the learning: each half term centres on one or two texts. Baking and visits from guests add practical experiences alongside stories. Communication also has a named approach, EKLAN, used especially in early years to develop children's language. The focus makes speaking and listening part of the learning itself.

The school grounds extend the possibilities beyond the classroom. Tadpoles and Frogs regularly learn with the school's garden and wildlife expert, bringing the natural surroundings into their activities. Indoors and outdoors both contribute to the early years learning environment.

At the March 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that early years adults used questions and conversation skilfully to extend children's understanding, within a calm environment with plentiful resources. Early writing nevertheless needed attention: some pupils had insufficient practice in forming letters, spelling and constructing sentences, and mistakes were not corrected consistently or promptly. The concern was securing these foundations before attempting more demanding writing.

Parents can take part in regular stay and play sessions in both Tadpoles and Frogs. These offer a direct way to share activities with children and connect home with nursery learning. The early years provision also takes part in the 50 Things to do before you are 5: Parents as Partners Project.

An assistant headteacher leads early years. The wider school leadership includes a SEND lead and a SEND coordinator, while the equality policy provides for adjustments to help children access learning and participate in school activities. For a child needing additional support, that gives a school-level framework for adapting provision. In March 2025, children across early years were engaged in learning and had settled into school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process; Bradford Local Authority manages admission for school-aged children. Keep that application separate from arranging a Tadpoles or Frogs place, which the school handles itself.

For two-year-olds, morning sessions run from 8:20 to 11:20 and afternoon sessions from 12:00 to 15:00. These timings apply to the two-year-old provision.

Some families qualify for 15 funded hours for their two-year-old. Paid sessions are also offered to families who do not meet that eligibility condition; contact the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries go to earlyyearsadmissions@rsmps.co.uk, and families can also use the online expression of interest form. The main office can be reached on 01535 210002.