Ribblesdale Nursery School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 March 2025

Children are happy at this welcoming nursery school. Staff carefully consider each child's individuality, background and starting point. When necessary, the curriculum is adapted to reflect these needs. Staff have high expectations of what children can achieve. Typically, children achieve well. They move on to primary school ready for the next stage of their learning. From the outset, children are supported to settle quickly into routines. They rise to the high expectations all staff have for them. Staff build caring and positive relationships with children. This means children are comfortable and relaxed around staff. Children are taught how to be polite, think of others and take turns. The school places a strong emphasis on building children's independence. Children regularly rehearse routines and become proficient at washing paint pots, putting their coats on and washing their hands independently. Staff teach children to know how to ask for help if needed. Children learn to care for living things, for example, the school's rabbits. This helps children to develop empathy and respect. Relationships between staff, families and children are warm and positive. Parents and carers are pleased with how well their children develop at this school.

What the school should improve

• In some areas of learning, the school is still determining the essential knowledge that children should learn. This makes it difficult for staff to design learning activities that build on what children already know. The school should clarify the foundational knowledge children should learn in each area of the curriculum.
• At times, the checks on children's learning do not identify if children understand the key knowledge. This means that, in these areas, some children are not as well prepared as they could be. The school should ensure that staff are supported to identify and address any gaps in key knowledge that children may have.

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