Our approach
Curiosity leads. We help it grow.
A thoughtful balance of child-led play, inspiring experiences and sensitive adult support—designed around how young children really learn.
Explore · create · belong · grow
Learning with purpose, without losing the magic.
At Riverside, play is not a break from learning. Our long-standing “blank canvas” approach gives children space to practise language, test ideas, solve problems, negotiate friendships and make sense of the world.
Our team observes carefully, joins play with sensitivity and introduces materials, questions and experiences at the right moment. We follow each child’s interests while keeping a clear eye on the knowledge, confidence and independence that help them move forward.
- Playwork principlesChildren have time and permission to direct their own play, take age-appropriate risks and become absorbed in self-chosen ideas.
- Creative expressionOpen-ended art, music, movement, stories and imaginative play give children many ways to communicate what they know and feel.
- Science & mathsPrediction, pattern, quantity, measuring, mixing and investigation are woven into real experiences rather than saved for formal lessons.
- Individual developmentWe notice the whole child—their fascinations, relationships, communication, physical confidence and emotional wellbeing—and plan responsively.
- Strong relationshipsSecure bonds with familiar adults make it possible to explore with confidence, recover from setbacks and enjoy learning alongside others.
Maths Champions · EEF cohort
Mathematical thinking, woven into play.
Riverside is taking part in NDNA’s 12-month Maths Champions programme, helping our team make early mathematics richer, more visible and more confident across the nursery day.
Number sense, pattern, shape, space and measures grow naturally through building, sorting, stories, songs, movement and everyday routines. The programme helps practitioners recognise those moments, use thoughtful mathematical language and extend each child’s ideas through play.
Evidence-informed practiceEEF’s independent evaluation found that children in participating nurseries made, on average, three months’ additional progress in maths and language.
- 01Review what children experience
Learning-environment and staff-confidence audits help us identify where mathematical opportunities can become stronger.
- 02Learn and reflect together
Training, coaching and shared reflection build practitioner knowledge and confidence across the whole team.
- 03Embed and measure change
Play-based core activities, focused action plans and follow-up reviews help improved practice become part of everyday nursery life.
The adult's role
Present, observant and ready to inspire.
Skilled early years practice is often quiet. It can mean waiting before stepping in, finding the question that unlocks an idea, helping two children understand each other or knowing when reassurance matters more than challenge.
Our team creates a rich environment, protects long stretches of play and helps children make connections across experiences.
- NoticeWhat is this child exploring, repeating or trying to communicate?
- RespondWhat support, language or material could help the idea deepen?
- ReflectWhat did we learn about this child, and what might come next?
Ready for what comes next
School readiness, Riverside style.
Being ready for school is about more than letters and numbers. It includes being able to express a need, persist with a challenge, care for belongings, join a group and trust in your own ability to learn.
We support early literacy and mathematics through stories, conversation, mark-making, number, pattern and practical investigation—always connected to meaningful play.
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