Opening hours
8:00am and 5:00pm
Freda's Community Playgroup and Pre-school
Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2022)
Number of places
34 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2022
Local authority
North Yorkshire
About this day nursery
Freda's Nursery, with a history dating back to 1973 as Marshfield Playgroup, is a highly regarded childcare setting in Craven. Now housed in the former Settle Middle School, this registered charity operates under the guidance of voluntary management trustees.
The nursery is structured into three distinct rooms: the Bumblebee room for infants aged 6 months to 2 years, the Caterpillar room catering to 2-3 year olds, and the Butterfly room designed for 3-5 year olds in their pre-school phase. Each room is thoughtfully arranged to foster development, with the Bumblebee room offering a cozy, neutral environment, the Caterpillar room providing dedicated spaces for messy play and role-playing, and the Butterfly room focusing on school readiness.
Freda's Nursery boasts impressive outdoor facilities including a small play area for babies, an allotment for growing fruits and vegetables, and a large main play area featuring a willow den, pirate ship, and water wall. The nursery prides itself on its stimulating indoor and outdoor environments that aim to develop confident, independent individuals who find joy in learning.
What it's like
Children are happy at this warm and welcoming nursery. Babies flourish with care from staff who are incredibly in tune with their needs. Children are curious and enthusiastic learners enjoying engaging and purposeful experiences. They learn about being positive community members through visits and participation in local projects.
Charity-runEstablished since 1973Extensive outdoor areas
Pricing & funding
The nursery charges a flat hourly rate for all children regardless of age, with sessions running between 8:00am and 5:00pm. Extended early morning and late afternoon half-hours are available. Breakfast is included for early arrivals, while snacks and hot lunches can be purchased separately or provided by parents.
Funding accepted
Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
- Hourly Rate£7.50 / hour
- Extended half hour (early drop-off/late pick-up)£6 / session
- Snack£0.50 / session
- Hot lunch£3 / session
Good to know
- More than one session per week is strongly recommended to help children settle.
- Breakfast is included at no extra cost for children starting before 8:30am.
- Healthy snacks are charged extra, or parents can choose to provide their own.
- Hot lunches can be purchased but must be ordered monthly in advance, or parents can pack a lunch.
- Government funding and Tax-Free Childcare are accepted.
Key facts
Age range
6 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Session types
Full Day, Sessional Care
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Freda's Community Playgroup and Pre-school
Last inspected 8 December 2022 · Jessica Copland
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
What it's like to attend
Children are happy at this warm and welcoming nursery. Babies flourish with care from staff who are incredibly in tune with their needs. Children are curious and enthusiastic learners enjoying engaging and purposeful experiences. They learn about being positive community members through visits and participation in local projects.
Inspector highlights
- Children are happy in a warm and welcoming nursery.
- Babies flourish with staff who are in tune with their needs.
- Children are curious and enthusiastic learners, making good progress.
- Children learn about community through visits and projects.
- Leaders plan an ambitious curriculum, and staff support children with SEND to a high level.
Areas to develop
- 1help children to develop their sense of what is right and wrong through providing them with specific and purposeful praise
- 2enhance supervision arrangements to target mentoring and coaching, to raise the quality of teaching to an even higher level.
Inspection #10263399 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents say that their children love coming here and enjoy each day.
Parents and carers compliment the 'family feel' of this setting.
They report that they are happy with how well their children are cared for by the 'lovely staff'.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported to a high level. Staff work very well with wider professionals to ensure plans for children are delivered with integrity. This enables all children with SEND to achieve their full potential.
Outdoor space
Children enjoy being active in the large outdoor area. They develop their physical skills as they climb and explore. Children grow plants and herbs in the allotment. They tend to the nature area and observe insects in the 'bug hotel'. This helps to develop children's understanding of the world around them.
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
8 December 2022
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportFrequently asked about Freda's Community Playgroup and Pre-school
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