--- title: "Riverside Nursery, Lower Darwen — Ofsted-rated Outstanding" description: "Riverside Nursery in Lower Darwen — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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The staff are kind, nurturing, and professional, and they created a safe, happy environment where she truly thrived. Communication was excellent, the activities were engaging and age-appropriate, and our daughter loved going every day. We are incredibly grateful for the care and support they gave her and would highly recommend this nursery to any parent.", "datePublished": "2026-03-18T17:37:31.241837115Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/riverside-nursery-bb3-0pr-ey357087#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "North West", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=North%20West" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Riverside Nursery", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/riverside-nursery-bb3-0pr-ey357087" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/riverside-nursery-bb3-0pr-ey357087#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Riverside Nursery Ofsted registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Riverside Nursery is Ofsted registered and holds an Outstanding overall grade. The most recent inspection date listed is 28/09/2022." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Riverside Nursery a private nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Riverside Nursery is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises. It operates as full day care rather than as a domestic home-based setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the settling-in process work at Riverside Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery uses a key worker system to build close links with children and families. Warm relationships support transitions between rooms, and parents describe sensitive help when children are tired or upset at drop-off." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does the staff team at Riverside Nursery look like?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "All staff hold relevant childcare qualifications, training and experience. The manager is described as highly qualified and reflective in practice, with leadership focused on strong outcomes for children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about Riverside Nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children make excellent progress, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, because learning is adapted to each child. Staff extend language well, introduce new vocabulary during play, and support strong independence through everyday routines. Outdoor exploration also develops children’s understanding of the world." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [North West](/search?region=North+West) 4. Riverside Nursery # Riverside Nursery in Lower Darwen Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Sept 2022) · 5.0 (3 parent reviews) · Riverside Ind Est, Branch Road, Lower Darwen, BB3 0PR · Blackburn with Darwen Number of places 82 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Sept 2022 Local authority Blackburn with Darwen About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Riverside Nursery, situated in Lower Darwen, provides care for children ranging from 3 months up to school age. The nursery emphasises a stimulating environment where children feel loved and nurtured, promoting learning through continuous play. The facilities are purpose-built and designed for each age group, including a cosy baby suite, an imagination-inspiring area for 2-3 year olds, and a flexible space for 3-5 year olds that can transform into a classroom to prepare children for school. The nursery also features extensive outdoor play areas with various toys and a climbing frame, as well as a vegetable patch where children can pick fresh fruit and vegetables for healthy meals and snacks. In addition to a focus on child development through play and healthy eating, Riverside Nursery prioritises child welfare with secure entrances, a collection policy, password systems, CCTV, regular risk assessments, and staff who are all enhanced DBS checked and trained in paediatric first aid. Located in a private and secure area with parking, the nursery is easily accessible from the M65 and major routes from Darwen and Blackburn. Children aged 3 and above also have the opportunity to access swimming lessons at the on-site swimming academy. Our ethos We provide a safe and stimulating environment where children feel loved and nurtured, with opportunities to learn through continuous play. Our staff are dedicated to providing the best childcare in our day nursery. We follow the EYFS framework and use the key worker system to develop strong relationships with children and families. Every activity at Riverside Nursery is designed to help your children grow, from storytime to playtime in our outdoor play area. We are firm believers in the power of play and allow children’s interests to dictate their learning. What it's like Children thrive at this exceptional, caring nursery, where they are excited and motivated to learn. They quickly become engrossed in the well-resourced environments on offer in each room. Children are exceptionally well-behaved at this nursery and show care for one another, helping with challenging tasks. Play-based learning EYFS framework Secure environment Outdoor play area On-site swimming academy ## Pricing & funding Pricing on request This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability. [Request pricing →](https://www.thehub-riverside.co.uk/contact-us/) ## Key facts Food Meals and snacks are provided fresh fruit and veg from our vegetable garden by our cooks Opening hours 7.30am - 5.45pm Age range 3 months to school age Term time / All Year All Year ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Riverside Nursery Inspection date Sept 2022 Inspection no. 10235111 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50197580)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY357087) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number [ Visit website ](https://www.thehub-riverside.co.uk/nursery/) Riverside Ind Est, Branch Road, Lower Darwen, BB3 0PR Opening hours 7.30am - 5.45pm [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-2.48017/53.72274/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Lower Darwen - [Day nurseries in Lower Darwen](/search?q=Lower+Darwen) - [Day nurseries in North West](/search?q=North+West) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=riverside-nursery-bb3-0pr-ey357087) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Riverside Nursery Last inspected 28 September 2022 Overall effectiveness Outstanding What it's like to attend Children thrive at this exceptional, caring nursery, where they are excited and motivated to learn. They quickly become engrossed in the well-resourced environments on offer in each room. Children are exceptionally well-behaved at this nursery and show care for one another, helping with challenging tasks. Inspector highlights - The nursery is led by a well-qualified, highly aspirational manager who reflects on practice continuously to ensure the best outcomes for children. - The manager is inspirational in her leadership of this setting and her care for the staff and children is shown in the happiness of all who attend. - Staff model excellent communication skills to children by using clear and concise language and consistently introduce new vocabulary into children's play. - Children display exceptionally high levels of independence in this nursery, serving themselves at lunchtime and putting on their own coats and shoes. - All children benefit from warm relationships with their key person and transitions between rooms are handled excellently. Inspection #10235111 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50197580) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents and carers are incredibly complimentary about the nursery and staff. > They talk about the warm greetings they receive at drop-off time, and the sensitive help staff provide if they notice children are tired or tearful. > They comment that communication is wonderful and that they always feel fully updated about their child's progress. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make excellent progress in every area as the curriculum on offer is individualised for each child. Outdoor space Children's understanding of the world flourishes in the rich environment of the garden. They dig, plant and water the flowers and vegetables, and talk to each other about the smell of the flowers, which helps them begin to understand the natural world. ## Parent Reviews of Riverside Nursery 5.0 (3) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVHOsnIFujaPvaMxvWBnxx4OZpSjeNKc6Fz15v14allo9jA7fqP=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) Colin Young a year ago One of my granddaughters went too this nursery, and another one is still there, it is absolutely the BEST, absolutely no doubt, go down too pick my granddaughter up and all you see are smiling happy children, just as it should be, the staff are FIRST CLASS. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYNy1meGFREAE!2m1!1s0x487b9fefccfc84f7:0x687c49ca1b8f8c21) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXg09cn5YYDFQe8POX3_DFVUArdsJcaiJdeoGGqArXZUClKtyw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) First Qibla Tours 9 years ago Top people to deal with [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNBal9ENjZRRRAB!2m1!1s0x487b9fefccfc84f7:0x687c49ca1b8f8c21) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIj6Y79pnu9xCpJpmSvKa7DIT53e4bUXALJnSjkmMHe4EDmuQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) nina bowker 2 months ago We had an amazing experience with this nursery from when Annie started at the age of 8 months old until she turned 3. The staff are kind, nurturing, and professional, and they created a safe, happy environment where she truly thrived. Communication was excellent, the activities were engaging and age-appropriate, and our daughter loved going every day. We are incredibly grateful for the care and support they gave her and would highly recommend this nursery to any parent. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2xwbk4yOXdZV015TkdsMWJtbHBkMjluTlZkSk1XYxAB!2m1!1s0x487b9fefccfc84f7:0x687c49ca1b8f8c21) Reviews from Google for Riverside Nursery. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7528973809451240481&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2022 Date: November 2011 - September 2022 Outstanding - October 2016 Good - April 2013 Good - November 2011 Good ## Frequently asked about Riverside Nursery ### Is Riverside Nursery Ofsted registered? ### Is Riverside Nursery a private nursery? ### How does the settling-in process work at Riverside Nursery? ### What does the staff team at Riverside Nursery look like? ### What stands out about Riverside Nursery? ## About the setting Riverside Nursery registered in 2007 and is situated in the Lower Darwen area of Blackburn. The setting opens Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year, with the exception of bank holidays, from 7.30am until 5.45pm. The setting employs 25 members of childcare staff, with one holding early years teacher status, six at level 6, and 16 at level 3. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. URN EY357087 Registered person Riverside Nursery (Lower Darwen) Limited Day care type Full day care Register Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Establishment type Childcare on non-domestic premises ## Nearby day nurseries in Lower Darwen Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Riverside Nursery. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### Kids Planet Fernhurst Court Blackburn · BB2 4JJ 4.0(12 reviews) ](/nursery/kids-planet-blackburn-bb2-4jj-2670575) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### Kiddiwinks Day Nursery (Blackburn) Blackburn · BB1 2LB 2.5(11 reviews) ](/nursery/kiddiwinks-day-nursery-blackburn-limited-bb1-2lb-ey434716) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Peekaboo Waterside Blackburn · BB2 3SF 5.0(20 reviews) ](/nursery/peekaboo-waterside-bb2-3sf-2692650) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.2 mi ### Tudor House Day Nursery @ Mill Hill Blackburn · BB2 4DT 5.0(7 reviews) ](/nursery/tudor-house-day-nursery-mill-hill-bb2-4dt-ey536929) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.3 mi ### Tudor House Day Nursery @ Hancock St Blackburn · BB2 2LZ 4.6(9 reviews) ](/nursery/tudor-house-day-nursery-hancock-st-bb2-2lz-ey555170) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.4 mi ### Everbloom Childcare @Shadsworth Business Park Shadsworth Business Park · BB1 2QS ](/nursery/everbloom-childcare-shadsworth-business-park-bb1-2qs-ey500311) [See all nurseries in Lower Darwen →](/search?q=Lower+Darwen) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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