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The Riverside Playgroup

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2025)
·
4.6(9 parent reviews) ·York House, Richmond Road, TWICKENHAM, TW1 3AA · Richmond upon Thames
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Richmond upon Thames

About this day nursery

The Riverside Playgroup, situated in Twickenham, is a charity-based childcare provider that offers sessions for children aged between two and a half and four years old. The playgroup focuses on a holistic and play-led approach to early years education, encouraging children to develop at their own pace.

They aim to foster curiosity, creativity, and independence within a fun and nurturing environment. The playgroup supports children through their early years and helps them transition into primary school.

They provide a variety of activities to spark imagination and cultivate a love for learning. The Riverside Playgroup prides itself on being a welcoming community where every child is treated with equal respect, care, and consideration for their learning and wellbeing.

Parents are encouraged to be part of their child's educational journey and can track development and offer feedback through a dedicated parents' area. The playgroup offers flexible options for children transitioning in, including free visiting and taster sessions.

Our ethos

We believe that children learn best through play and take a holistic approach to childcare. We believe Early Years learning should be led by play, enabling children to develop at their own pace whilst building social skills, independence and critical thinking.

What it's like

Staff are incredibly warm and friendly, creating a calm environment where children are happy and emotionally settled, enjoying cuddles and conversations. The managers have high expectations, designing an ambitious curriculum that effectively sparks children

Charity-runPlay-led learningHolistic approachAges 2.5-4

Pricing & funding

Fees are calculated based on the sessions attended, with options for morning, afternoon, or full day care. Invoices are issued and billed on a termly basis.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Good to know

  • Fees are billed via invoice on a termly basis.
  • Fees are calculated based on sessions attended and eligible funding.

Key facts

Opening hours

Morning sessions: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 9:00am-12:05pm; Afternoon sessions: Mon, Tue 12:05pm-3:35pm; Full Day sessions: Mon, Tue 9:00am-3:35pm

Session types

Morning session, Afternoon session, Full Day Session

Food

Snack provided, packed lunch required for full days

Age range

2.5-4 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Riverside Playgroup

Last inspected 3 July 2025

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff are incredibly warm and friendly, creating a calm environment where children are happy and emotionally settled, enjoying cuddles and conversations. The managers have high expectations, designing an ambitious curriculum that effectively sparks children

Inspector highlights

  • The long-serving managers continue to provide children with high-quality care and education, collaborating closely with staff to enhance children
  • Staff develop strong partnerships with parents and carers, enhancing information sharing regarding each child
  • Staff plan and sequence the curriculum to help children gain the knowledge and skills needed for future education, preparing them to be independent and confident speakers.
  • Staff observe and assess children
  • Staff engage children in learning how to care for plants, promoting a sense of responsibility, appreciation for nature, and early mathematical skills.

Areas to develop

  • 1reflect on how periods of change throughout the daily routine can be best managed for children to fully support their learning
  • 2explore additional opportunities to help children to become aware of communities beyond their own.
Inspection #10398370 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents agree with this development and unanimously feel that staff consistently act in the best interests of their children.

They especially commend staff for fostering a homely and nurturing environment.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

This has greatly benefited children with limited speech or who struggle to manage their behaviour. When they identify potential concerns in a child

Outdoor space

Children demonstrate how to walk 'nicely' as they enter the outdoor area. Staff ensure that children have plenty of opportunities for fresh air and exercise, developing good physical skills through activities such as running and balancing on equipment.

Parent Reviews of The Riverside Playgroup

4.6
(9)
Nicole Watkins
10 months ago

Such a lovely warm evironment, staff are so kind and supportive of the children and parents. My daughter loves it here so much, she never wants to leave! The children are always coming home with so many pictures and crafts they have created at nursery, you can see so much time, love and attention is given. I wish I had known about this hidden gem before for my eldest however I think that its makes it so special is that it's not a big company advertising themselves, I found out from a parent recommendation & I'm so glad that I listened! Riverside has provided my daughter with such a positive start to education, I am so grateful. Perfect location too inside beautiful York House Gardens with a great outdoor play area, mini covered pond, plants and vegetable patches and all kinds of play equipment, I know my daughter is in a fun, nurturing and safe environment at Riverside.

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Amandla D
6 years ago

My daughter loved every second at Riverside, it is the most empathic, supportive and encouraging environment. Our emphasis was for our daughter to enjoy creative play, social engagement whilst being encouraged to explore educational activities. Riverside delivered and more, they became like family to us. I can’t wait for my youngest to start!

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Matilda Titini
a year ago

I am very happy that my son is in this nursery. The teachers are very caring and professional, loving and very approachable. Elion is very happy with you 🥰🥰

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Antigona B
2 years ago

Nr 1 🏆 My son 👦 is very happy with teacher 🙏 The best teacher 🥇 The best nursery 🏅

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Natashia Nunes
6 years ago

A gem in Twickenham. One of the best nurseries and the staff are absolutely amazing. My 3 boys loved it here.

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Reviews from Google for The Riverside Playgroup. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2011

  • July 2025Good
  • October 2019Good
  • February 2016Good
  • July 2011Good

Frequently asked about The Riverside Playgroup

About the setting

The Riverside Playgroup registered in 1992 and is located in Richmond Upon Thames. It is open on Monday and Thursday from 9am to 3.35pm, and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 12.05pm, during term time. There are eight staff members, five of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The setting provides government funded childcare.

URN
511431
Registered person
The Riverside Playgroup (Twickenham) Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more