Ofsted upgrades Woodlands Day Nursery to ‘good’

Woodlands Day Nursery in Harrogate has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The findings were published in a report on Friday following an inspection in August.

The assessment means the nursery on Wetherby Road has been upgraded from its previous ‘requires improvement’ grading last year.

Government inspectors said the nursery, which was registered in 2000, was ‘good’ in all four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

They described it as a warm and welcoming place where children are eager to join their friends. They added that children make good progress and are supported by dedicated and nurturing staff.

The report said:

“Play and learning in the nursery is led by children. The varied curriculum focuses on their interests, next steps, and experiences from home.

“Children settle quickly and soon form strong bonds with staff and other children. They behave very well.

“With clear guidance from patient staff, they learn to understand and manage their emotions.”

Children learn sign language and Spanish, and have excellent communication skills and a broad vocabulary, the report added.

Inspectors also found children “develop their independence from an early age and are fully prepared for the eventual move on to school.”

The management team was praised for its “passionate and ambitious” attitude. The report said:

“The management team works extremely hard to drive improvements in this nursery.

“This is reflected in the enthusiasm of their staff team. Together, they have created a culture of teamwork and support that values each member of staff and promotes a strong culture of continual improvement.”

The report also praised the level of communication between parents and staff and found “parents share a wealth of positive experiences that clearly depict the dedication, enthusiasm and care provided by the staff team.”

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Area to improve

However, inspectors did report sometimes “staff are not perceptive to children’s curiosity during their play and do not help them make connections in their learning.”

They added:

“Children play in the garden every day. Staff plan some activities for children here. However, these are not well thought out, and staff do not provide a good range of resources that interest children and motivate them to explore.

“Consequently, children do not benefit from the same rich learning experiences as they do in their rooms, and some children wander around with little focus for their play.”

Ofsted said to improve, staff should be “more perceptive to children’s curiosity and emerging lines of enquiry during their play”, as well as consider “children’s interests so that they are engaged and motivated to explore and build on what they already know and can do.”

‘Positive direction’

 Nursery manager Suzie Wighton said in response to the report:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have received a ‘good’ rating following our recent Ofsted inspection.

“It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our amazing team, who work tirelessly to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for the children in our care.

“Moving forward, we are very excited about the positive direction we are heading. We will keep building on this success and remain fully committed to providing the best care for our children.”

Woodlands Day Nursery is part of Just Childcare – a group of day nurseries with branches across the north west, Yorkshire and the south west of England.

Harrogate recycling project celebrates 20th anniversary

A community project run by Harrogate’s Bettys & Taylors celebrated its 20th anniversary last week.

The Cone Exchange marked two decades of recycling on Friday.

The idea was sparked by Chris Powell who worked in the Taylors tea production hall at the time.

He was showing a group of children around the factory, when one child saw a cardboard cone being put into a recycling bin and requested to take it home to make a Christmas angel.

From there, the Cone Exchange was born and has since dedicated itself to recycling waste, raising money for charities and bringing the community together.

The project, which is based on the Bettys & Taylors Harrogate site, collects waste from businesses and the wider community to raise money, which is then donated to local charities, including Horticap and Henshaws.

It has also worked with a range of local initiatives, including planting trees with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, as well as providing work experience for people with additional needs.

Mr Powell is now the events and education co-ordinator for the project and has helped over 200 schools, playgroups and community groups teach young people about recycling.

He said:

“From that first spark of the idea for the Cone Exchange, our aim has always been to release the potential of things that others might see as waste, and seeing the ability, not disability, in people.

“By encouraging the reuse and repurposing of items that some might consider ‘trash’ into treasure, we try to capture people’s imaginations and show them how they can make a difference to protect the planet and raise funds for local good causes.

“I don’t think any of us ever imagined how far-reaching our impact would be so it’s lovely to celebrate and thank so many of our key partners and supporters from the last two decades.”

The Cone Exchange has raised over £200,000 in the last decade from talks, events and sales of recycled materials.

Sarah Wells, community manager at Bettys & Taylors, added:

“We have long-standing partnerships with some brilliant local charities and groups and by working together, we create a wider-reaching impact. Not to mention our team of community volunteers who give their time, crafty skills, and ideas, and without whom we couldn’t run the project.

“And finally, this special occasion offers us the opportunity to recognise and thank Chris. His dedication and creative vision for this project, along with his commitment to supporting our local community has been enduring for 20 years and we are delighted to be able to recognise these achievements today.”

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Harrogate police officer receives British Empire Medal

A Harrogate police officer was awarded a British Empire Medal today in recognition of his services to policing and charity.

Sergeant Paul Cording was honoured in the king’s birthday honours list in June.

Today, Sgt Cording received his medal from the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner at her Camp Hill Estate near Bedale.

Sgt Cording joined North Yorkshire Police in 2001 and moved to the roads policing department in 2010.

He has since been called to over 100 fatal road traffic collisions and become well-known for tweeting about life as a roads policing sergeant in North Yorkshire.  He has also featured on Channel 5’s Traffic Cops.

Sgt Cording was nominated for the award by the chief constable’s office.

In a social media post, Sgt Cording said:

“What an amazing and humbling experience to be in a room with such incredible people.

“My thanks to North Yorkshire Lieutenancy and Jo Ropner for presenting my award and thank you to everyone that has and continues to support me.”

In another post on X, Sgt Cording described his anticipation for the awards ceremony as:

“Proud moment in the Cording household if not a little bit overwhelmed by it all.”

Besides his police work, Sgt Cording frequently supports charities.

He visits local schools to educate young people and children on road traffic safety, and this year ran 325km in a week to honour the 325 people killed or seriously injured on North Yorkshire’s roads in 2021.

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Rough sleepers return to Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens

A group of rough sleepers has repeatedly returned to Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens – just days after being moved on.

The group’s two-week occupation of the pavilion in the gardens sparked concerns about anti-social-behaviour.

It was finally dispersed by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police on Friday last week.

However, the group returned on Sunday evening — and again this morning.

Nearby resident Kirk Wilber-Moran said:

“They came back Sunday night but were moved on early yesterday morning.

“However, they came back again this morning and not just in the bandstand — three were stood in an empty shop doorway drinking cider at 6.45am this morning.

“There’s roughly 10 people, some I have seen previously but some new faces too. They’ve not managed to establish a full set-up like before.”

The rough sleepers were removed again this morning.

The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment two weeks ago after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and a lack of action from the council and police.

Following the move-on operation, residents also wanted to know what measures would be taken to resolve similar situations in the future.

The Stray Ferret has asked the council what measures it has taken to prevent repeat occupations.

Andrew Rowe, the council’s assistant director of housing, said this morning:

“We worked with the police last week to ensure that advice and support was offered to all the individuals who were congregating in the Crescent Gardens.

“It’s important to note that not all of these individuals are homeless or rough sleepers, however, offers of support and accommodation were made to all those who needed it. We understand that despite being encouraged to move on by the police a number of people have returned to the area.

“We will continue to work with all agencies to find solutions to this issue.”

North Yorkshire Police declined to add to a statement it gave last week, which described the situation as “complex” and said it was working with partners and residents to find a solution for everyone.

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Harrogate man to say ‘I do’ on Married At First Sight UK

A Harrogate bodybuilder announced he will star in the Channel 4 series Married at First Sight UK today.

Window cleaner Matt Pilmoor, 29, will join 16 other people on the programme in marrying a stranger.

The reality show hires relationship experts to match people based on their interests and personalities in the hope of establishing long-term relationships.

The catch is, the couples don’t meet each other until they’re at the altar.

They then jet off on their honeymoons and live together for six weeks to see if their relationship lasts.

Matt, who was a pupil at Harrogate’s Rossett School, was scouted by producers to feature in the series after being single for a year before the show.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I went into the process not knowing what to expect but I gave it my best shot. Putting your trust into the experts knowing they will match you up with someone you want is a scary thought.”

The series began last week and has already seen three couples tie the knot.

Unlike the US version, however, Married at First Sight UK couples are not legally married.

As he is a latecomer to the show, Matt will be considered an “intruder groom” – a character thrown in to potentially turn heads as well as find love.

Despite announcing his part in the series today, Matt will not make an appearance until mid-October.

He continued:

“It was one of the most intense experiences of my life, but also one of the best, and a journey I’ll never forget.

“Expect lots of laughs, drama, and downfalls that get re-built through the show.”

Matt said viewers will have to wait and see if he found true love, but could reveal he spent his honeymoon in Tenerife.

Married at First Sight UK continues tonight and is on Monday to Thursday from 9pm.

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Ofsted praises ‘welcoming and friendly’ Scotton school

Scotton Lingerfield Primary School, near Knaresborough, has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The inspection took place in June this year and the findings were published in a report on Wednesday.

It maintains the school’s official ‘good’ rating from 2013.

When a school receives a ‘good’ rating, Ofsted visits about every four years to confirm the grading.

Government inspectors found the school to be welcoming and friendly, and said pupils are polite and courteous.

They added that pupils demonstrate the school’s three rules: be safe, be respectful and be responsible.

The report found:

“Older pupils play well with younger pupils at breaktimes and lunchtimes.

“This adds to a sense of community.

“Bullying is extremely rare. Pupils told inspectors that they did not think it took place.”

During the visit, pupils were enthusiastically rehearsing songs for the end-of-year production, inspectors said, adding these opportunities support the development of pupils’ talents and interests effectively.

They commented:

“Leaders have designed and implemented a curriculum to meet the needs of pupils at the school.

“Children in reception begin to learn phonics from the start of the academic year. There are plentiful opportunities for children to apply their phonic knowledge within the classroom and outside area.

“Adults effectively model how to read with expression and interest to bring stories to life.”

Leaders were also praised for their approach to pupils with special educational needs. Tasks are suitably adapted to enable them to access the curriculum and adults know when it is necessary to explain something in a simpler way, the report added.

It continued:

“Pupils are proud of their school.

“Older pupils are positive role models to younger pupils.”

“Requires further refinement”

Ofsted did note, however, some of the curriculum requires further refinement.

The report added:

“In some subjects, leaders have not clearly defined the knowledge that pupils should learn as they progress through the school.

“Some pupils do not develop the depth of knowledge that they could in some subjects.

“Leaders should further develop the curriculum to support pupils to build their knowledge over time so that they are able to make connections within subjects and across the curriculum.”

Headteacher “incredibly proud” of report

 In response to the report, headteacher Debbie Calvert said:

“We are incredibly proud of the Ofsted report. The inspection was thorough and rigorous and offered a valuable opportunity to engage in professional conversations around all aspects of school life. All staff work tirelessly to ensure that pupils are happy, safe and able to achieve to their full potential. We are delighted that these efforts have been recognised across all areas of school.

“We couldn’t have achieved this outcome without a huge team effort. We are blessed with hardworking staff, supportive families, knowledgeable governors and children who have excellent attitudes to their learning.”

Chair of governors, Rob Manton, added:

“The passion that the staff put in, day in, day out is immeasurable.

“They truly make the school a special place for our children to learn.”

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GALLERY: Nidderdale Show brings down the curtain on show season

Despite leaden skies, thousands of people flocked to yesterday’s Nidderdale Show.

The event, which celebrated its 151st anniversary this year, is organised by Nidderdale Agricultural Society.

It is held annually at Pateley Bridge Showground and marks the end of the local agricultural show season.

Last year, it was moved from its traditional Monday slot to a Sunday to avoid clashing with Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and proved such a success organisers decided to stick to the Sunday.

Visitors could enjoy a range of classes, from cattle and sheep to showjumping and pigs, as well as rabbit and pigeon displays, dry-stone walling and a band parade.

Here are some photos of the day in case you missed it.

Just two of the many prize-winning pigeons.

York North & West of Yore Hunt and hound demonstration.

The Wharfedale Terrier Racing team.

The brass band performed in the high-street parade and throughout the day.

Rebecca Richards, 8, and sister Jess, 6, showed their sheep in the young shepherd/shepherdess class.

Proud parents gathered to watch their little ones in the young handlers class.

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Everything you need to know about Nidderdale Show tomorrow

The annual Nidderdale Show signals the end of summer and the local agricultural show season.

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend tomorrow’s event, which takes place at Nidderdale Showground in Pateley Bridge, and will showcase some of the finest animals and agricultural products the country has to offer.

From show jumping and cricket matches to terrier racing and prize cattle, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the event:

Timings

Doors open at 7.45am and close at approximately 6pm.

Trade stands and marquees are open from 9am to 5.30pm, and the popular band parade down Pateley high-street will begin at 11am.

Pic: Jemison Photographer

What’s on?

Classes and competitions will take place throughout the day – with a breakdown of the schedule is available at the show.

With a wide variety on offer, visitors can watch traditional farm animal classes, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, while horse-lovers can enjoy equine classes and show jumping.

Four-legged friends will feature in the sheep dog trials and terrier racing classes.

The show will have a funfair and children’s entertainment area for little ones to enjoy. Sunflower’s Day Nursery will provide a family area where children can relax. It also includes a nappy changing area, bottle warming facilities and a quiet area for nursing mothers.

Visitors can expect a dry-stone walling class, forestry exhibition, a heritage marquee, and farm crops and home produce competitions too.

For those looking to do some shopping, trade stands will also be in place, and cricket fans enjoy a friendly match between Nidderdale XI and Craven XI.

Food and drink

Food and drink will be on offer throughout the day.

The dining marquee will offer a two-course hot carvery lunch, hot meals and a range of hot and cold sandwiches.

Food and drink stalls will also be available around the showground.

Pic: Jemison Photographer

Parking and travel

All car parking is free and parking areas will be well signed.

In addition, the show is offering a free tractor park and ride service – the route is shown below.

Drivers are advised to travel early or use alternative routes to avoid heavy traffic.

Dogs are welcome on short leads but will not be allowed in livestock marquees.

Tickets can be bought on the gate or online before midnight tonight.

Adult tickets will cost £15 and children under 16 go free. Have fun!

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Group to run marathon in memory of ‘wonderful’ young Harrogate woman

A group of 34 runners is taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for a scholarship after the sudden death of a young Harrogate woman.

Ellie Kempley, who was a pupil at both The Grammar School at Leeds and Ashville College, died from arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) on September 16 last year.

Her family say her life was taken “without warning or reason” at the age of 22.

Before her death, Ellie was midway through an AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma at the Maria Montessori Institute – following her dreams of working with children.

Now, her brother Ben has gathered a team of runners to complete this year’s marathon to raise enough money to fund The Ellie Kempley Scholarship.

The bursary will cover the full tuition of a student, or students, on the course Ellie was unable to finish.

Ben said:

“She was incredibly passionate about children, had graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in childhood studies, and had worked part-time at Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery.

“It was always her dream to educate, inspire, and care for young people.

“By sponsoring teachers in her honour, we can do just that.”

The group, formed by Ellie’s closest friends and family, as well of her boyfriend, Ryan, have already raised more than £10,000 and hope to raise a further £6,000 to put their plan into action.

The members have been training for the marathon for 10 weeks and are dotted across the globe in England, Australia and Japan.

Some are seasoned runners, while others are complete beginners.

Ben added:

“She was an absolutely wonderful person: infinitely selfless, thoughtful, and kind.

“We would therefore be incredibly grateful for any donations – little or large – to our cause.”

The Yorkshire Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 15.

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.

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Yemi’s Food Stories: a lesson on plot-to-table cooking and food waste at Harlow Carr

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in last year’s BBC TV’s Masterchef  competition. Every Saturday Yemi will be writing on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food  and sharing cooking tips– please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.  

One of the upsides of British summer is the opportunity to go to festivals, and I love that there are so many food festivals in Yorkshire.

Each one has a different vibe, and you can never quite anticipate what the experience will be with Yorkshire weather. Luckily, this year, the weather was fantastic.

The RHS launched The Festival of Flavours in 2022 to celebrate the produce from its gardens and encourage us to grow some of our own food. It was a huge success and this year’s festival offered even more traders and chef demonstrations.

Both seasoned and amateur gardeners and foodies turned out in their droves for the event, which included children’s cooking classes, kitchen garden tours, live music performances and a wide variety of food to try.

The festival was backdropped by the colourful grounds of Harlow Carr and I was excited to be on stage cooking two dishes alongside many other local chefs.

Fig and raspberry clafoutis

A personal highlight for me was using seasonal ingredients; I used white currants as part of my sweet dish, which was fig and raspberry clafoutis, with a white currant and raspberry whipped cream. It was my first time using the berry and I was excited to learn about the flavour profile.

The clafoutis.

Traditionally made with cherries, clafoutis is a French classic that is a staple in many homes. Methods behind the dessert can be varied – some simple and others much more complicated.

The former calls for all ingredients to be mixed in a blender before pouring over the fruit in an oiled dish.

The more complex recipes, however, call for the egg whites to be beaten separately – to form soft peaks – before being added to the yolks which have been beaten with sugar. Melted butter is also drizzled into it before folding in the flour.

Having tried different recipes, I have concluded it doesn’t make much difference to the end result, so I would recommend keeping it simple!

I sometimes use brown butter (beurre noisette) to get a nutty taste and add some almonds for a bit of crunch.

The cooking stage

The cooking stage featured some incredible chefs, including 2022 MasterChef winner, Eddie Scott, and contestants Afsaneh Kaviani and Owen Diaram. The RHS’s own Joe Lofthouse was also there, as well Gilly Robinson from The Cook’s Place in Malton, Ian Wilkinson from Yolk Farm, and Bobby and Minal Patel from Prashad, Leeds.

(L) Yolk Farm’s Ian Wilkinson and Yemi

David Atherton, who won the Great British Bake Off in 2019, taught a masterclass on scones. I am still dreaming of his lemonade scone, but we still don’t know if the cream or jam should go first.

Lots of local businesses were also there, including the district’s own Harrogate Tipple and Jack in a Box, as well as The Yorkshire Pasta Company which is based in Malton.

How to reduce food waste

I left with some fantastic tips on reducing food waste. These include always writing a shopping list; never go shopping when hungry; avoid going shopping too frequently; do a weekly fridge raid; get creative to use what you have at home and store your ingredients in the right way to extend their shelf lives.

9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in the UK alone – despite 8.4 million people being in food poverty.

We all need to try and grow some of our own food, have an appreciation for ingredients and reduce waste as much as possible.

Next week, I will be visiting Baltzersens Café and Coffee shop.

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