New nursery plans to open in Ilkley town centre
The Railway Children Nursery Group has announced plans for a brand-new nursery setting in the heart of Ilkley Town Centre within the Station Plaza.
Opening early 2027, the nursery will be in the former Alpkit store which closed in September.
The Railway Children Nursery Group’s existing settings are in Menston and Hawksworth village, and place strong emphasis on outdoor learning and community engagement.
The new Ilkley setting will continue this approach by making the most of its location in the Station Plaza. Children will have opportunities to visit neighbouring businesses and services, from purchasing ingredients at M&S and learning to make pizza at PizzaExpress, to visiting the Post Office and discovering how the community around them works.
The nursery also plans to work closely with the Clarke Foley Community Hub, including visiting dementia groups, while continuing the group’s established partnership with Abbeyfield Care Home.
Owner Zandra Monroe-Cochrane said: "We are committed to creating calm, natural and meaningful environments where children can explore, develop independence and build a strong connection with the world around them. Sustainability is central to our approach, from choosing reusable and natural materials to helping children understand how resources can be reused and returned to nature.
"Inspired by approaches including Curiosity, Hygge and Forest School, our curriculum is rooted in real-life experiences. Children use authentic objects and materials in their play, explore food through touch, smell and preparation, and learn responsibility through experiences such as composting.
"Outdoor learning and community are equally important. We regularly explore local parks, libraries, woodlands, shops and care homes, giving children opportunities to connect with real places and people. These experiences nurture curiosity, confidence, independence and respect for both their community and the natural world."
The new Ilkley nursery is expected to create 11 jobs, keep an eye on the weekly Ilkley Chat Jobs Board for recruitment.
Enquires from prospective families can be made via email office.therailwaychildren@gmail.com
