Number Train Otley, Ilkley and surrounding areas
Looking for preschool maths classes in Otley, Ilkley or the surrounding areas? Number Train is an award-winning preschool programme created to help children grow in confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for school, through music, making, movement and maths!
Aimed at children from around 2.5 years upwards, our classes are designed and delivered by experienced primary school teachers, ensuring children develop confidence with numbers, whilst building the skills that will help them thrive when they start school.
“A perfect mix of learning and play!“
About our Otley & Ilkley classes
Across Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, we hold the following classes:
Further details on each venue, including parking information, can be found in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
We also offer classes in the following nearby areas: North East Leeds, Horsforth, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, North Bradford and Wakefield.
Meet the Otley & Ilkley Number Train Driver
Hi, I’m Cathryn, the driver of Number Train for Otley, Ilkley and surrounding areas. Having being born and raised in Otley, and Ilkley being the place of my first ever job (back in my nursery nurse years) it felt only right that this is where I drive the train!
I currently live in Horsforth with my partner Rory, and two boys. It was here with my boys that I first discovered Number Train, attending Annette’s class as a parent and seeing first hand the impact it had, and more importantly, the fun that we had. As a teacher and parent of two train mad boys, I immediately knew that this was the job I wanted to do next, so when Annette began to franchise out, I was only too excited to be involved in bringing the train to more areas!
Before Number Train I was a primary school teacher, having 15 years experience of working in schools, my specialism being Early Years, I just love teaching in Reception and nursery-under fives are the best! Leaving teaching to be there for my own boys, I very quickly missed it, but Number Train allows me to do all of the best bits of teaching, while being able to do all school drop offs and pick ups-it’s literally my dream job!
“The sessions are jam packed with activities, which complement the weekly theme, keeping the children engaged for 1hr15 – certainly value for money.“
Why local families choose Number Train
When the opportunity came up to run Number Train classes, I knew exactly the area that I wanted to be in. Having lived in Otley, and worked in Early Years settings across Otley and Ilkley I know that these areas are populated with families who value early childhood and education. I also spoke to parents who were telling me that there are many classes for younger toddlers, but not many aimed at the older pre schooler, which is why I decided to bring Number Train to the area. From visiting the local playgrounds, skate parks, soft plays, play cafes and running sessions in many of the nurseries and pre schools across Otley, Burley in Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding and Ilkley, I can see that this is an area where children are at the heart of the community, with like minded families.
Families choose Number Train because you are right there with your child, being able to be there when they need you, and take a step back when they don’t. Number Train is often compared to being a fly on the wall in nursery/school-you are able to see how your child acts in a small group, how they respond to a teacher, watch them progress, and see how maths is taught in Early Years, giving you the skills to continue to help them to learn at home.
Quite simply, Number Train promotes a love of maths and a love of learning, giving children confidence in a small setting which they will take with them as they begin their journey in school!
What local families say about Number Train
“My 3-year-old loves Number Train! It’s a fun, engaging class where maths is brought to life through games, songs, and themed activities. Cathryn is brilliant—so knowledgeable and genuinely lovely with the kids, making sure everyone feels included.”
“After 6 months of attending with my 3 year old granddaughter, I can only say what a fantastic idea this is. Although entitled ‘number’ in it’s name, there are many dimensions to the sessions, such as colour, matching, pairing, ‘soft’ competing, singing, art and craft, creating through topical themes. Cathryn encourages confidence building, fairness, inclusion, working together, and much more! She is so organised and well prepared, I’m in awe! “
“This has been the best group I have taken my preschooler to… her maths & confidence has come on so much in a few short months. The planning and delivery of class is so well pitched and has just the right amount of seated engagement, listening, movement, music and visual aids. I am so glad we signed up and can’t recommend Cathryn and her classes enough! Thank you!”
To see what else parents and carers have to say about Number Train, please visit our gallery and testimonials page, or click here to view our Google profile where we have over 100 five star reviews.
“I am so glad we signed up and can’t recommend Cathryn and her classes enough!”
FAQs
Where can I attend classes in Otley and Ilkley?
Number Train currently holds classes at the following venues:
Queens Hall
Main Street
Burley in Wharfedale
Leeds
LS29 7BT
Otley Parish Church Scout and Guide Hut
Burras Lane
Otley
Leeds
LS21 3HR
1st Ben Rhydding Scout and Guide HQ
Wheatley Lane
Ilkley
Leeds
LS29 8ET
Kids About Tarn
Unit 4 Cliffe Court
High Street
Yeadon
LS19 7YU
Is parking available?
Queen’s Hall, Burley in Wharfedale – LS29 7BT
Queen’s Hall has a designated car park to the rear of the building.
Otley Scout and Guide Hut – LS21 3HR
This venue does not have its own car park – There is a Waitrose opposite, but please check the time limits. There is also some on street parking available.
Ben Rhydding Scout and Guide Hut, Ilkley – LS29 8ET
There are car parks situated at both the front and rear of the building.
Kids About Tarn, Yeadon – LS19 7YU
Please park in the Yeadon Morrisons car park, then enter your registration onto the screen when arriving at Kids About Tarn for 3 hours free parking.
Children who attend Number Train at this venue may access the Kids About Tarn soft play for just £1 before or after class
What days and times do classes run?
Across Otley and Ilkley, we run classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. A full list of venues and timings for my classes can be seen above, or please visit our Train Timetable for a full list of classes across the region.
Alternatively, other nearby classes take place in North East Leeds, Horsforth, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, North Bradford and Wakefield.
How old does my child need to be to join Number Train?
Number Train was originally designed for children aged 3 years+ however over the last few years, several children have started when they were 2 and a half years old, and attended until starting school. As all children develop differently, it is up to each individual parent to decide if their child is ready, so by coming along to a trial session, parents can decide for themselves.
Can siblings attend?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a younger sibling along, and if they are under 2 years old, they may attend free of charge. Siblings over 2 years old are charged at 50% of the normal fees.
Due to limited capacity rules, please let me know in advance if you intend to bring a younger sibling so I can account for them in my total numbers. Please note, it is the parent’s responsibility to watch younger siblings, as there may be toys/ small items which the older child use and must be kept out of reach.
What happens at a typical Number Train session?
Our sessions use a combination of familiar structural elements and new material to help children build confidence. Every session starts with our welcome routine, and then children use clues to guess that week’s destination. Every week will be a different theme, ranging from the land of the dinosaurs to a busy bakery, with bespoke activities designed around each theme.
We understand that different children learn, and play, differently, so every session will combine physical activities with more focused tasks. By using dynamic ‘brain break’ activities, children get to use their bodies and burn off some energy, helping them to engage in tasks that require more attention.
Some activities will involve the whole class, some might have the children working in small group or teams, or some will be working on their own with their adult. Approaching tasks in a range of different ways helps prepare the children for school, and builds important skills like following instructions independently, taking turns, or speaking in front of a group.
Every class also includes an art activity, where children will be guided through creating a themed piece in class that they can take home with them at the end. Children love being able to share what they’ve done with their friends and family, and you won’t have to worry about tidying up the mess after!
The Number Train programme has been developed in line with the current EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum, giving the children (and parents!) the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the concepts and terminology that will be used at school. So if you haven’t heard of number bonds, or can’t remember what subitising means, jump on the train and we’ll bring you up to date with the skills you need to support your child’s learning!
Do you offer trial sessions?
Yes – we encourage parents to book a trial session to see if the class is right for your child. Trial sessions can be easily booked online, and there is no obligation to sign up afterwards.
To book your trial, please click here or contact us to find out more.
Do parents stay during the session?
Yes, Number Train is designed so adults can participate together with their child, offering support and encouragement. Parents often mention how much they learn alongside their children and leave with lots of ideas to try at home!
Can my child join mid-term?
Yes, you can join Number Train at any time, however, the ideal time to start is September when we start the programme. As the year goes on, we build on concepts we learn in the earlier sessions (for example, moving from counting to 10 to counting to 20) but we are able to cater to children of all ages and abilities so it’s never too late to join!
Getting in touch a few months in advance is always worthwhile as certain classes fill very quickly in the Autumn term. To view availability for your area, click here.
I’m interested in Number Train, but my child attends nursery the days you run sessions. Is there any other way I can attend?
Number Train is working with the following nurseries in your area, so please contact them directly to register your interest in joining a session:
- White Stork, Northowram – Tues pm
- Cliffe House, Burley in Wharfedale – Wed am
- Hickory House, Ilkley – Wed pm
Alternatively, if your childcare setting does not currently offer Number Train sessions, please feel free to send us a message and we can contact them to see if they would like to run Number Train classes within their usual hours.
Number Train offers classes covering a wide range of days and times, so if you cannot see any that suit you in my area, we also run classes in the following nearby locations: North East Leeds, Horsforth, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, North Bradford and Wakefield.
For more information, please visit our Number Train FAQs page
or contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.