Age range
2 to 5 years
Botesdale and Rickinghall Pre-School
Ofsted: Good
(May 2025)
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
Suffolk
About this day nursery
Botesdale and Rickinghall Pre-School, established over 30 years ago, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged two to five years. Originally founded as Botesdale & Rickinghall Playgroup, the pre-school moved to its current location at Botesdale Village Hall in 1994.
The pre-school is dedicated to providing high-quality care and education through engaging and educational activities, fostering active learning, critical thinking, and imagination. They work in close partnership with parents to support each child's development and contribute positively to the local community.
The pre-school prides itself on its close-knit community, with families from nearby villages, and ensures that children regularly visit local services to build a sense of belonging. The dedicated team of early years practitioners, many of whom have been with the pre-school since the early 2000s, are fully qualified and committed to providing continuity of care.
The pre-school maintains strict health and safety guidelines, with well-planned spaces, secure areas, and robust security measures. A volunteer committee, composed of passionate parents, actively supports the pre-school staff and its mission.
What it's like
Leaders and staff create a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued. They foster children's sense of belonging, provide consistent care, and celebrate individuality. Children are encouraged to share and take turns, developing social skills and emotional development.
Established over 30 years agoPlay-based and child-led approachStrong community focusExperienced and qualified staff
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
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 →Key facts
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Waitlist
ongoing rolling admission each term
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Botesdale and Rickinghall Pre-School
Last inspected 13 May 2025 · Suzie Squirrell-Hughes
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Leaders and staff create a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued. They foster children's sense of belonging, provide consistent care, and celebrate individuality. Children are encouraged to share and take turns, developing social skills and emotional development.
Inspector highlights
- Children make good progress due to an ambitious curriculum.
- Children are wonderfully behaved, and staff are excellent role models.
- Children demonstrate a love of learning and a strong sense of curiosity.
- Leaders and staff recognise the importance of developing children's communication and language.
- Staff plan an exciting and broad curriculum for children, both inside and outside.
Areas to develop
- 1support staff further to plan more precisely for children with additional needs to help them get the best start in their early education.
Inspection #10380646 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents mention that their other children, who have previously attended the pre-school, have had a highly successful and a seamless move on to the next stage of their education.
Parents speak very highly of the pre-school.
Parents particularly value the homely and inclusive feel of the pre-school and the strong community ties.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Plans are not always swiftly implemented for children with additional needs. Staff are supported to provide calm spaces, such as a sensory room, for children who are feeling overwhelmed or need additional support.
Outdoor space
Children have daily opportunities to play and explore in the large, diverse outside area. They develop their physical skills as they ride on trikes and hang from the 'Ninja line' in the forest, and enjoy singing songs while rocking in hammocks. The stimulating outside space allows children to explore and connect with nature.
Inspection history
Date: February 2009
- May 2025Good
- June 2019Good
- November 2014Good
- February 2009Good
Frequently asked about Botesdale and Rickinghall Pre-School
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