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Holbrook and District Pre-school Playgroup

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·Holbrook Primary School, The Street, Ipswich, IP9 2PZ · Suffolk
Number of places
20 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Suffolk

About this day nursery

Holbrook and District Pre-school Playgroup provides a nurturing "home from home" environment, fostering discovery and growth in young children. The pre-school offers a variety of engaging activities designed to stimulate creativity, imagination, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Children are encouraged to learn through exploration with "Invitation to Play" techniques, providing creative and non-directive opportunities. The curriculum includes "Curious Minds" activities in a wood play area, fostering a connection with nature, and dedicated "Creative Expressions" to encourage artistic appreciation.

For the youngest learners, a dedicated baby room offers a safe space with sensory toys and activities to promote early development. The pre-school also features a cosy reading corner to encourage a love for books.

With a focus on developing social skills, children learn to work in groups and respect diverse backgrounds. Fresh, homemade meals are prepared on-site, ensuring nutritious food for every child.

Additionally, the Cabin Club provides wrap-around care, extending the nurturing environment beyond pre-school hours.

Our ethos

Holbrook & District Preschool aims to offer a secure, friendly and stimulating environment which promotes learning through play for every pre-school child in their care. Each child is given the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and enjoy a wide variety of activities designed to stimulate creativity and imagination, extend their understanding of the world, develop language and listening skills, and learn to work in groups while respecting and valuing people from all backgrounds.

What it's like

Children confidently settle into familiar routines, demonstrating a strong sense of belonging and positive behaviour. Staff effectively use their understanding of individual children's interests to plan creative activities.

Home from home environmentInvitation to playWoodland play areaHomemade foodWrap-around care

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured as hourly rates based on the age of the child. Separate rates apply for children under two, two-year-olds, and those aged three to four.

Good to know

  • Cabin Club prices are available upon email request.

Key facts

Opening hours

Preschool 08:45-15:15; Cabin Club 07:30-08:45 / 15:15-18:00

Age range

Under 2s, 2 year olds, 3 & 4 year olds (Pre-school); up to 11 years (Cabin Club)

Food

Fresh home made food for every meal, prepared on site in our kitchen.

Waitlist

Currently accepting registration for September and Cabin Club for wrap around care.

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

hours

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Holbrook and District Pre-school Playgroup

Last inspected 16 June 2025 · Shelly McDougall

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children confidently settle into familiar routines, demonstrating a strong sense of belonging and positive behaviour. Staff effectively use their understanding of individual children's interests to plan creative activities.

Inspector highlights

  • Children benefit from trusting relationships that promote emotional security and consistent care.
  • Children develop a positive sense of self through praise and encouragement from staff.
  • Children are consistently supported in staying safe and healthy through clear and proactive guidance from staff.
  • Children enjoy regular time outdoors, where staff encourage them to explore the natural environment and develop their physical skills.
  • Partnerships with parents are strong, and they are supported by clear and consistent communication.

Areas to develop

  • 1consider how to ensure that the curriculum consistently offers enough challenge for the most able children, so it builds on what they already know and can do
  • 2ensure that staff receive timely and targeted training to develop the skills and knowledge that are needed to monitor and assess children's progress accurately.
Inspection #10360641 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff understand how to support children with gaps in their learning. For example, they use repetition and simple phrases during activities to help children hear and understand clear speech.

Outdoor space

Children enjoy regular time outdoors, where staff encourage them to explore the natural environment and develop their physical skills. For example, they encourage children to lift logs to discover insects and develop strength and coordination while moving around on ride-on wheeled toys.

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2025

Date: May 2012

  • June 2025Good
  • July 2024Requires improvement
  • November 2018Good
  • June 2015Good
  • May 2012Good

Frequently asked about Holbrook and District Pre-school Playgroup

About the setting

Holbrook and District Pre-School Playgroup registered in 1977. The setting employs five members of childcare staff, three of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3. The setting operates Monday to Friday, during term-time only, from 8.45am until 3.15pm, with a before- and after-school club from 7.30am to 8.45am and 3.15pm to 6pm. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

URN
251518
Registered person
Holbrook and District Pre-school Playgroup Committee
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Requires improvement

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