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Shotley Kidzone

Ofsted: Good
(May 2025)
·
5.0(1 parent reviews) ·C/O Shotley CP School, Shotley, Ipswich, IP9 1NR · Suffolk
Number of places
45 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
Suffolk

About this day nursery

Shotley Kidzone provides a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that encourages children to explore, investigate, and learn through a blend of structured activities and play-based experiences. Established in 1964 as Shotley Village Playgroup, it has evolved significantly, opening new premises in 2004 and expanding with the Butterfly Room in 2013.

In 2024, the nursery further grew by opening Chelmo Kidzone, relocating the Butterfly Room's operations. The nursery caters to children aged 3 months to 11 years across its Shotley and Chelmo settings.

They are committed to providing a "home from home" atmosphere where children feel secure and can thrive, working in close partnership with parents and carers to meet individual needs. The dedicated team, all qualified and regularly trained in areas like paediatric first aid, food hygiene, and safeguarding, operates a Key Person System to ensure individualised support and foster strong parent-nursery relationships.

Shotley Kidzone prides itself on its inclusivity, embracing diversity and offering tailored support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The nursery also maintains strong links with the local community, engaging in activities such as visits to local farms and shops, and interacting with residents at a nearby care home.

They collaborate with Fareshare to provide healthy meals and snacks, promoting sustainability and supporting families through a Pantry Scheme. The organisation is run as a registered charity by a volunteer committee that oversees operations and fundraising efforts.

Our ethos

Shotley Kidzone aims to provide a "home from home" atmosphere where children feel secure and can thrive, encouraging them to explore, investigate, and learn through a blend of structured activities and play-based experiences, while working in close partnership with parents and carers. They are committed to inclusivity, tailored support for children with special needs, and strong community links.

What it's like

The friendly staff team welcome the children on arrival. Children often run to hug their friends and the staff, showing their evident good relationships. Staff know the children very well and are always on hand to join in their play and have fun with them.

Charity-runKey Person SystemCommunity-focusedFareshare partnership

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Breakfast Club: 7:45 AM - 8:45 AM; Preschool Sessions: 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM, 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM, 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM; Afterschool Club: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM/5:30 PM

Session types

Breakfast Club, Preschool Sessions, Afterschool Club

Age range

3 months to 11 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

1968

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Shotley Kidzone

Last inspected 19 May 2025 · Emily Holt

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

The friendly staff team welcome the children on arrival. Children often run to hug their friends and the staff, showing their evident good relationships. Staff know the children very well and are always on hand to join in their play and have fun with them.

Inspector highlights

  • The dedicated staff team's plans are highly effective and support children's ongoing development.
  • Children's ongoing communication and language is very well supported by staff.
  • The curriculum for mathematics is highly successful.
  • Staff expertly support children's keen interest in nature.
  • Healthy eating is promoted by staff.

Areas to develop

  • 1support parents to encourage and promote children's good health and well- being.
  • 2support staff to develop questioning techniques, so they consistently make the most of all interactions to help children develop their critical thinking skills more effectively.
Inspection #10380765 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment about the caring dispositions of staff.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff work well with professionals to ensure that targets are challenging for children who are struggling with communication and language.

Outdoor space

Children take advantage of the large outdoor provisions. Both areas are thoughtfully set up by staff who plan the environment with children's independence in mind. Children can practise their physical skills, building their muscles as they run in the large space and develop their finger strength as they play in the water tray.

Parent Reviews of Shotley Kidzone

5.0
(1)

Reviews from Google for Shotley Kidzone. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2005

  • June 2025Good
  • May 2025Good
  • July 2019Outstanding
  • June 2019Outstanding
  • July 2015Good
  • June 2015Good
  • December 2011Outstanding
  • November 2011Outstanding
  • January 2008Good
  • February 2005Good

Frequently asked about Shotley Kidzone

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more