Opening hours
Pre-school: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, weekday mornings, term time only. Two by Two group: Mondays 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM during term time.
The Ark Centre
Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
Number of places
26 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Essex
About this day nursery
The Ark Centre is a family resource centre located in Harwich, dedicated to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for children and families. They offer pre-school play and learning experiences for children aged 2 to 5, operating during term time.
The centre prioritises the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of young people through various services. These include "Two by Two," a stay-and-play group for children aged 0 to 5, and "TASK days" which provide fun and learning for children with additional needs, often during holidays.
They also offer a child-sitting service called "Ark Angels" for parents of children with special needs, and a weekly support group for families with a child with special needs. Beyond these, The Ark Centre provides crucial support services such as domestic violence support, outreach for families facing difficulties, and counselling for children, adults, and couples.
The centre is committed to inclusivity, welcoming children with additional needs regardless of their physical requirements or learning difficulties.
What it's like
Children are extremely happy learners and feel secure and confident. They politely welcome visitors and settle seamlessly due to tailored settling-in processes and a robust key-person system fostering trusting bonds with staff. Group activities are often targeted to bridge gaps in individual children's learning.
Family Resource CentreSupport for Special NeedsCommunity OutreachCounselling Services
Pricing & funding
Charges are based on a voluntary weekly donation per child for the term-time stay and play sessions. Fees include light refreshments. Other associated services charge separate hourly rates or request donations.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- Runs every Monday during term time from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
- For families with children aged 0 to 5 years old.
- Light refreshments are provided within the session.
Key facts
Age range
0-5 years (various services), 2-5 years (pre-school)
Session types
Morning session, Afternoon session, Stay and play group
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
2005
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for The Ark Centre
Last inspected 24 June 2025
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 are extremely happy learners and feel secure and confident. They politely welcome visitors and settle seamlessly due to tailored settling-in processes and a robust key-person system fostering trusting bonds with staff. Group activities are often targeted to bridge gaps in individual children's learning.
Inspector highlights
- Indoor and outdoor environments are inclusive, stimulating and inviting.
- Physical development is promoted for all children. They are adventurous as they love freedom to run and climb on the outdoor play equipment.
- Children become increasing independence over time, ready for when they progress to school.
- Overall, teaching is meaningful and very good quality.
- The management team is dedicated and shows passion and commitment to giving children the best start to their early education.
Areas to develop
- 1strengthen the monitoring of staff interactions with children to help raise the quality of teaching to an even higher level
- 2implement effective teaching strategies consistently to support children's deeper understanding of positive behaviours and the impact their behaviour has on others.
Inspection #10394608 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents are overwhelmingly complimentary about the nursery.
They praise staff for going above and beyond to support them if they have a concern about their child's development.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The management team and staff liaise effectively with outside agencies, such as speech and language therapists, to ensure children receive support that meets their individual needs. As a result, all children including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are thriving. They make excellent progress in their learning and development, particularly in their speech and language development.
Outdoor space
Indoor and outdoor environments are inclusive, stimulating and inviting. Physical development is promoted for all children, who are adventurous as they love freedom to run and climb on the outdoor play equipment and enjoy trips to the local soft-play facility.
Parent Reviews of The Ark Centre
4.7
(13)
Mick Smith
2 years ago
My children been coming here for many years my oldest is now 19 and still have my little ginger whirlwind going now best staff ever
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Hayley C
8 years ago
Brilliant. I didn't send my child there but I visit regularly and the people I talk to are lovely
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Jennie Sinclair
3 years ago
Fantastic playschool. My Granddaughter absolutely loves it. Staff are so friendly.
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Kay C
9 years ago
Excellent nursery with Good Ofsted rating. Happy and engaged children with caring staff. Happy children happy Mum
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Summer
a year ago
I went to the ark family center to the ark group and i met summer spratt
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for The Ark Centre. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: December 2013
- June 2025Good
- September 2019Good
- October 2018Good
- November 2015Good
- November 2014Requires improvement
- December 2013Requires improvement
Frequently asked about The Ark Centre
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