--- title: "The Ark Centre — Rated 4.7 by 13 parents — Ofsted-rated Good" description: "The Ark Centre, a nursery in Harwich — Rated Good by Ofsted, rated 4.7 from 13 parent reviews. See opening hours, fees and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761#nursery", "name": "The Ark Centre", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "The Ark Centre", "addressLocality": "36 Main Road", "postalCode": "CO12 3LU" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761#webpage" }, "telephone": "01255 502063", "sameAs": [ "https://innovate4mh.org/stores/the-ark-centre-harwich/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.943016, "longitude": 1.287312 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Harwich" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 5 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 4.7, "reviewCount": 13, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mick Smith" }, "reviewBody": "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", "datePublished": "2023-12-14T07:38:03.328512Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Hayley C" }, "reviewBody": "Brilliant. I didn't send my child there but I visit regularly and the people I talk to are lovely", "datePublished": "2018-04-12T10:22:39.777Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jennie Sinclair" }, "reviewBody": "Fantastic playschool. My Granddaughter absolutely loves it. Staff are so friendly.", "datePublished": "2023-02-11T19:49:31.230379Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Kay C" }, "reviewBody": "Excellent nursery with Good Ofsted rating. Happy and engaged children with caring staff. Happy children happy Mum", "datePublished": "2017-04-26T15:13:47.871Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Summer" }, "reviewBody": "I went to the ark family center to the ark group and i met summer spratt", "datePublished": "2025-02-02T20:35:14.644876Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East of England", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20of%20England" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The Ark Centre", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does The Ark Centre take babies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The centre accepts children from 0 to 5 years old. That age span includes babies and pre-school children within the nursery and wider family support setting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can The Ark Centre be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The contact telephone number is 01255 502063. The website is https://innovate4mh.org/stores/the-ark-centre-harwich/, and the listed email address is sally@thearkcentregroup.co.uk." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was The Ark Centre rated by Ofsted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The current overall grade is Good, with the most recent inspection dated 24/06/2025." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is known about the staff team at The Ark Centre?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The management team and staff work with outside professionals such as speech and language therapists. The nursery also has a Special Needs Co-ordinator available for advice and support, alongside staff who support children with additional needs and families." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are The Ark Centre's opening hours?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The pre-school nursery operates Monday to Friday during term time only. Sessions run from 9am to 3pm, while the wider centre also lists a morning session from 9.30am to 12pm and an afternoon session from 12pm to 2.30pm for the nursery provision." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. The Ark Centre # The Ark Centre Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Jun 2025) · 4.7 (13 parent reviews) · The Ark Centre, 36 Main Road, Harwich, CO12 3LU · Essex Number of places 26 places Age range 0–5 yrs Last inspected Jun 2025 Local authority Essex About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 Centre Support for Special Needs Community Outreach Counselling 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-olds 15 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 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. 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 ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of The Ark Centre Inspection date Jun 2025 Inspection no. 10394608 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50283017)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY312761) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number [ Visit website ](https://innovate4mh.org/stores/the-ark-centre-harwich/) The Ark Centre, 36 Main Road, Harwich, CO12 3LU [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/1.28731/51.94302/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Harwich - [Day nurseries in Harwich](/search?q=Harwich) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=the-ark-centre-co12-3lu-ey312761) 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 - 1 strengthen the monitoring of staff interactions with children to help raise the quality of teaching to an even higher level - 2 implement effective teaching strategies consistently to support children's deeper understanding of positive behaviours and the impact their behaviour has on others. Inspection #10394608 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50283017) ## 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjU5uYALOduksYao0OunIqJ_U7ftEwCWqX-nIQv3ouJ60ptXzY4A=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba4) 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 [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURWeGYzV3VRRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d976c5b3273c23:0xe5a6692e43c1cd0d) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJNsEsqDglpfQYpHw1Nkv15jYbNdf8H6cg8-gFW9DI5dleBsw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) 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 [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3cnA3a3N3RRAB!2m1!1s0x47d976c5b3273c23:0xe5a6692e43c1cd0d) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVLBw6GTnAo5AmhGX1z7toA6DZFtato3YEC47yrkfiqXZYiaeg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Jennie Sinclair 3 years ago Fantastic playschool. My Granddaughter absolutely loves it. Staff are so friendly. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNocHJhZFZREAE!2m1!1s0x47d976c5b3273c23:0xe5a6692e43c1cd0d) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJVn1YqJ_SSiF_xc8Tk0gMhmMRF4ujorQ2IJ1CRiHjldA6nOw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba4) Kay C 9 years ago Excellent nursery with Good Ofsted rating. Happy and engaged children with caring staff. Happy children happy Mum [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNReEtEbWpBRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d976c5b3273c23:0xe5a6692e43c1cd0d) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocL7ma2ss_IQUaaZ5iDPhyE_Ml5uMzQ_2XS0BBfOk6XD-Gvjocc=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Summer a year ago I went to the ark family center to the ark group and i met summer spratt [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNBMWZTWkhnEAE!2m1!1s0x47d976c5b3273c23:0xe5a6692e43c1cd0d) Reviews from Google for The Ark Centre. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16548029528245652749&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: December 2013 - June 2025 Good - September 2019 Good - October 2018 Good - November 2015 Good - November 2014 Requires improvement - December 2013 Requires improvement ## Frequently asked about The Ark Centre ### Does The Ark Centre take babies? ### How can The Ark Centre be contacted? ### How was The Ark Centre rated by Ofsted? ### What is known about the staff team at The Ark Centre? ### What are The Ark Centre's opening hours? ## Nearby day nurseries in Harwich Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Ark Centre. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Harwich Connexions Noah's Nursery Harwich · CO12 3NS ](/nursery/harwich-connexions-noah-s-nursery-ltd-co12-3ns-ey490779) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.2 mi ### Shotley Kidzone Ipswich · IP9 1NR ](/nursery/shotley-kidzone-ip9-1nr-251629) - [ Awaiting first inspection 2.3 mi ### The Peartree Kindergarten (Felixstowe) Felixstowe · IP11 2LA ](/nursery/the-peartree-kindergarten-felixstowe-ltd-ip11-2la-2805270) - [ Awaiting first inspection 2.5 mi ### Little Hoppers Pre-School Felixstowe · IP11 2LY ](/nursery/little-hoppers-pre-school-ip11-2ly-2815420) - [ Ofsted: Good 2.7 mi ### Little JeM's Catholic Nursery Felixstowe · IP11 7PP ](/nursery/little-jem-s-catholic-nursery-ip11-7pp-2661439) - [ Ofsted: Requires improvement 2.8 mi ### Harwich Connexions Windmill Nursery Ramsey, Harwich · CO12 5EL ](/nursery/harwich-connexions-windmill-nursery-limited-co12-5el-2782795) [See all nurseries in Harwich →](/search?q=Harwich) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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