Food
All meals and snacks are included: breakfast, morning snack, cooked lunch, afternoon snack and a cold tea. Food is locally sourced and cooked on the premises by their chef.
The Lodge Day Nursery, located in the heart of Ipswich near Christchurch Park and Ipswich School, provides outstanding childcare for children aged three months to four years. The nursery operates year-round, excluding Christmas week and one week in August, from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
They offer various sessions and rooms tailored to different age groups: Discoverers (3-20 months), Explorers (21-32 months), Adventurers (33 months-September after 3rd birthday), and Pre-School (September after 3rd-September after 4th birthday). Children transition between rooms when ready.
The nursery prides itself on its professional, qualified staff who provide personalised care, including a key person system. They offer a comprehensive service that includes breakfast, morning snack, cooked lunch, afternoon snack, and a cold tea for full-day sessions, along with nappies, wipes, sun cream, and formula (Aptamil or Cow & Gate).
The attractive building features bright, spacious rooms and a large garden with outdoor learning spaces, complemented by locally sourced food prepared on-site by their chef. The Lodge Day Nursery also offers free car parking for convenient drop-offs and welcomes parental partnerships to ensure each child thrives in a safe, secure, and happy environment, fostering a love for learning through purposeful play and social interaction.
Our ethos
Our four values represent the aims and ethos of The Lodge Day Nursery. We care about your child and ensuring their individual needs and interests are met. The focus is on your child thriving, learning and being happy. We want to communicate with you and we value the parental partnership highly in working together to make sure your child feels happy. We are passionate about offering a welcoming environment with learning through purposeful play and social peer interaction. We want to encourage potential, by rewarding positive behaviours.
What it's like
Children thrive at this exceptionally welcoming and nurturing 'home-from-home' provision. They are extremely relaxed and happy, feeling safe and secure with staff who ensure the environment meets their individual needs. Children are familiar with their surroundings, confidently selecting activities, and respond positively to staff's high expectations and meaningful praise.
Fees are structured by age groups across four developmental stages from 3 months to preschool. Charges are based on full day or half day morning/afternoon sessions. All fees are all-inclusive, covering meals, snacks, nappies, wipes, sun cream, bedding, and specific formulas.
Good to know
Food
All meals and snacks are included: breakfast, morning snack, cooked lunch, afternoon snack and a cold tea. Food is locally sourced and cooked on the premises by their chef.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 7.30am – 6.00pm
Age range
3 months to 4 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Last inspected 28 September 2022 · Karen Harris
What it's like to attend
Children thrive at this exceptionally welcoming and nurturing 'home-from-home' provision. They are extremely relaxed and happy, feeling safe and secure with staff who ensure the environment meets their individual needs. Children are familiar with their surroundings, confidently selecting activities, and respond positively to staff's high expectations and meaningful praise.
Inspector highlights
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents share that they highly recommend the nursery.
Parents comment that their children have made significant progress, in particular with their speech and social skills, because of attending the nursery.
Inclusion & environment
Staff work closely with other agencies when required, such as health professionals, to ensure that there is pertinent support for those children who may need additional help.
Children are busy and active outdoors, both on the decked area and in the main garden. Staff make superb use of the Ipswich Preparatory and Senior School environment and regularly take children on walks to places in the local area.
Review for The Lodge Nursery: An Unforgettable Experience From the moment my child started at The Lodge Nursery, I knew she was in the best hands possible. As a parent of a “Covid baby,” the prospect of starting nursery during such uncertain times was incredibly daunting. But the team at The Lodge made everything so much easier, transforming what could have been a stressful experience into one of warmth, comfort, and joy. The care my child received was nothing short of exceptional. From the first day, the staff were nurturing and attentive, ensuring that my daughter felt safe and welcomed. Their genuine care and affection created an environment where my child could thrive, and I saw her grow into a confident, happy little person under their watchful eyes. With my daughter’s multiple food allergies, I was naturally anxious about how they would be managed. But The Lodge handled this with professionalism, always keeping me informed and taking every necessary precaution to ensure her safety. Their dedication gave me peace of mind, knowing she was in an environment where her health and well-being were prioritized. Starting nursery at just 10 months old, I was concerned about how my child would adjust to the new routine. Yet, the staff at The Lodge adapted effortlessly to our home routine, making the transition seamless for her. She quickly settled in and soon enough, she was making friends and exploring her new world with joy. The progress she made—socially, emotionally, and developmentally—was incredible to witness. Her last day at The Lodge was bittersweet, as it marked the end of a chapter but also the beginning of a new one. The transition to school was made so smooth by the nursery, as her reception class was right next door. She walked into her new classroom with confidence and a big smile, ready to take on new challenges—truly a testament to the wonderful start she had at The Lodge. Thank you, The Lodge, for giving my child such a beautiful start in life. Your warmth, professionalism, and unwavering support have left a lasting impression on our family. You made a daunting time feel simple. You truly are the best!
Read on GoogleBoth of my children have been/ are at The Lodge and have both had brilliant experiences here. They.ade lots of friends and progressed well in all areas during their time there. The staff have always been nothing bur friendly amd welcoming and always knew my children really well.
Read on Googlebrilliant nursery was very patient when my toddler has a hard time starting. Very friendly and easy to talk to, now she’s loves going 🥰
Read on GoogleGreat place to leave the kids, while you do something more important
Read on GoogleWe really love this nursery. Our son was at a different nursery previously and he was always really upset and never wanted to go and we felt like his development was impacted. However, at The Lodge he has settled in so well - and hitting his milestones. Our son also has allergies and they do well to ensure he doesn't eat anything he's not supposed to. From a hygiene perspective, the premises are kept tidy and clean. I also can't sing the staff's praises enough - particularly Chloe in Discoverers.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for The Lodge Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Most recent inspection
28 September 2022
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportThe Lodge Day Nursery registered in 2017. Children under the age of two years are covered by this Ofsted registration, while children over two years are part of the school's registration and inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7.30am to 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children. It employs 18 childcare staff for children under two, with 15 holding level 3 or above qualifications and two working towards level 3. Additional support comes from preparatory school staff, including early years teachers.
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Lodge Day Nursery.
Ipswich · IP1 3PP
Ipswich · IP1 2NU
Ipswich · IP1 2PB
Ipswich · IP1 1TJ
Ipswich · IP1 4AL
Ipswich · IP1 4LX
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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