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The Playbox, St Johns Methodist Church Preschool

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2022)
·The Playbox Nursery, St. Johns Methodist Church, SUDBURY, CO10 1ND · Suffolk
Number of places
28 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2022
Local authority
Suffolk

About this day nursery

The Playbox, St Johns Methodist Church Preschool, offers a nurturing and stimulating setting designed to foster the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of children aged 2 to 5 years. The preschool is committed to creating a safe and engaging environment where youngsters can explore and grow, nurturing their independence.

A key aspect of their approach is maintaining a high ratio of adults to children, ensuring individualised attention and robust support for each child. This dedicated team facilitates not only learning but also opportunities for children to build friendships and positive relationships with both peers and adults.

The Playbox emphasises play-based learning and imaginative activities, encouraging children to discover new ideas and talents. The diverse staff brings a wealth of experience and qualifications, including specialists in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SENDCO), to cater to a range of developmental needs and ensure all children reach their full potential within a caring community.

Our ethos

The Playbox emphasises play-based learning and imaginative activities, encouraging children to discover new ideas and talents. They are committed to fostering the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of children by providing a safe and engaging environment with a high ratio of adults to children to ensure individualised attention and support.

What it's like

Children arrive at the nursery excited to join in with a planned activities week. They develop strong bonds with their key person and demonstrate that they feel emotionally secure. Children are enthusiastic learners who readily lead their own play and settle quickly into their chosen activities.

High adult-to-child ratioFocus on holistic developmentPlay-based learning

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

Monday to Thursday, sessions from 8.30am to 11.30am and from midday until 3pm, with a lunch club between sessions.

Age range

2 to 5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

1995

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Playbox, St Johns Methodist Church Preschool

Last inspected 13 July 2022 · 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 arrive at the nursery excited to join in with a planned activities week. They develop strong bonds with their key person and demonstrate that they feel emotionally secure. Children are enthusiastic learners who readily lead their own play and settle quickly into their chosen activities.

Inspector highlights

  • The management team and committee have worked hard to address previous actions, with clear roles and responsibilities now in place.
  • Staff have researched wider safeguarding issues like witchcraft and county lines, deepening their knowledge on protecting children.
  • Children have many opportunities to practise hand control with various tools, and staff foster their physical skills and risk-taking.
  • Staff are particularly skilled at using songs and music to support children's communication, language, and understanding of rhythm.
  • Leaders and staff have high expectations, planning meaningful activities based on children's interests to keep them motivated.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to make the most of teachable moments to help children learn to use equipment correctly
  • 2strengthen staff practice to develop their questioning techniques to further extend children's thinking skills and allow them time to respond.
Inspection #10237146 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning.

Inspection history

Date: April 2004

  • August 2022Good
  • July 2022Good
  • April 2022Inadequate
  • March 2022Inadequate
  • March 2016Outstanding
  • March 2016Outstanding
  • January 2010Outstanding
  • December 2009Outstanding
  • November 2006Outstanding
  • April 2004Good

Frequently asked about The Playbox, St Johns Methodist Church Preschool

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