Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School

Station Road East, Stowmarket IP14 1RQ
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9.3 75 Reviews
  • Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School, Stowmarket
Stowmarket Nursery and Pre-school are set across two sites, ensuring that they are able to give children a truly unique and special nursery experience. Children start their journey at Stowmarket Nursery. The nursery on Bury Street provides the children with their own unique space and carefully chosen resources to become confident and curious learners. The setting is perfectly sized so that children are in small groups and are able to develop at their own pace.

The nursery has two rooms and an inside garden where natural sounds are played, outside activities are planned and carried out. The children will often visit the Pre-school which is just a short walk away. This gives the children the opportunity to use the large outdoor garden as well as becoming familiar with the Pre-school environment and team.

When the children are ready, they will transition to the Pre-school setting, which is just a few minutes away. The preschool children have the benefit of having their own site in order to fully prepare them for ‘big’ school life. Having their own space allows the children to develop their personal, social and emotional skills required for future transitions. The children will already be familiar with the Pre-school setting from previous visits, ensuring a smooth transition for all.

The Pre-school has two large rooms which offer a wide variety of different learning opportunities and experiences. The outdoor play area consists of plenty of room for running and playing, a mud kitchen, loose part construction areas, water walls and a sand pit.

The nursery and pre-school offer exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

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Care Provided by Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Claire Wightman & Clare Sheperd (Managers)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 65
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School

  • AM/PM Sessions £43.20
    Full Day Session £72.20
    Short Day £59.50


    We're making childcare more accessible to families:


    * Fully flexible
    * No meal, consumable or enhancement charges
    * Part & fully funded places available

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.
  • Parking

  • The nursery is located next to Union Street West car park, offering plenty of free parking and a 10/15 minute free drop off and pick up for parents. The Pre-school has a drop off area for parents outside the front of the train station (20 minute free parking bays).


Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (75)

Total of 75, showing 41-60
9.3

Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.300) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 63
  • 10
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Date Published

75
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Review from Jade K (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at the nursery do more for my daughter than I could ever ask for. She has come such a long way since joining there and enjoys her time with the staff and other children. Like most parents, I felt extremely guilty for sending her there at 6-months-old, but I cannot fault any of them. My daughter
is happy, safe and loving her time in Little Mice.


One thing I have noticed is that the staff genuinely care for my daughter. She isn't a number to them, and they treat her like an individual.


Thank you so much to the manager and the team!


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Review from Jess F (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son joined the nursery in September 2020. I can’t thank the team enough for how amazing my son has advanced since then. He is completely in love with going to nursery, and is constantly telling friends and family all about his time at the nursery. The team really put in so much effort with his learning
and it really shows. So many people keep commenting on how much his conversation, confidence and manners have improved also. Looking forward to seeing how much more he learns! Thank you Sunhill and all the team there.

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Review from Keith T (Father of Child) published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Little Mice Nursery enough. Our youngest started there in January 2020 for his last two terms following attendance at an alternative setting locally and the progress he has made since his move has been amazing. His speech, behaviour and intellect have all improved off the scale. The
staff are so friendly and engaging (not to mention that they all have the patience of a saint) that our son cannot wait to go in and counts down the sleeps in between. When dropping him off in the morning he races through the door which fills me with confidence that he is in a safe and caring environment. If you are looking for a placement in the Stowmarket area for your little one, then Little Mice is a must. Thank you to all members of the team, we will miss you all greatly as he starts his next adventure at "Big" school fully prepared. I am in no way affiliated to the setting other than being a very happy parent.

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Review from J D (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love Little Mice 2 - I feel so relaxed and happy dropping my son off - the staff are all wonderful and I cannot thank them enough. I would highly recommend Little Mice 2 to anyone looking for a nursery for their little ones in the Stowmarket area.

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Review from Gillian S (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest son is now in attendance at Little Mice one and my eldest attended until he reached school age. With my first, I was a little apprehensive about there being no outdoor facilities, but this was very short-lived. He absolutely thrived at both nurseries, and I’ve never had any concerns leaving
him in their care.
All of the staff were attentive, professional and confident in caring for him. It was a very easy decision to apply for a space for my second son. He also loves it and I barely even get a backwards glance when I drop him off in the morning. I’m always given a full debrief of his day when I collect him, and I never worry about the level of care he receives.
I can go to work stress-free, knowing that my most precious little people are safe and happy.

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Review from Hermione W (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was a little worried about sending my son to Little Mice 1, as the space has no garden or outside space, however, the exceptional care makes up for it.
The managers are really well organised and creative, always creating a creative space and changing the decorations.
Things I love about this nursery:
- Parent's evening - you are not just dropping your child off, they are constantly monitoring their progress and they give you a little report every few months and have a little parents evening where they give you feedback on your child's progress.
- The food, it's all freshly cooked on site and they have breakfast and a hot meal for lunch and dinner, they always eat healthy stuff like fish pie.
- The care - the staff are really great, I don't know how they all work in such a close environment with all these screaming children, but they all seem happy and do their jobs with a smile on their face.

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Review from Shelley H (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended Little Mice Day Nursery since she was 9 months old. I have nothing but praise for them, I think they all do a brilliant job with the children. She moved over to Little Mice 2 when she was 2 1/2 and finished this week as she now attends 'Big School'. She has always really enjoyed
attending her sessions here. The staff are all very friendly and approachable. They offer a wide variation of activities for the children. The communication with parents is brilliant- they send out weekly newsletters to keep parents updated about what their children have been learning about so parents can support their children in their learning. They are very quick to respond to emails, and always happy to help resolve any queries etc. The range of food offered to the children at mealtime is fantastic too-my daughter used to come home telling me all about her meals, dishes I would never have thought she'd like, and I put it down to this that she is not a fussy eater. Fantastic nursery!

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Review from Tracey S (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my son to Little Mice (preschool room) after he was having issues at another nursery. They have been so welcoming and he has settled in really well. He is coming home happy, he is learning a lot and his behaviour has improved. The anxiety he had at the previous nursery has reduced significantly
within the first week of him starting at Little Mice. The activities organised are stimulating and we can see what he is learning coming out at home.
The weekly newsletter is great for keeping up with what they have been up to.

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Review from Samantha P (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves going to Little Mice, he started going in May and we have already seen him come on leaps and bounds. His confidence is growing and he will quite happily go and play with his friends as well as on his own. The staff have helped him to settle in well and I can tell he feels safe and secure
there whilst I'm not there with him.

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Review from Angela G (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't recommend Little Mice 1 (nursery) enough. My daughter started there at 5 months and starts at Little Mice preschool tomorrow. The staff are excellent, knowledgeable, easy to communicate with and genuinely care about the children. We haven't had any problems, communication has always been brilliant
and I have a happy, bright, funny, independent 2-year-old who's excelled under their care. Great activities, outings to the museum and most of all they teach them life skills and good manners!

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Review from Lara B (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two year old girl has just moved to Little Mice 2. I just want to say since day one, my little girl has enjoyed every moment at Little Mice 1, the staff are absolutely brilliant and kind, very caring and helpful.
Every day my child was so excited as soon as I mentioned nursery.
I'm so impressed
with how far my child has come with her development, the amazing activities they provide to meet all age ranges.
Can't fault one bit. I'm one happy mummy/parent.

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Review from Louise M (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very good, she is learning lots and enjoys her time spent at nursery.
Her keyworker is very helpful and she is always happy to see her.

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Review from Emma F (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son spent two years at LM1 (Little Mice Day Nursery) and now my daughter is attending. I love the setting and the staff. I can not fault the care they provide to my dauhgter. She loves it at LM1, engaging with the staff and other children. Vast learning/activities provided and varied foods to encourage
new tastes. I would recommend this nursery to anyone. I feel very at ease leaving my daughter when going to work.

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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had to urgently remove my son from another nursery as he and all children were being failed. My son was in a heightened state of stress, which I had put down to him being ill.
Within minutes of being at Little Mice Day Nursery, I saw the stress leave his body. His shoulders dropped, he smiled, his
spirit returned. He saw everyone being treated fairly.
The children are given encouragement and you can see how happy they all are. They all play together too. No one is left out. The outside area is fantastic, lots to do.
The staff all engage with the children and parents. His development had been delayed due to illness but in weeks he’s caught up by about 6 months. This is down to the amazing happy staff. My son is welcomed when he arrives and attends full time easily. I don’t rush to collect him, as he’s having fun. The staff take their time to encourage every child.
This is where the professionals work. It’s a well-equipped nursery.
BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MY SON.

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Review from Carolyne H (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So pleased to have found Little Mice; wonderful nursery, staff are all very friendly, engaging and welcoming. Brilliant range of activities and my daughter felt at ease and settled very quickly. Very well run and splitting the age groups up (with the chance to experience the pre school room in the
holidays) really helps get in the mindset for school. Great constructive feedback recieved each day and the weekly newsletter helps to join up nursery and home life. Very happy and would highly recommend.

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Review from Stacey L (Mother of Child) published on 31 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter first attended Little Mice in 2014 and 2015, the nursery was so outstanding that when she went to school, I enrolled my son who currently attends.


My son started in the baby and toddler setting (little mice 1), all staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful; although they do not have

an outdoor area they have now created an indoor/outdoor area for the children to play, alongside going out for walks to places in the local community.


Now my son attends Little Mice pre-school and he absolutely loves it! All staff are caring and appear to have a drive and passion for what they do. Their outdoor area has a great range of physical resources including a climbing frame and mud kitchen.
The staff are all keen to get us parents involved by holding regular parents evenings, stay and play events, and a weekly active anonymous parent questionnaire.


I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for a high standard of childcare.


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Review from Liz C (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery, as a mother of a child with some additional needs, they have been amazing. Always helping him to reach his full potential. They are there for the whole family with love and support. We are so grateful to this wonderful nursery.

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Review from Chloe S (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has settled really well in Little Mice Day Nursery, she is always happy going into nursery. I'm really pleased with their imagination for activities and using all aspects of the EYFS, and not being afraid of letting the little ones explore messy play. My little girl loves being outside and
the nursery have a great indoor (outside) area which my daughter loves to use, she also loved her walk to the museum and having an explore in the grass. I feel as a nursery they make a lot of effort to get the children outside and involved in outside activities without having an outside space.

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Review from Lily S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel that Little Mice Day Nursery has benefited my daughter. The staff are friendly, professional and offer exemplary early learning opportunities. I feel safe in the knowledge that my child is in excellent hands.

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Review from N P (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is very open and accommodating.


My daughter loves telling me about her day and has grown in confidence since attending.


We receive good feedback and communication - I especially love the weekly newsletter.


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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.300)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.300) out of 10 for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.885 for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (86 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.885

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.415 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.8

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 65 number of registered child places is 13. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 13 = 0.615

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (2)

No image found

Clare Sheperd

Job Title: Pre-School Manager

Joined: 2024

Hi! I'm Clare and I'm the Nursery Manager at Stowmarket Pre-school.


We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery!


No image found

Claire Wightman

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2023

Hi! I'm Claire and I'm the Nursery Manager here at Stowmarket Nursery.


We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery!


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