Nursery in Ipswich
Welcome to Little Jo’s Nursery at St Joseph’s College
Where bright futures begin!
Our nursery in Ipswich provides a warm, nurturing environment for children aged 2–4, where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We offer flexible childcare hours to accommodate the schedules of busy parents, ensuring that your child receives the care and attention they need while fitting seamlessly into your daily routine.
Our play-based curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning, helping children develop essential skills through fun and engaging activities. Nestled within a stunning 65-acre natural setting, our nursery encourages outdoor exploration and connection with nature, fostering both physical and emotional well-being.
From interactive play to structured learning, we are committed to supporting your child’s development in a safe, caring, and stimulating environment.
For more information on our admissions process and open days, see our dedicated admissions page.
Discover Why Little Jo's Is the Right Choice for Your Family
With 15 or 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare, fresh meals, wrap-around care and more, Little Jo's is a nurturing environment where bright futures begin.
Flexible Care
We offer flexible, all-day care for children aged
2–4, from 8am to 6pm, year-round (50 weeks).
Early Years Funding
Explore Your Funding Options with Confidence.
Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. We proudly offer 15 or 30 funded Early Years hours to support your family's needs.
Sleep & Sensory
Your child's needs and routines will be seamlessly continued at Little Jo’s. With dedicated spaces and caring staff, we create a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported and inspired to learn and grow.
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65 Acre Playground
Little Jo’s benefits from being nestled within our stunning 65-acre woodland, which children explore weekly, gaining a deep connection with nature.
Performance Sport
We ensure continuity and progression,
with consistent high-calibre coaching, access to facilities and professional-level
support at all stages from 2-19 years. This helps students feel empowered and supported, regardless of their age or skill level.
A Foundation for a Bright Future
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At Little Jo’s, we believe that every child’s future is built on a foundation of confidence, curiosity, and care. Our experienced staff are dedicated to forging strong, nurturing bonds with each child, guiding them as they grow and develop through a structured, play-based curriculum. From music and dance to art and sport, we provide a wealth of opportunities for children to explore their passions and build their self-esteem.
To further enhance our supportive environment, we have recently introduced a new sensory and sleep room. Our state-of-the-art facility ensures that your child’s individual needs and established routines are seamlessly integrated into their day at Little Jo’s, providing comfort and consistency.
We invite you to discover how Little Jo’s can provide the ideal start for your child’s educational journey.
Nursery to Sixth Form
Friday 27 March 10 - 11am
Mad About Minibeasts
Step into the forest for a magical morning of storytelling, mini-beast hunting and nature play. An outdoor adventure designed to inspire ambition in children aged 1-4
With wrap-around care, 65 acres of playgrounds, woodlands and sports facilities, plus Early Years funding available, discover why Little Jo’s is a vibrant and nurturing place where your child can thrive
A Unique Environment for Growth
About Us
Nestled within 65 acres of beautiful parkland at St Joseph’s College, our nursery offers a rich and inspiring environment for exploration, learning, and growth. We are open 50 weeks a year, providing flexible, all-day care from 8am to 6pm to accommodate the schedules of busy parents. As part of our commitment to accessible education, we proudly offer 15 or 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare. Being part of the wider St Joseph’s College community enriches our nursery, allowing for unique opportunities and a seamless educational journey. We invite you to read our latest news to see the vibrant life our children lead.
FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Little Jo’s Nursery.
Still have a question? Get in touch with our admissions team, we’re always happy to help.
What distinguishes Little Jo’s Nursery provision?
Little Jo’s Nursery offers wraparound care from 8am to 6pm, year-round (50 weeks), with fresh meals cooked daily. Set within 65 acres of playgrounds, woodlands, and excellent sports facilities, we provide a vibrant, nurturing environment where children thrive. Early Years funding (15 or 30 hours) is also available. We’re confident our nursery is a truly unique place to grow and learn.
My child is still in nappies. Will this be a problem?
We cater for children from two years old and are equipped with nappy changing facilities, ready to do the necessary.
An 8.00 am start helps me as a working parent but my son/daughter won’t eat breakfast so early. Can you help?
Families are very welcome to send their child’s breakfast to school with them. A showdown over breakfast at home is quite unnecessary when a leisurely breakfast at Nursery is an option.
Which meals are served during the day?
Children are provided with simple morning and afternoon snacks. A full hot lunch is brought across from the College kitchen to provide an appetising and wholesome meal in the middle of the day. Then there’s Nursery tea at 4.00 pm.
How do you ensure that children of different age groups can safely and comfortably play together in the playground?
The beauty of being connected to St Joseph’s Prep School is that the children have access to great facilities and teachers. They’re part of the Prep School community. However, the Nursery has its own space with designated areas, such as its own adjacent playground.
Will my child need to wear a uniform?
The only extras needed for St Jo’s Nursery are wellies, waterproofs and a sense of adventure for our mud kitchen and 65-acre grounds. Little St Jo’s red sweatshirts are available to buy, but these are optional.
What is the curriculum for early years education at Little Jo’s?
Our curriculum is built on a foundation of play-based learning and nature-based exploration, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. We focus on nurturing curiosity and fostering key skills through structured activities and child-led play, ensuring each child develops at their own pace within our inspiring 65-acre campus.
How does the nursery support a child’s transition to Prep School?
As part of St Joseph’s College, our nursery offers a seamless transition into Prep School. The children become familiar with the school environment, facilities, and key staff members throughout their time at Little Jo’s. This integration builds their confidence and ensures they are well-prepared and excited for the next stage of their educational journey.
What are the nursery’s policies on safety and staff qualifications?
The safety and well-being of your child are our highest priorities. Our nursery is staffed by highly qualified and experienced Early Years practitioners who are all DBS-checked and trained in paediatric first aid. We maintain rigorous safeguarding protocols and a secure environment to ensure every child feels safe, nurtured, and valued.
As with every other area in the Nursery, sport is guided by fun. Very small children are developing rapidly and vary in the degree of coordination they can muster. But with heaps of energy and enthusiasm, they tend to come on in leaps and bounds.
Play in itself builds physical dexterity, and we add weekly PE multi-sports sessions in the school hall with specialist sports staff. Come the summer, we have a delightful Nursery Sports Day with a mix of (short) races and engaging physical challenges.
Freedom to make their marks in their own way, is the guiding principle of Nursery art. Free painting and drawing allow children the opportunity to express themselves and try to capture the world as they know it. With a little help, they move on to collage, creating little masterpieces of cutting and sticking. Junk modelling is very popular too.
Session by session our Nursery children grow in confidence as they print successfully, use scissors carefully and place one object upon another. Just think of those Easter cards and Christmas presents that will be coming home.
We believe in taking part; in everybody having a go. The performing arts bring joy into the lives of participants and audiences alike. Our specialist music and dance teachers know just how to get those rhythms beating and toes leaping. Come to our annual Nursery Nativity play and you’ll see how far and fast our youngest performers have come on.
Dressing up isn’t just for the public stage either. Our cheerful Nursery is equipped with a shop, a kitchen and a market stall just ready to be brought to life through the children’s imaginations and our dressing-up box is wonderfully deep.
With two nursery gardens to play in, plus a small vegetable patch and a fully equipped mud kitchen – soil soup, anyone? Children are given every incentive to get out in the fresh air to have fun with their friends.
Welly walks take our bold explorers further into the spacious green of St Joseph’s campus – as far as the Gruffalo Wood, away beyond the Senior sports pitches. Found materials such as leaves, twigs and feathers are treasures to be worked into pictures and potions.
Why Choose Little Jo’s?
At Little Jo’s, we believe in the power of play-based learning to inspire curiosity and foster independence. Our curriculum is designed to nurture each child’s individual needs and interests, with a focus on outdoor learning and nature-based exploration.
- Flexible Hours: Our nursery in Ipswich is designed to fit your schedule, offering flexible hours to make childcare easier for busy families.
- Play-Based Learning: At our day nursery, we encourage your child’s development through fun, exploration, and engaging activities that stimulate learning.
- Natural Setting: Located in Ipswich, our nursery offers weekly outdoor adventures across our stunning 65-acre grounds, connecting children with nature.
- Nutritious Meals: Fresh, wholesome meals are prepared daily at our childcare facility, ensuring your little one stays healthy and energised.
- Safe and Nurturing: Our experienced staff at the nursery are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where your child can thrive.
- Prep School Pathway: Our nursery provides a seamless transition to prep school, building a strong foundation for your child’s educational journey.
Prep School
Looking for an independent Prep school that’s all about creating the very best chances for your child’s success?
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Open Days
Discover St Joseph's College, an independent school with a reputation for outstanding pastoral care. Join us for one of our open days to experience our community firsthand.
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Why St Jo's?
We believe in the exceptional spirit of St Joseph’s College and the benefits our ethos brings. You will too when you get to know us.
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