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Nursery at Highfield Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A meadow for Forest School, a Story Curriculum and room to choose between indoor and outdoor play give Highfield its character. This nursery school on Chesterfield Drive in Ipswich takes children aged two to five. Butterflies caters for children aged two until they turn three, when they move to Dragonflies or Bumblebees. The site also houses Highfield Children's Centre and Early Years @ Highfield, distinct services sharing the address.
Relationships matter here. In May 2024, children showed perseverance, confidence in conversation and considerate behaviour towards one another. These are useful foundations for joining a group, tackling something difficult and asking for help.
Play has a clear teaching purpose. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development and social skills with early reading, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Highfield uses Development Matters 2020 to guide this learning, combining children's chosen activities with sessions directed by adults. Staff build on interests rather than treating play as a break from learning.
The Story Curriculum links daily storytelling, familiar books and resources children can borrow for home. Maths groups sit alongside songs, rhymes and opportunities to discuss ideas. In May 2024, children used measuring tapes in pretend play and explored new vocabulary through model making and an imaginary garage. Number and language have practical uses here.
Inside, construction materials, dough and bead threading offer different ways to make, investigate and practise hand control. Outdoors, children can climb, use wheeled toys or help tend the garden. An enclosed garden, pond area and meadow extend the physical environment; weekly Forest School visits to The Meadow add opportunities to explore nature. Children can access outdoor learning across the day, so movement and investigation need not wait for a single outdoor break.
Each child has a key person, while Tapestry carries learning observations between nursery and home. Parents can contribute their own observations too. Settling begins with a home visit by two staff members, followed by an introductory classroom visit lasting an hour. Attendance then builds gradually, with shorter sessions or individual arrangements for children who need more time. Familiarity comes before a full session alone.
Support includes visual timetables, individual work and Makaton, which all staff are trained to use. Children with speech delay are offered a six-week support programme involving a trained practitioner and their parent. In May 2024, children with SEND participated throughout nursery life, with some receiving language support in a quieter space. Safeguarding arrangements were effective at that inspection.
Meals include macaroni cheese, fish pie and chicken and vegetable pie. Toilet training is coordinated with families according to the child's readiness, and toothbrushing forms part of the curriculum. These everyday routines give care its practical shape alongside learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline.
After a primary place has been offered, Highfield asks which school the child will attend. Transition sessions let children heading to the same school get acquainted, and learning and development information passes to the next school. This supports continuity and familiar friendships; it is separate from securing admission.
Choose a morning from 9am to noon, an afternoon from noon to 3pm, or a full day from 9am to 3pm. Paid breakfast provision runs from 8am to 9am; the paid afternoon extension runs from 3pm to 4pm, excluding Wednesdays. That exception matters when planning a working week.
Funding includes 15 hours from the term following a child's third birthday, with additional routes for eligible two-year-olds and working families. Morning snacks and afternoon lunches carry voluntary charges; sessions beyond funded hours are charged. Ask the school for current charges. Nursery applications use an online form, and the office can arrange visits on 01473 742534 or via admin@highfield.suffolk.sch.uk.
Pack spare clothing, wellies and, where needed, nappies and barrier cream. Children should wear clothes suitable for messy play. Bring them into their classroom; collectors must be over 16, and staff need advance notice of an unfamiliar collector. Parking is accessed from Highfield Road behind the centre.
Children aged two to five attend. Butterflies serves the youngest children, before they move to Dragonflies or Bumblebees at three.
Yes. Morning sessions run from 9am to noon and afternoons from noon to 3pm. Full days are also offered.
A home visit comes first, then an hour-long classroom visit with a parent. Time at nursery increases gradually according to the child's readiness.
Children have access to outdoor learning throughout the day, with climbing equipment, wheeled toys and gardening. They also visit The Meadow weekly for Forest School.
No. A separate Reception application is required. Once a primary place is offered, transition sessions help children meet others going to the same school.
