Late last year, Woodpeckers Private Nursery on Melford Road Sudbury received the results from their recent Ofsted inspection and was delighted to be awarded a “Good” outcome.

The timing was particularly fortuitous, as Woodpeckers celebrate their 22nd year in business this month.

Woodpeckers are always looking for ways to improve and evolve; taking into consideration new methods of child care practices, but at the heart of their nursery is the ethos to ensure the children placed in their care feel safe, secure, happy and confident.

This was one of the first things the Ofsted inspection noted “Children show that they feel safe and secure at nursery.”

They cite how children settle quickly after leaving their parents and carers, soon immersing themselves in play and organised activities.

The report refers to how staff in the baby room, Busy Bees, follow the babies’ routine from home, ensuring consistency in their care. It’s also noted how babies approach the staff for cuddles and reassurance when needed, clearly showing how comfortable and safe they feel in the nursery environment.

Woodpeckers staff work closely with the parents and make sure they get to know them and their families, their backgrounds, likes and dislikes. Many love being outside, so over the past couple of years, amazing outdoor space has been developed for outdoor play with outdoor toilets and classrooms. The Ofsted inspectors were impressed that Woodpeckers also organise opportunities for the children to visit places away from the nursery setting. For example, there are regular trips to the local shops, the seaside, farms, den building, and care homes. The older children love to spend time with the Sudbury Town
community wardens taking part in litter-picking activities, learning about how it’s important to respect our communities by keeping them free from mess and litter.

The inspector noted that management speaks regularly with staff about their well-being. All staff also say they feel part of the team at Woodpeckers, and like parents enjoy the family feel of the nursery.

It’s not just the inspectors that gave good feedback. Owners Jeff and Deidre and their staff received an abundance of wonderful emails from parents and carers, sharing their positive experiences of the nursery.

Here are a couple of quotes from parents who entrust their children to Woodpeckers:

“I can only say sending my child to Woodpeckers has been one of the best decisions I have made. I was nervous at the thought of returning to work in August 2021 and my child having to attend nursery, but woodpeckers made the whole process worry-free. My child settled
in quickly and has continued to be a happy attendee ever since”

And from another parent of their son moving up to Primary School

“The truth is, it is difficult today to find a very supportive group of people like those at Woodpeckers. It is rare and that is why we will always see you all as family. You will always have a place in our hearts”

If you are interested in finding out more about Woodpeckers and its nursery and pre-school provision, please visit their profile on thebestof Sudbury, with their online reviews. Or email jeff@woodpeckers-nursery.co.uk or phone 01787 377707 for a visit and a chat with the
Woodpeckers team.