Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School

Station Road East, Stowmarket IP14 1RQ
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9.4 80 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.
Show Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kirsty Leech (Interim Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 65

Age Range

  • from 0 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day Session £72.20


    We're making childcare more accessible to families:


    * 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.

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

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 (80)

9.4

Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.394) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School has 80 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
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Total of 80, showing 1-20
Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our youngest children are here at the nursery. They began at the same time and have come on in leaps and bounds, making friends, having fun, learning, connections with staff. Everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable and our children are thriving. They are out for walks, they do lots of messy
play, lots of painting, reading, singing, skills learning - fun things we do at home and also things we don't do that I wouldn't have even thought of. It's so lovely seeing them grow more with people who clearly care about them. Food is homemade onsite and always something different and nutritious!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. We take great pride in providing nutritious, homemade meals and a range of learning opportunities that inspire curiosity and creativity,…read more
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Review from Georgina T (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have come to Stowmarket Day Nursery. The environment is so lovely and friendly. The staff go above and beyond and really care. The communication is brilliant. I feel happy to leave my child in a safe environment where I know she will learn and be happy. This is because of the incredible
staff who work so hard in making every day special for my child. Thank you!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. Creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive is at the heart of everything we do. The team will be so proud to know…read more
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Review from Jess F (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves his days at Nursery and has really improved in terms of confidence, speech and what he is learning day-to-day. My eldest used to be part of this nursery also, and although the staff have changed since, it really gives the same feeling of care and community every time I drop off.
Highly recommend this nursery! Would suggest nursery is due a deep clean and a redecorate, but I understand not always easy with so many children being based here.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
We are so happy to know how much your son enjoys nursery and that you've seen such positive progress in his confidence and learning. It means a lot to know that the same sense of care and community…read more
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Review from O B (Mother of Child) published on 4 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughters absolutely love this setting. All the staff is very friendly and helpful, my girls evolved so much in the last year since they joined, made lovely memories, friends and they talk with so much passion about everything they do inside. Love that they always keep us up to date throughout the
day through the app and we love to see their happy little faces in the pictures they send us. Highly recommend
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
We're delighted to read how much your daughters are enjoying their time with us - it means the world to know they're making happy memories, forming friendships, and growing with confidence.
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Review from Becky M (Mother of Child) published on 15 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter enjoys her days at nursery, I feel she has really thrived with confidence, her days are filled with fun. I feel she is really understood by her teachers, it is a safe space for her. We would recommend this nursery.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
We're so pleased to hear that your daughter is thriving and enjoying her time at nursery. It's wonderful to know she feels understood and safe with us- that's exactly what we strive for. Thank you for…read more
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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On the whole, I feel like this is a good preschool. The staff are friendly and my son has settled relatively quickly after moving there from the other site. He seems to enjoy his food and eats well. He is usually happy when dropped off and clearly has formed bonds and healthy attachments with staff,
which is lovely to see.
Compared to the nursery, I feel like communication, especially when he moved locations could be better. We weren't shown around the building, or introduced to staff members and replies to emails were slow or non-existent. We have gotten to know the staff and our way around, and communication has improved but I think a little more effort at the beginning would have gone a long way.
He always comes home messy, which I take as a great sign that he's had a fantastic day. Staff are very supportive of his needs and he has definitely learnt new words and skills from his time there. On the whole a good setting, which I would recommend to friends and family.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
We're so pleased to read that your son has settled in well, enjoys his time with us, and is building strong bonds with our team. We appreciate your feedback on communication and will take this on…read more
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Review from N O (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child picked up quickly within a few weeks of attending nursery. Good vocabulary, great independence, great interest in learning.
I had to enrol her younger sibling as well.
The teachers are good and friendly.
Most importantly, they have good hygiene. My children never reacted to the school meals.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Our practitioners ensure individual children's needs are met and they are made to feel loved and supported. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery 6 months ago just after his first birthday and I couldn’t believe how far he has come in that time. You can see the enjoyment he has when he knows I’m taking him to nursery which speaks volumes to the staff and how they have helped him settle. When he has had wobbly mornings on
drop off the staff have been so helpful with giving plenty of cuddles to help him settle quickly and before I know it I am receiving photos through the app of him happy and enjoying an activity that is planned for the day. We have found his speech has come along vastly in this time, learning to sit on a chair when eating his snack, sitting and playing with others and learning to share.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
It's such a joy seeing his development, thanks so much for sharing.
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Review from Lucy C (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't fault the nursery or staff, they really are amazing to our little boy considering he started so young so I could return to work, he loves going there and learning and playing! He has developed so much since started here, he has become a very sociable chap and is always smiling when he sees the
girls and children on arrival.
Thank you so much you guys do for our little boy.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
The team will be delighted to hear this.
Thank you for sharing.
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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves all the staff and has made amazing friends. The manager is always accommodating to our needs if I need extra time booked in. Overall we have had a lovely experience so far and on occasions my daughter gets to mix with the older children which seems to be great for preparing her for
preschool later this year.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t fault the nursery in any way! All the staff are great, friendly and happy!
My child loves going to nursery, and even on the odd time, she’s unsure, they are very welcoming and encouraging!
They keep us informed and updated with activities, and the kids always look like they are having fun!
The
nursery manager is great!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your fantastic review! Our staff take great pride in being friendly and creating a happy environment for all the children. We're delighted that your child loves going to nursery and that…read more
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Review from Chloe C (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always so lovely. My children love going and always seem to have a lovely time. So happy we picked this nursery for them!
I was so anxious for my boys to start nursery, especially as I wouldn’t be there, but honestly, my mind was put at ease after the first 10 minutes. They always have so much fun
and sleep so well that night! Wonderful place with wonderful people.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your heart-warming review! We're delighted to hear that your children always have a lovely time at our nursery and that they look forward to going.
We understand that starting nursery…read more
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Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery that I cannot recommend enough. The staff are brilliant, caring and supportive of both us as parents and our son. My son is thriving there, thanks to the staff's care and attention. The activities they have set up look brilliant, and the communication throughout the day
is outstanding. I cannot recommend this nursery enough.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from Sophie F (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter who is six went to Sunhill from nine months old until school age, and now my son does. He started at around ten months old. At first, it took 2-3 weeks for him to settle in and get used to the new routine. All throughout this time, staff were kind and considerate and reassuring to both him
and also me with good communication - even on his bad days. The staff are all fabulous and really friendly.
It’s now been two months, and he absolutely loves it. He comes home a very happy boy. Seeing what the nursery did for my daughter and now my son - even in such a short time is the reason I would absolutely recommend Sunhill.
I would say to any parents that you cannot expect the level of care that you would give your child when you’re at home. So yes, they may come home with a fuller nappy, snotty nose or covered in paint, but as long as they’re smiling - that’s all you can ask for.
Some members of staff are more forthcoming about your child’s day - that is the only constructive feedback that I would give.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Sunhill! We're delighted to have cared for both your daughter and son, supporting their growth from such a young age. It's great to hear that the…read more
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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are informative about the day your child is at the nursery. Friendly bunch. Their approaches are positive to the children's behaviour. The facilities are always clean when I arrive, either start, middle or end of the day. Would highly recommend it. The learning aspect, I feel I can't comment on
as much, as I am not sure what they undertake in terms of learning; however, there is an area for sensory and also for reading, so I'm sure this goes hand in hand. If your child is fussy with food, they will cater to needs, and just overall, a really nice and helpful team and safe place, I feel I am leaving my child.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from A T (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, friendly staff. Attentive and informative. My son settled into the setting really quickly. My son enjoys going to nursery/preschool. He enjoys the range of activities that are put on, and the updates on the app are great!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery. The staff are all so wonderful with my boy and loves him so much. I don't have to worry about him as I know he is in safe hands! I always get regular updates about the day in the app, as well as lots of photos, which make me feel at ease.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with how my son has settled into nursery in such a short time period. He is always so happy to be dropped off at the nursery, and his face lights up when we approach the nursery door. It is lovely to see the photos of him completing a range of activities, from crafts to building.
Seeing him interact with other children at pick-up is just a wonderful experience, and the variety of food offered is great and nutritious.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Hi, and thank you for taking the time to write this review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from J F (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot fault this nursery at all! My little boy absolutely loves it and really didn't want to leave to start big school. Every single nursery assistant at Sunhill is beyond lovely and helpful. I couldn't have chosen a better nursery for my little boy!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are very friendly and dedicated and know my child very well. My son has progressed so much since starting nursery and is very happy there. Even though the nursery does not have outside space, the staff plan and delivers a whole range of activities for the children to do, and they keep you
updated with the app.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you so much for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.394)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.394) out of 10 for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 9 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.802 for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (87 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 106 Ratings = 4.802
  2. 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 4.592 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 + 0.1 = 3.9
    2. 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. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 13 = 0.692
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Frequently Asked Questions about Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School accepts?

Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School Open?

Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School is open: 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.

How many Children does Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School have capacity for?

Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School has capacity for a total of 65 Children.

How far is Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School to the centre of Stowmarket?

0.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Stowmarket Day Nursery & Pre-School has an Enhanced Service - more info.