Preschool

The preschool provides care and education to children aged 2 to 5 years. Your child does not have to leave ABC, they can stay with us and receive good quality care and education from our highly qualified staff until it is time for them to start reception class at a primary school.  

All funded 3 and 4 year olds can attend ABC from 9am until 3pm Monday to Friday, term time only.  Once they are settled, there is the possibility to extend their hours to 8am until 6pm.  Government funding can be used from 8am until 3.00pm Monday to Friday, term time only (38 weeks of the year).  Any additional hours would be invoiced separately.

We also offer 15 hours funded sessions for 2 year olds from 9am until 3.00pm.  To check if your child is eligible for this, visit:  www.suffolk.gov.uk/two

The preschool offers both the universal 15 hours free early years funding and the extended 30 hours funding to all eligible 3 and 4 year olds. For more information, please visit:  www.childcarechoices.gov.uk  or contact us on 01473 718296 (option 1)

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP):  In past years, ABC has used the additional funding provided by the EYPP to provide in-setting training to our staff, purchased resource for parents, such as the  ‘What to expect and when?’ booklet and support eligible parent with the cost of trips and outings.  The additional funding received also enables us to provide an additional member of staff to working with the children in small groups.

Please click here for a copy of:  ABC Preschool Prospectus 2022 There is a Registration Form attached.

Please click here for a copy of our Autumn Term Snack Menu

Please click on the link to view our ABC Preschool Tour.  

Please click on the following link to view our Preschool Presentation

Please click here to view What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide for parents produced by the East London Research School.

For information on how you can help your child develop their speech and language skills, click on this link . . . Learning to talk | 3 to 5 years | Start for Life (www.nhs.uk)

Session Times

We offer morning, afternoon and all day sessions.

Morning session – 9am to 12pm

Afternoon session – 12pm to 3pm

All day session – 9am to 3pm

You can follow us on Facebook (Abc Preschool – Ipswich Ltd) or on Instagram (Instagram.com/abcfreetime)

“Staff have high expectations of children’s achievements.  They skilfully know when to allow children to try things for themselves and when to step in to offer support and guidance.  All children are keen to join in with the enjoyable and challenging activities. 

Children are supported well to develop a growing awareness of how to keep themselves healthy and manage reasonable risks.  Staff provide them with rich opportunities to gain practical skills.

Staff take time to find out about children’s specific needs and often draw on the expertise of parents and outside professionals.  In particular, this helps them to offer carefully tailored support to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and /or disabilities” – Ofsted Inspector

“As soon as I walked into ABC I knew that it was where I wanted my son to come to pre-school. The staff are so friendly and engaged with the children. I just love the commitment of everyone at ABC and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. I know they have my child’s best interests at heart.” – EC, Parent

“My child enjoyed ABC caterpillar group and couldn’t wait to become a butterfly, they have made some good friends and lots of the butterflies will be going into the same school in September” – Parent

“ABC hours were flexible and allowed our child to attend the Freetime clubs too, which is great as we are working parents” – Parent

“My child was really settled and happy at ABC and I did not see the need to move” – Parent

“The children from ABC generally arrive in Reception with confidence and independence. They demonstrate a love of learning, the ability to persevere and solve problems and show good mathematical understanding. They have formed good friendships and show kindness and concern for the people around them.” –  School Teacher 

Our vision is that children, young people and parents are supported, informed and prepared for positive transitions through their learning journey – Education Transition Charter

We have signed up to the Education Transition Charter where we will be working with other preschools and nurseries to ensure our children benefit from a smooth transition into Reception.

Term Dates

TERM DATES 2023 – 2024

Autumn 2023

Term Starts: Wednesday, 6th September 

Half Term: Monday, 23rd October – Friday, 27th October 

Term Ends: Wednesday, 20th December

Spring 2024

Term Starts: Thursday, 4th January

Half Term: Monday, 19th February – Friday, 23rd February

Term Ends: Thursday, 28th March

Summer 2024

Term Starts: Monday, 15th April

Bank Holiday: Monday 6th May

Half Term: Monday, 27th May – Friday, 31st May

(Bank Holiday: Monday, 27th May)

Term Ends: Thursday, 18th July 

Do not forget to name all your child’s clothing, footwear, bags and lunch boxes.