Bows and Arrows Nurseries

Do you feel like giving a little something back to the community whilst having a free workout?! If you have a spare hour on Tuesday 10 March (8am-9am) and are willing then please do sign up below!

You're invited. Come along and join us at Ipswich GoodGym! 🥳

Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.

What are we doing? We will be heading to Little Learners Nursery (Hogarth Road, Ipswich IP3 0EY) to lend a hand with their nursery garden. This will include tasks such as light gardening work, sweeping paths, clearing leaves, removing weeds and debris, and helping to prepare the community garden for the growing season. Bring some gloves if you have some!🧤

Why are we doing this? Little Learners is a nursery who place emphasis on outdoor learning and therefore, the garden is a big part of the children's day - so we'll be helping to maintain this outdoor learning space which is really important for the children.🍂🌳

GoodGym Ipswich | Clearing the garden for Little Learners Nursery🧹🧤 Improving the outdoor space for the benefit of young children

We were so thankful when Kath joined our Little Learners & Forest Learners Nursery after her previous nursery closed — and five years on, we’re even more grateful❤️.
Huge congratulations on your 5 year anniversary at Bows & Arrows!

Please see below for details for a free early years event taking place later this month. To book your place please follow the link here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/idea-sparks-quickfire-topics-for-early-years-managers-and-childminders-tickets-1978114114566?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please feel free to share with anyone else you think who may be interested in attending.

Well, that was fun!! On Wednesday 10 December a team of Bows & Arrows staff volunteered to support Rudolph and the big man himself, shaking their donation buckets across over 4 miles of the Chantry North route.

This year the Ipswich Round Table are collecting for the Ipswich Town Foundation and the people we met on the night were so generous with their donations for such a good cause.

Anne (CEO), Jacqui (HR Advisor), Jo, Shaneece, Molly, Gracie & Chloe (Buttons & Bows Nursery), Lisa & Kate (Wigwams Nursery) will surely be on the good list this year?! Thank you all for giving up your time to spread some festive cheer and help make a real difference in our community.

New Opportunity!🔈

If you know of anyone that might be interested in this exciting new role, please do feel free to share.

🎉 Staff Appreciation 🎉

Please join us in giving the biggest congratulations to our wonderful Jo for completing her Level 3 qualification! 📚👩🏼‍🎓

Jo is an incredible educator who works tirelessly to support the care and education of our children.

We are so proud of her hard work, dedication, and passion.

Congratulations, Jo! 🎉🎊

🌟 Congratulations Christine on 20 Years! 🌟

Congratulations on reaching an incredible 20 years at Bows and Arrows! Your dedication across our sister sites, setting up of the Nest Nursery and the many roles you’ve taken on has made such a meaningful difference to children and families.

Thank you for your kindness, hard work, and the support you’ve offered to so many over the years. You’ve truly helped shape countless early years journeys. 💛

Here’s to celebrating you and all you’ve achieved — congratulations! 🎉✨

There have been lots of exciting developments over on our Forest School site. Take a look at our designated page and click to follow:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550817821514

Forest School Follow our Forest School sessions across all 7 of our Bows & Arrows nurseries

We’re celebrating Elouise who marks an incredible 5 years at Wellington Nursery. Starting out as an apprentice, Elouise quickly showed a passion for learning, and a genuine commitment to her role. Over the years, she’s grown into a senior member of our team! We’re so proud of everything you have achieved and we are grateful for the energy, skill, and positivity you bring to Bows & Arrows every day. Here’s to the next 5 years and beyond — congratulations and enjoy your voucher!

In September a group of Bows & Arrows leaders visited Finland to undertake a week long Early Childhood Education Study Tour - what an incredible experience! We visited a number of early years settings where creativity, trust, and outdoor spaces are central — it was truly inspiring. It was great to share reflections with colleagues and to leave with so many ideas to bring back home. Follow the link to read more about the visit and see images of the trip!

https://learningscoop.fi/2025/09/25/early-learning-in-finland/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHTlRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBqVTgxb1hlcGhWZ2o3U1NEAR7cscKxcWZ3tYC2SYdO4AuvvMYNmuJaFGcapzCTaTSSkoXr4xIRlit3fVkdDw_aem_6vPa3E6LUER2mYvLMofPTA

Early learning matters! - Learning Scoop Study Tour visitors observed authentic interactions—among children, between children, educators and nature. How is early learning in Finland?

Oh what a night! Some of the Bows & Arrows management team dusted off their posh frocks and attended The Nursery World Awards event over the weekend.

Anne Denny, CEO of Bows & Arrows, says "I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate Heather Pearne on being named Nursery Operations Manager of the Year at the Nursery World Awards on Saturday night! This is a tremendously well-deserved recognition of the passion, leadership, and tireless dedication Heather brings to our group of nurseries. We already know you are brilliant Heather and now the nation does too! Thank you for your many talents and for inspiring all of us to do better, every day. I couldn’t be prouder to have you as a colleague and leader in our organisation."

Well done Heather!

Finishing our recent run of Ofsted inspections, it was Oak Wood’s turn — and we’re thrilled to announce that our brand new nursery has received a ‘Good’ rating in its first ever Ofsted inspection!

This is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the dedication, care, and passion shown by the entire Oak Wood team. Well done everyone!🌟

files.ofsted.gov.uk