The Ark Centre Nursery

Welcome to The Ark Centre Nursery

Where little adventures begin!

We are passionate about giving every child the best possible start in life.

We care for children from birth to 5 years old in a warm, welcoming environment where they can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Our nursery has three bright and engaging rooms, each designed to support your child’s individual stage of development. Whether they’re taking their first steps or getting ready for school, we make every day fun, safe, and full of opportunities to discover something new.

We’re open term-time only, offering both funded and paid places, with flexibility to suit your family’s needs. Our caring team builds strong relationships with every child and family, creating a true home-from-home experience.

Meet our nursery manager

Jessica Cornell

My Experience

I began my journey with The Ark in 2012, supporting the running of the setting’s baby group. In 2013, I went on to volunteer within the nursery to gain hands-on experience in early years education. This commitment led to employment within the setting, alongside which I worked hard to achieve my relevant GCSEs and a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education.

I quickly progressed into the role of Room Supervisor and, alongside this, attended the University of Suffolk, where I achieved a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Early Years Education. My career development has been rooted in both practical experience and academic learning, allowing me to build a strong, child-centred approach to leadership.

I have now been the Nursery Manager at The Ark for six years. During this time, I have led significant growth and development within the setting, expanding from one room to three and extending our age range to support children from birth to five years. I am deeply passionate about creating a high-quality learning environment for the local community and have ambitious plans for the future of our nursery.

Alongside my professional role, I am also a parent to two children with additional needs who are now in primary school. This lived experience gives me valuable insight into the challenges families may face and strengthens my commitment to inclusive practice, strong partnerships with parents, and high-quality SEND support across the setting.

My qualifications

I hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education, alongside a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Early Years from the University of Suffolk. I am fully SENCO qualified, epilepsy trained, and the setting’s Health and Safety Officer. I am also the Lead Designated Safeguarding Officer and am trained in safer recruitment, ensuring the highest standards of care, protection, and professionalism within the nursery.

Supporting staff development is a key passion of mine. I am proud to have supported 12 members of staff in achieving their Level 3 Early Years qualifications and to have guided a team member through completing a Level 5 Foundation Degree. I strongly believe that investing in staff training and wellbeing directly enhances the quality of care and education we provide for our children.

I remain committed to the ongoing development of The Ark, our team, and the services we offer, ensuring our nursery continues to grow as a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for every child and family in our community.

Our rooms

At The Ark Centre, we’ve created three bright, nurturing spaces designed to meet the needs of every stage in your child’s early journey — from those precious first steps to being confident and school-ready. Each room offers a caring, stimulating environment where children can learn, explore, and grow through play.

Baby Bears (0-2 years old)

Our Baby Room is thoughtfully designed for children from birth to 2 years, providing a calm, nurturing, and secure environment where our youngest children can settle, grow, and thrive. With a maximum capacity of just nine children per day, we are able to maintain high staff-to-child ratios, ensuring each child receives individual attention, consistent care, and strong attachments with familiar adults.

The room is bright and welcoming, filled with age-appropriate toys and carefully selected learning resources that support early development through play. A separate, dedicated sleep room allows babies to rest safely and peacefully, following their own routines to support wellbeing and emotional security.

We also have a fully equipped kitchen for the safe preparation of bottles, meals, and snacks, ensuring all dietary requirements are met with care and attention. A dedicated changing area has been designed to meet strict hygiene and safeguarding standards, supporting children’s comfort and dignity.

The Baby Room benefits from direct access to a secure, enclosed garden, allowing children to enjoy daily outdoor play and sensory exploration. This outdoor space supports physical development, fresh air, and early connections with nature, helping to build curiosity and confidence from the very beginning.

Overall, our Baby Room provides a warm, responsive environment that promotes early development, wellbeing, and a strong sense of safety and belonging.

Cub Den (2-3 years old)

Our Cub Room is designed especially for our 2-year-old children, supporting this important stage of rapid development and growing independence. The environment is carefully planned to encourage curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning, while still offering the reassurance and structure young children need.

With a maximum capacity of 12 children per day, we are able to provide high-quality interactions, consistent routines, and responsive care tailored to each child. The room itself is large, bright, and spacious, creating an engaging and stimulating learning environment where children are encouraged to explore freely and develop their social skills through play.

The Cub Room features an attached bathroom area with dedicated changing facilities, alongside low-level toilets and handwashing facilities. These are designed to promote self-care skills and independence, supporting early toilet training in a positive, child-led and pressure-free way.

Children also benefit from direct access to a safe and secure garden, allowing for daily outdoor play. This outdoor space supports physical development, builds confidence, and encourages curiosity as children explore their environment and develop new skills.

Overall, the Cub Room provides a nurturing and stimulating setting that supports children’s communication, independence, and emotional wellbeing during this important stage of early childhood.

Bear Cave (3-4 years old)

Our Bear Cave is designed for children aged 3–5 years, supporting confident independence and preparing children for the transition to school. As our largest nursery room, it accommodates up to 18 children per day, providing a bright, spacious environment where older children can move freely, safely, and confidently during play and learning.

The layout of the room supports active learning, group activities, and child-led exploration, encouraging children to follow their interests, develop problem-solving skills, and build positive relationships with their peers. A key feature of the Bear Cave is our dedicated Zen Den — a calm, soft space where children can relax, regulate their emotions, or take time away when needed. This space supports emotional wellbeing, mindfulness, and self-regulation, helping children develop the skills they need to manage their feelings as they grow.

Toilet facilities are located close to the room, supporting children to practice independence and become familiar with routines similar to those they will experience at school. Children are encouraged to ask adults for support when needed, helping to build confidence, communication skills, and self-advocacy.

The Bear Cave benefits from direct access to our largest outdoor garden, designed to encourage adventurous play. This outdoor area provides rich opportunities for climbing, exploring, and developing physical strength, coordination, and resilience.

Overall, the Bear Cave offers a stimulating, supportive environment that nurtures children’s confidence, independence, and readiness for the next stage of their learning journey

"I couldn't imagine or have wanted a better start for my children than our time at The Ark Centre. From the passionate team of qualified staff, the centre that feels like home and the additional support you couldn't find anywhere else it is a 10 our of 10 from us!" Nursery parent