A new nursery has opened in a former airport building in Ravenswood, which aims to build little ones’ confidence through hands-on play and learning. 

It was first announced in April that a new nursery would be opening in Ravenswood, one of several run by the Ipswich-based Bows and Arrows group. 

The nursery officially opened its doors on September 4, and the past four weeks have got off to a flying start, said area manager Michelle Dent.  

A pre-school area has been created on the ground floor, while on the first floor, a baby room and a neighbouring toddler room have been created in the space where the old departure lounge used to be. 

READ MORE: Kindred Spirits looks back at the history of Ipswich Airport 

Ms Dent explained that the nursery follows the ‘Reggio Emilia’ approach. This is a philosophy that was developed in Italy after the Second World War, which values children as being central to their own learning.  

Ipswich Star: Some of the team at Ravenswood Nursery, L-R: Area manager Michelle Dent, Kaylee Hillsley, Evie Mackenzie and Sarah Measom, deputy manager. Image: NewsquestSome of the team at Ravenswood Nursery, L-R: Area manager Michelle Dent, Kaylee Hillsley, Evie Mackenzie and Sarah Measom, deputy manager. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Three-year-old Bella shows that she is feeling happy using the wooden feeling blocks. Image: NewsquestThree-year-old Bella shows that she is feeling happy using the wooden feeling blocks. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

 

Ipswich Star: Area manager Michelle playing with three-year-old Bella. Image: NewsquestArea manager Michelle playing with three-year-old Bella. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Many of the toys at Ravenswood are made from wood and other natural materials, rather than plastic. Image: Newsquest Many of the toys at Ravenswood are made from wood and other natural materials, rather than plastic. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The upstairs toddler room at Ravenswood Nursery. Image: NewsquestThe upstairs toddler room at Ravenswood Nursery. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The upstairs baby room at Ravenswood Nursery. Image: NewsquestThe upstairs baby room at Ravenswood Nursery. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Ravenswood Nursery also has an indoor sandpit in the upstairs toddler room. Image: NewsquestRavenswood Nursery also has an indoor sandpit in the upstairs toddler room. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Can you make dinosaur footprints? Image: Newsquest Can you make dinosaur footprints? Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

At Ravenswood, staff value natural play and outdoor learning, and work with children to help them develop their confidence and a sense of independence.  

Most toys at the nursery are made from wood and other natural materials, and children are encouraged to mix their own paints and playdough, ideal for sensory learning. 

The staff also help children to talk about their feelings, with coloured charts and blocks to help children express whether they are having a happy day, or perhaps feeling down. 

A particular highlight from the past few weeks was the arrival of the sand for the indoor and outdoor sandpits, said Ms Dent. 

Children were delighted when a crane arrived outside the nursery laden with an enormous load of sand.

They even joined in, helping staff to ferry buckets of sand backwards and forwards, until their new sandpit was complete and ready for playing. 

Ravenswood Nursery can be found at 103 Hening Avenue, Ipswich.