St Michael's Pre-School
OutstandingBirth to 8+Long established
A day nursery in Manningtree for children from birth to 8+, open 07:30 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in November 2022. Open since 2012, with 43 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in Suffolk
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in Suffolk from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
CO11 1PZWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 1 November 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
On arrival at the setting, children demonstrate a secure bond with familiar adults and show a real sense of belonging. Children thrive in a caring, relaxed and calm environment where staff are extremely responsive to their individual needs, wants and interests. Children are happy, inquisitive and highly motivated learners. They confidently explore all of the activities on offer and are fascinated by them.
Younger children squeal in delight as they play 'peek-a-boo' in a dark den, and older children are fascinated by the pretend spiders they find hidden in a cottonwool web.
Children's developing personalities are cherished and they are supported to be confident, respectful towards others and express themselves. A language-rich environment supports children to express themselves, their voices are valued, and staff follow children's lead. They effectively question, pause and allow children time to respond and then extend children's vocabulary in their response. Children's growing independence is nurtured in the setting, and they are encouraged to be independent and make their own choices. For example, they serve themselves drinks, snack and choose parts of their lunch. Children demonstrate enjoyment at interactions with staff and seek out familiar adults to share experiences. They also regularly check in and seek comfort before returning to their play. Children listen to stories with wonder and awe, and they are able to recite parts of the story and take part in the associated actions.
- 1 November 2022Outstanding
- 8 December 2016Good
- 12 December 2012Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for St Michael's Pre-School
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.