Our Montessori Nursery in Barrow
Nursery & Nest
Our nursery is across two sites in the lovely traditional village of Barrow, near Bury St. Edmunds. The children enjoy visiting the busy duckpond, waving to the passing horse-riders and seeing the latest knitted toppers on the nearby post box! Parking is usually available at the Village Hall nearby.
The exciting opportunities for outdoor learning support your child as they learn about sensible and positive risks. Babies and toddlers have their own special ‘Nest’ at the beautiful Town Estates Room and also have direct access to an idyllic garden.
Parking is available at Barrow Village Hall.
We want to spread awareness about the benefits of Montessori education and to be a helpful resource in the wider education community.
Using Montessori approach, we help children aged 3 months to 5 years develop in all aspects—intellectual, social, physical, spiritual, and economic.
Child protection is paramount to providing safe and enriching learning environments for our families in West Suffolk and nearby areas.
“Everyone is Welcome” regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, or ability. We support initiatives such as the ‘Every Disabled Child Matters’ campaign.
Nurturing Young Bodies Year-Round with Freshly Prepared Meals
All meals are freshly prepared by our nursery chefs. Menus incorporate seasonal produce and are adjusted to children’s dietary needs where necessary. To learn more, visit our page about nursery nutrition.
Tracking Your Child's Experience
At Colourbox Montessori, we use Blossom to track and record your child’s development. Highlights are sent daily to your device, and you can upload your own observations so that we can work together to enhance your child’s learning. For more details, visit our page about the Blossom platform.
A dedicated team of professionals with a passion for education
It’s not just the children who are excited about learning, but also our team! We provide a wide variety of training opportunities for our staff, not only to keep them up-to-date with the latest education and safety requirements but also to further their personal and professional development. Learn more about our team on our about us page.
Why Montessori
Montessori education inspires children to explore their surroundings and develop a deep understanding and respect for the various life forms, systems, and forces in our world. As technology increasingly connects us with people worldwide, it becomes essential for our children to use these tools to appreciate cultural differences. To read more, visit our page about Montessori education.
Want to see our beautiful rooms? Scroll down to explore more!
Our Rooms
The Nest
The beautiful and bright ‘Town Estates’ room is ideal for our youngest children (3 months to 2 years) to practice taking their first steps! and we also have a small sensory room which is the perfect place to explore colour, texture, sound and light. Staff use Baby sign-language to support pre-verbal communication and children have direct access to an idyllic garden where afternoon naps are often taken under the plum tree!
Garden & Ocean Rooms
Our purpose-built nursery for older children (2 years to 5 years) is situated next to Barrow Primary School. There are two spacious, linked rooms with doors onto a large garden, and these have been designed for children at different stages of development:
Your child is now a confident walker and their hands are free and ready for action! Around this time there is also an “explosion into language”. This enabling environment is arranged to set your child up for success – we focus on step-by-step activities which s/he can accomplish independently and safely thereby developing self-esteem and confidence. Your child is now learning how to be part of a small community and to balance their own needs against those of others.
The World Room
The open plan design of our nursery means that the transition from the Garden Room to the World Room is seamless. Your child is ready to refine their senses and will be attracted to Montessori activities which support this. S/he may have seen children working with the early language and maths materials – perhaps s/he recognises the globe and is impatient to learn about the animals of Antarctica or the parts of a frog?
Embracing All Abilities, Fostering Independence, and Building Lifelong Friendships
Colourbox Montessori School is an inclusive setting which embraces children of all abilities. Your child will be encouraged to make their own decisions and will noticeably develop a sense of pride when they are able to do things for themselves! Your child will also develop their social skills and meet their new best friends (sometimes life-long friends), and you will have the opportunity to join a community of families who can learn from each other and provide a strong base for their children.
We embrace the Early Years Foundation Stage framework 2024.
We participate in the government Early years funding scheme which provides funded sessions for 2, 3 and 4 year olds and we accept Employer Childcare Vouchers. Working and non-working families may be eligible for help with the cost of childcare – check here to find out if this applies to you: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Virtual Tour
Testimonials
Contact Our Nursery
Jenna
Barrow & Redwoods
With over 20 years of experience in early years and a level 5 in Early Years and Education, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting children and families as they navigate the important early stages of life. I’ve worked in a variety of childcare settings over the years, gradually building my skills and knowledge, and I am now proud to lead my own nursery as a Manager for Colourbox Barrow and Redwoods. My passion lies in building strong relationships with families and helping each child grow into their unique potential. I believe in creating a warm, inclusive environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to learn, and where staff feel supported and empowered.
Outside of my role as Nursery Manager, I enjoy taking my dog out for long walks in the forest and spending time with my family and friends.
Address
Barrow, Suffolk
Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 6pm
Phone
Colourbox Barrow
01284 834812
Phone
Colourbox Nest
01284 834439
Outside Learning
Colourbox Montessori Barrow
At Colourbox Montessori we use a secure online platform called Blossom to track and record your child’s development and achievements, and highlights are delivered to your phone (or other device) every day. You are also able to upload your own observations of your child – sharing your child’s nursery journey builds strong trusting parent partnerships!
How to find us?
We’re easy to reach! Whether you’re arriving by car, bike, bus, or on foot, you’ll find convenient options to get here.
Car
Barrow is 8 miles west of Bury St. Edmunds, and only 2 miles from the A14 making it very convenient for commuting to Cambridge or Ipswich. Although the nursery has no dedicaged parking, parking is available at the nearby Village Hall and there is plenty of on-street parking nearby. During school holidays the adjacent Barrow Primary School parking may be available.
Bike
We have a bike rack available at the Barrow Primary School site. It is possible to leave your bike securely in the garden of the Town Estates Room.
Bike & Bus
Bus No. 312 from Newmarket to Bury St. Edmunds stops outside the nursery, however the service is very sparse.
