Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

'Chaotic and disorderly' Ipswich nursery turns around 'inadequate' rating in five months

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Twizzle Tops Day Nursery on Cavendish Street has transformed its Ofsted rating from 'inadequate' to 'good' in just five months, showing significant improvement across all areas following a series of interventions.

Why it matters: The improvement comes after concerns were raised about children's safety and education at the nursery in July 2024, when inspectors found multiple failings in leadership and safeguarding. The nursery closed before reopening.

The big picture: Inspectors visiting the nursery in December found it had successfully addressed all major concerns, with improvements noted in:

  • Safeguarding arrangements

  • Staff training and supervision

  • Support for children with special educational needs

  • Behaviour management

  • Record keeping

However, it should be noted that at the time of the latest inspection, just two children were on the books.

Twizzle Tops Day Nursery in Ipswich
Twizzle Tops Day Nursery on Cavendish Street has transformed its Ofsted rating from 'inadequate' to 'good' in just five monthsGoogle Maps

What they're saying: "Staff engage well with children during their play. They focus on supporting children to engage positively with others," Ofsted inspectors noted in their latest report. "They role model kind and respectful behaviours which children then copy."

Behind the turnaround: The nursery, which had previously failed to ensure all staff had proper background checks, lacked adequate training on safeguarding procedures and was described as "chaotic and disorderly" by inspectors, implemented comprehensive changes after July's inspection, including:

  • Appointing a new deputy manager

  • Introducing robust recruitment procedures

  • Improving accident recording systems

  • Establishing a proper key worker system

  • Delivering comprehensive staff training

What's still needed: While the overall rating is now 'good', inspectors identified two areas for further improvement:

  • Developing outdoor learning opportunities

  • Enhancing provisions for physical activities indoors

The bottom line: The nursery's improvement from 'inadequate' to 'good' demonstrates significant progress in ensuring children's safety and education. However, questions remain about whether or not performance levels continue once numbers increase.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article