Noah’s Ark Pre-School in Ipswich has officially opened a new playground obstacle course, a project funded by Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council. The pre-school, located on Cauldwell Hall Road, raised £17,000 for the project, with contributions from both local authorities playing a key role.
Although the project was completed in late October, the official opening took place on Wednesday morning, with Ipswich Mayor Elango Elavalakan and former MP Sandy Martin in attendance, alongside other local councillors.
Laura Rust, a representative from Noah’s Ark, explained that the pre-school had been fundraising for years to install the new trim trail and outdoor flooring. She highlighted that the additional funding from Suffolk County Council’s Locality budget and a grant from Ipswich Borough Council’s Local Area Committee were crucial in reaching the £17,000 target.
“We had been fundraising for a long time, but we were falling short,” Rust said. “After meeting with Sandy Martin, we received vital support from both councils to complete the project. The new playground has already had a great impact on our children, making the outdoor space even more enjoyable.”
Noah’s Ark Pre-School, based at St John the Baptist’s Church Hall, caters to children aged two to four years old. It serves local families as well as some from surrounding areas. As a committee-run charity, the pre-school relies on fundraising to provide extra resources for its students.
With approximately 60 families enrolled, the pre-school is well-attended and benefits from a large outdoor area, which has helped it grow in popularity. The spacious grounds also allow Noah’s Ark to better support children with emotional and behavioral challenges.
The new obstacle course is expected to further enhance the school’s outdoor learning environment, providing additional opportunities for physical play and development.
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