February 2026
We went for a visit to the Repair Cafe at St John's Church. We saw a Henry being mended and a kettle too. At the sewing repair table a very friendly lady showed us how to really 'Wind the Bobbin up' and then she mended one of our favourite dressing up dresses! We enjoyed delicious fruit scones for snack and really appreciated our lovely welcome
We went for a visit to the Repair Cafe at St John's Church. We saw a Henry being mended and a kettle too. At the sewing repair table a very friendly lady showed us how to really 'Wind the Bobbin up' and then she mended one of our favourite dressing up dresses! We enjoyed delicious fruit scones for snack and really appreciated our lovely welcome
January 2026
We had such a lovely trip to the Woodbridge Greengrocers. Our mission was to see if we could buy a peach, a pear and a plum.
Lots of opportunity to talk about seasonal fruit as a peach was not to be found (as we already knew). We did buy Spanish plums and talked about their long journey and delicious British pears grown locally. We had a good look at the vegetables too and chatted about which we liked (or not!).
We had such a lovely trip to the Woodbridge Greengrocers. Our mission was to see if we could buy a peach, a pear and a plum.
Lots of opportunity to talk about seasonal fruit as a peach was not to be found (as we already knew). We did buy Spanish plums and talked about their long journey and delicious British pears grown locally. We had a good look at the vegetables too and chatted about which we liked (or not!).
November 2025
We had such a brilliant mini outing to the Quaker burial ground which is only a ten minute walk away. This walled graveyard with an imposing gate has just a few gravestones with a huge horse chestnut tree and some shrubs around the grassy area. There are two compost heaps where the leaves make good habitats for animals and insects. We had brought some (soft toy) woodland wildlife with us and had lots of fun finding animal paw prints followed by examples of the things each animal likes to eat. There was lots to find! Before we left we thought about where those animals might live - a very handy owl box on the tree helped with this!
The creatures we brought with us were a badger, owl, squirrel, hedgehog, fox, rabbit, blackbird, and robin.
We were very surprised to find a beautiful snowdrop.
We had such a brilliant mini outing to the Quaker burial ground which is only a ten minute walk away. This walled graveyard with an imposing gate has just a few gravestones with a huge horse chestnut tree and some shrubs around the grassy area. There are two compost heaps where the leaves make good habitats for animals and insects. We had brought some (soft toy) woodland wildlife with us and had lots of fun finding animal paw prints followed by examples of the things each animal likes to eat. There was lots to find! Before we left we thought about where those animals might live - a very handy owl box on the tree helped with this!
The creatures we brought with us were a badger, owl, squirrel, hedgehog, fox, rabbit, blackbird, and robin.
We were very surprised to find a beautiful snowdrop.
November 2025
We had the most amazing visit from George of Wild Science Limited. He was an absolute expert at engaging with the children with interesting facts and lots of interaction to hold our interest for about an hour!
We met Pheonix the Geko, Stick the Stick Insect, Lychee the Praying Mantis, Houdini the Snail (named with purpose), Mumble the Millipede, Trivago the Hissing Cochroach and the absolute star of the show was Cinnamon the Snake.
As the photos show, there was lots of opportunity for the children - and staff - to touch, hold and even wear the animals if they wished.
We had the most amazing visit from George of Wild Science Limited. He was an absolute expert at engaging with the children with interesting facts and lots of interaction to hold our interest for about an hour!
We met Pheonix the Geko, Stick the Stick Insect, Lychee the Praying Mantis, Houdini the Snail (named with purpose), Mumble the Millipede, Trivago the Hissing Cochroach and the absolute star of the show was Cinnamon the Snake.
As the photos show, there was lots of opportunity for the children - and staff - to touch, hold and even wear the animals if they wished.
October 2025
We brought the beach to Barnabas when the weather stopped our planned trip to Felixstowe. As well as enjoying sand, seaweed and shingle we set up an ice cream kiosk, explored frozen sand and sat by the beach with a little bag each of chips for lunch. Our chairs bus gave us a lovely ride to the coast!
We brought the beach to Barnabas when the weather stopped our planned trip to Felixstowe. As well as enjoying sand, seaweed and shingle we set up an ice cream kiosk, explored frozen sand and sat by the beach with a little bag each of chips for lunch. Our chairs bus gave us a lovely ride to the coast!
September 2025.
We had such a great visit to the Elmhurst Kitchen Garden. We picked raspberries, apples, runner beans (and collected seeds) and a huge gourd. An area of garden needed a good weed so we donned our gloves and set to. We examined a broccoli plant that had been nibbled away by a caterpillar. Another extremely worthwhile visit and we are really sorry we won't be able to do this again with the Woodbridge Growers.
We had such a great visit to the Elmhurst Kitchen Garden. We picked raspberries, apples, runner beans (and collected seeds) and a huge gourd. An area of garden needed a good weed so we donned our gloves and set to. We examined a broccoli plant that had been nibbled away by a caterpillar. Another extremely worthwhile visit and we are really sorry we won't be able to do this again with the Woodbridge Growers.
July 2025
River trip
Mrs. Alexander (a former Barnabas lady) hosted us at the Deben Yacht Club where we had snack in the cool clubhouse but also enjoying the beautiful views along the river. Then she invited us to the "top deck" where we hoisted and lowered the flags that are used for race days on the river.
Our boat had come in so three groups took it in turns to sale up the river to the mouth of Martlesham Creek.
Back on dry land we found the shark really IS in the park! He turned out to be friendly so we could sail our yachts alongside quite safely. After some den building in the trees nearby we headed back to Barnabas for lunch.
River trip
Mrs. Alexander (a former Barnabas lady) hosted us at the Deben Yacht Club where we had snack in the cool clubhouse but also enjoying the beautiful views along the river. Then she invited us to the "top deck" where we hoisted and lowered the flags that are used for race days on the river.
Our boat had come in so three groups took it in turns to sale up the river to the mouth of Martlesham Creek.
Back on dry land we found the shark really IS in the park! He turned out to be friendly so we could sail our yachts alongside quite safely. After some den building in the trees nearby we headed back to Barnabas for lunch.
June 2025
What a wonderful morning at Framlingham Castle!
We made camp outside under a tree with a couple of teepees. Our first activity was a walk around the "moat" where each child found a named package containing a little flag. After snack we stormed the castle and made a second camp under some parasols where we made swords from sticks and string to go with the shields made back at Barnabas, crowns and damsel hats. We dressed up as knights and princesses, had hobby horse races and climbed to the top of the castle walls for fantastic views below. After lunch back at base camp there was rolling down the lower hillocks and climbing up to the castle walls.
What a wonderful morning at Framlingham Castle!
We made camp outside under a tree with a couple of teepees. Our first activity was a walk around the "moat" where each child found a named package containing a little flag. After snack we stormed the castle and made a second camp under some parasols where we made swords from sticks and string to go with the shields made back at Barnabas, crowns and damsel hats. We dressed up as knights and princesses, had hobby horse races and climbed to the top of the castle walls for fantastic views below. After lunch back at base camp there was rolling down the lower hillocks and climbing up to the castle walls.
May 2025
We returned to Elmhurst Kitchen Garden to plant our broad bean plants as they had sped ahead with growth over the Easter holiday and today was the day to get them planted out.
The kind garden volunteers helped the children plant in a vegetable bed or fill plant troughs with a few stones and then compost dug out of their huge compost compounds where worms were found to add to the excitement! After the planting an awful lot of watering took place all around the garden! The children had free rein with the hose, watering cans and clever watering bottles made from old plastic milk cartons.
The volunteers helped us identify onions, runner beans, strawberries, rhubarb and much more. We smelt some of the herbs in the well stocked herb garden. The children also learnt that the broccoli is covered by a net to prevent butterflies laying eggs on them and the subsequent nibbling of leaves by caterpillars.
We returned to Elmhurst Kitchen Garden to plant our broad bean plants as they had sped ahead with growth over the Easter holiday and today was the day to get them planted out.
The kind garden volunteers helped the children plant in a vegetable bed or fill plant troughs with a few stones and then compost dug out of their huge compost compounds where worms were found to add to the excitement! After the planting an awful lot of watering took place all around the garden! The children had free rein with the hose, watering cans and clever watering bottles made from old plastic milk cartons.
The volunteers helped us identify onions, runner beans, strawberries, rhubarb and much more. We smelt some of the herbs in the well stocked herb garden. The children also learnt that the broccoli is covered by a net to prevent butterflies laying eggs on them and the subsequent nibbling of leaves by caterpillars.
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April 2025
We had the most brilliant time whizzing about Woodbridge Prep tennis courts for almost an hour for our traditional Pedal and Push Extravaganza. So much space and a wonderful smooth surface! To finish our session we had three races. It was extremely competitive with some false starts due entirely to enthusiasm!
We are also very grateful to Woodbridge Prep for giving us this fantastic opportunity.
We had the most brilliant time whizzing about Woodbridge Prep tennis courts for almost an hour for our traditional Pedal and Push Extravaganza. So much space and a wonderful smooth surface! To finish our session we had three races. It was extremely competitive with some false starts due entirely to enthusiasm!
We are also very grateful to Woodbridge Prep for giving us this fantastic opportunity.
March 2025
We had such a lovely visit from Brie Harrison (https://brieharrison.com/), a local artist whose son came to Barnabas. She showed us her beautiful artwork, told us about her interest in nature and how she sketches an outline before filling in the colour digitally. We all had a go at painting and some children were able to draw pictures and shapes before filling them in with colour. There were also some lovely colour combinations and careful patterns created.
The new Barnabas Gallery opened over the weekend and makes a wonderful display for everyone to enjoy.
We had such a lovely visit from Brie Harrison (https://brieharrison.com/), a local artist whose son came to Barnabas. She showed us her beautiful artwork, told us about her interest in nature and how she sketches an outline before filling in the colour digitally. We all had a go at painting and some children were able to draw pictures and shapes before filling them in with colour. There were also some lovely colour combinations and careful patterns created.
The new Barnabas Gallery opened over the weekend and makes a wonderful display for everyone to enjoy.
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A visit to Highlands residential home in Woodbridge
We had such a lovely visit to Highlands Residential Home. It's quite a hike and seemingly uphill all the way but the children took it in their stride! Seven residents joined us in the very warm conservatory and really loved the traditional nursery rhymes and a few action songs they didn't know but enjoyed watching the children singing and moving about. We took some magnetic tiles construction and the children took some pieces to each resident and showed them how they can build with it. The residents had a go too and talked about the toys they or their children would have had. This gave the residents a real chance for contact with the children and they clearly loved it.
We had such a lovely visit to Highlands Residential Home. It's quite a hike and seemingly uphill all the way but the children took it in their stride! Seven residents joined us in the very warm conservatory and really loved the traditional nursery rhymes and a few action songs they didn't know but enjoyed watching the children singing and moving about. We took some magnetic tiles construction and the children took some pieces to each resident and showed them how they can build with it. The residents had a go too and talked about the toys they or their children would have had. This gave the residents a real chance for contact with the children and they clearly loved it.
February 2025
In the autumn term Jeanette, a volunteer from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, came to tell us about “creepie crawlies” and show us a Bee Hotel. Inspired by her visit we made our own Bug Hotel and invited Jeanette back to help us fill it with leaves, little logs, bamboo canes and sticks. She advised us where to place it in our outdoor area and are really looking forward to seeing which mini-beasts move into the Barnabas Bug Hotel!
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/
In the autumn term Jeanette, a volunteer from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, came to tell us about “creepie crawlies” and show us a Bee Hotel. Inspired by her visit we made our own Bug Hotel and invited Jeanette back to help us fill it with leaves, little logs, bamboo canes and sticks. She advised us where to place it in our outdoor area and are really looking forward to seeing which mini-beasts move into the Barnabas Bug Hotel!
https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/
Elmhurst Kitchen Garden visit
Braving the bitterly cold weather and threat of rain we visited the Elmhurst Kitchen Garden in Woodbridge where three hardy members of the garden community showed us the things growing in the garden now in the middle of winter and the places where we would see a big difference on our next visit (such as the strawberry plants and rhubarb). We saw broccoli, onions, leeks in the vegetable beds. Some beds were covered with fleece and some of the ground with cardboard to keep warm. New shoots appearing on bushes in the fruit cage (the door remains open in the winter for the birds to help themselves but closed in the summer) and on the bug hotel it looked like tiny pumpkins on a thorny stalk. We had a look in the enormous compost bin and heard that worms like to live there and help make fantastic compost. The children recalled later what they had seen and we are looking forward to planting the broad bean seeds we were given. When they have grown we will take them back to the garden to plant.
Braving the bitterly cold weather and threat of rain we visited the Elmhurst Kitchen Garden in Woodbridge where three hardy members of the garden community showed us the things growing in the garden now in the middle of winter and the places where we would see a big difference on our next visit (such as the strawberry plants and rhubarb). We saw broccoli, onions, leeks in the vegetable beds. Some beds were covered with fleece and some of the ground with cardboard to keep warm. New shoots appearing on bushes in the fruit cage (the door remains open in the winter for the birds to help themselves but closed in the summer) and on the bug hotel it looked like tiny pumpkins on a thorny stalk. We had a look in the enormous compost bin and heard that worms like to live there and help make fantastic compost. The children recalled later what they had seen and we are looking forward to planting the broad bean seeds we were given. When they have grown we will take them back to the garden to plant.
October 2024
What a fantastic morning we had at sunny Sutton Hoo National Trust .
Our activities included songs and snack, following The Gruffalo story through the woods (told brilliantly by Ms. Kember), making collages out of natural materials, crayon rubbing on the wooden sculptures, making dens for the Gruffly characters and following a trail of woodland (cuddly) animals.
What a fantastic morning we had at sunny Sutton Hoo National Trust .
Our activities included songs and snack, following The Gruffalo story through the woods (told brilliantly by Ms. Kember), making collages out of natural materials, crayon rubbing on the wooden sculptures, making dens for the Gruffly characters and following a trail of woodland (cuddly) animals.
September 2024
Quaker Graveyard minibeast hunt
We enjoyed such a brilliant visit to the Quaker Graveyard. It's like a secret garden! We found many conkers - in fact they were raining down on us all the time! Then we started to gently move the leaves and sticks aside and found a treasure trove of creepie crawlies which we put in our magnifier pots or examined with hand held magnifiers. Memorable finds included a giant woodlouse, a worm, a spider, a snail and a monster slug. We put the creatures gently back where we found them.
Quaker Graveyard minibeast hunt
We enjoyed such a brilliant visit to the Quaker Graveyard. It's like a secret garden! We found many conkers - in fact they were raining down on us all the time! Then we started to gently move the leaves and sticks aside and found a treasure trove of creepie crawlies which we put in our magnifier pots or examined with hand held magnifiers. Memorable finds included a giant woodlouse, a worm, a spider, a snail and a monster slug. We put the creatures gently back where we found them.
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May 2024
Ice Cream Van visit
There was a lot of excitement this morning as we looked forward to the visit of the ice cream van.
Ice Cream Van visit
There was a lot of excitement this morning as we looked forward to the visit of the ice cream van.
Trip to the Ipswich Transport Museum
We went to the very top of a tram, then trolley buses, fire engines, ambulances and a small play bus which had a bell and lights to operate. We visited Mr. Squirrel's cycle shop and spotted some of the many squirrels hidden there. We saw lots of old bikes and a wooden scooter. The policeman model was standing next to a cycle with side car and the passenger was a large teddy! There were a number of different sounding bike bells we could try.
Just before the end of our visit we went to look at the model railway in small groups and we were able to operate the train ourselves.
It was a brilliant trip and thanks to the adults who came along as helpers.
We went to the very top of a tram, then trolley buses, fire engines, ambulances and a small play bus which had a bell and lights to operate. We visited Mr. Squirrel's cycle shop and spotted some of the many squirrels hidden there. We saw lots of old bikes and a wooden scooter. The policeman model was standing next to a cycle with side car and the passenger was a large teddy! There were a number of different sounding bike bells we could try.
Just before the end of our visit we went to look at the model railway in small groups and we were able to operate the train ourselves.
It was a brilliant trip and thanks to the adults who came along as helpers.
A visit from Inflight Lead Cabin Crew Member
As part of our transport topic, we had a visit from Inflight Lead Cabin Crew Member for British Airways.
Our visitor came to tell us all about her job on aeroplanes. We learnt about airports, cabin crew duties, passports, ID cards, double decker planes and the secret room where crew can catch up on their sleep! We learnt the word and meaning of 'turbulence'.
Our visitor kindly acted as our own Inflight Snack Server as we went on a flight to South America, Turkey, Cyprus and far flung Felixstowe!
We had such a truly memorable morning!
As part of our transport topic, we had a visit from Inflight Lead Cabin Crew Member for British Airways.
Our visitor came to tell us all about her job on aeroplanes. We learnt about airports, cabin crew duties, passports, ID cards, double decker planes and the secret room where crew can catch up on their sleep! We learnt the word and meaning of 'turbulence'.
Our visitor kindly acted as our own Inflight Snack Server as we went on a flight to South America, Turkey, Cyprus and far flung Felixstowe!
We had such a truly memorable morning!
March 2024
Pedal and Push Extravaganza
We had the most fantastic time zipping about the tennis court at Woodbridge Prep. Such a wonderful big space to travel about in safety. We completed the session with some races.
This special session was followed back at Barnabas by an Easter raffle kindly organised by a parent. This was much appreciated. An enormous amount was raised towards updating and replacing resources.
Pedal and Push Extravaganza
We had the most fantastic time zipping about the tennis court at Woodbridge Prep. Such a wonderful big space to travel about in safety. We completed the session with some races.
This special session was followed back at Barnabas by an Easter raffle kindly organised by a parent. This was much appreciated. An enormous amount was raised towards updating and replacing resources.
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February 2024
Chinese lunch
The children have been learning about Chinese New Year and to celebrate they had Chinese food too!
A big thank you to the Golden Panda in Woodbridge for providing a delicious meal! Noodles and egg fried rice were top favourites.
Chinese lunch
The children have been learning about Chinese New Year and to celebrate they had Chinese food too!
A big thank you to the Golden Panda in Woodbridge for providing a delicious meal! Noodles and egg fried rice were top favourites.
November 2023
A visit to Windmills Florist
A visit to Windmills Florist
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We were made very welcome by the ladies in Windmills Florists at the end of the month. We looked at the Christmas wreaths outside the shop and were shown an enormous wreath actually being created inside. This wreath was being made especially for a shop window and was decorated with real fruit and vegetables! We were able to name many of them.
When we stepped in the shop we all gave a very big sniff to smell the lovely scent. We were given a piece of eucalyptus to smell and some manuka flowers which bees use to make very special honey. There were so many beautiful colours too.
It was very exciting to find Christmas ornaments such as sparkly cones and berries with "snow" on.
We are going to the Market!
We visited our favourite market stall holder at the Woodbridge market. She is so kind and helpful as we all choose a piece of fruit or vegetable. As ever the children were a credit to Barnabas and had a happy time.
Look at our lovely produce!
We used the event to remind ourselves about healthy eating habits but also what is good and not so good to our oral health.
When we stepped in the shop we all gave a very big sniff to smell the lovely scent. We were given a piece of eucalyptus to smell and some manuka flowers which bees use to make very special honey. There were so many beautiful colours too.
It was very exciting to find Christmas ornaments such as sparkly cones and berries with "snow" on.
We are going to the Market!
We visited our favourite market stall holder at the Woodbridge market. She is so kind and helpful as we all choose a piece of fruit or vegetable. As ever the children were a credit to Barnabas and had a happy time.
Look at our lovely produce!
We used the event to remind ourselves about healthy eating habits but also what is good and not so good to our oral health.
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July 2023
Bus and train trip
Our final outing of the year was travelling on the bus to Ipswich and returning by train to Woodbridge, followed by a special treat of fish and chips. Every one really enjoyed this lovely day.
At Sports Morning we said goodbye to our school leavers and celebrated another happy and successful year.
We are looking forward to returners and all the children starting in September.
We are extremely grateful to the adults who come and help us enjoy our outings and make them possible.
Bus and train trip
Our final outing of the year was travelling on the bus to Ipswich and returning by train to Woodbridge, followed by a special treat of fish and chips. Every one really enjoyed this lovely day.
At Sports Morning we said goodbye to our school leavers and celebrated another happy and successful year.
We are looking forward to returners and all the children starting in September.
We are extremely grateful to the adults who come and help us enjoy our outings and make them possible.
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June 2023
Return trip to Foxburrow Nature Reserve
The contrast between today and our last visit was huge. Hot sun and so much lush growth instead of grey skies, rain and bare branches.
Today we made potions of fragrant plants in the garden. Before trekking off to Community Wood, we fortified ourselves with drinks and snack. We searched for real insects and made some interesting finds although maybe it should be called Woodlouse Wood!
On to the Orchard where we discovered soft toy native animals and birds hiding in the trees. We talked about where theses creatures would live. There were also butterfly halves to match up. It was so hot by now we decided to return for a slightly early lunch with a shady option.
Return trip to Foxburrow Nature Reserve
The contrast between today and our last visit was huge. Hot sun and so much lush growth instead of grey skies, rain and bare branches.
Today we made potions of fragrant plants in the garden. Before trekking off to Community Wood, we fortified ourselves with drinks and snack. We searched for real insects and made some interesting finds although maybe it should be called Woodlouse Wood!
On to the Orchard where we discovered soft toy native animals and birds hiding in the trees. We talked about where theses creatures would live. There were also butterfly halves to match up. It was so hot by now we decided to return for a slightly early lunch with a shady option.
May 2023
A Tea Party at Barnabas
The children celebrated the coronation of King Charles III by inviting the Barnabas families to an afternoon tea party. They created crowns to wear and made scones and lemonade. A nursery rhyme sing-a-long rounded the happy afternoon off.
A Tea Party at Barnabas
The children celebrated the coronation of King Charles III by inviting the Barnabas families to an afternoon tea party. They created crowns to wear and made scones and lemonade. A nursery rhyme sing-a-long rounded the happy afternoon off.
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April 2023
Market day in Woodbridge!
The children are visiting the market to purchase some fruit and vegetables to use at snack time.
Market day in Woodbridge!
The children are visiting the market to purchase some fruit and vegetables to use at snack time.
March 2023
Visit to Foxburrow Nature Reserve (www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/foxburrowfarm)
We had a brilliant morning at Foxburrow Nature Reserve.
We trekked to the woods and looked for signs of spring. We found some buds and even a primrose.
After some songs at the log circle we took magnifiers to the Bug Hotel.
We did a treasure hunt, looking for things that were smooth/rough, curled/straight.
After snack we went down to the pit for an animal homes game and we did digging about with spoons to look for more insects and worms.
The rain became heavy so we trooped into the yard where we experimented with the sound of rain on metal containers.
We did some really beautiful paintings using food colouring on paper plates, letting the rain spread and merge the colours. We coloured in rainbows too.
After a storytime in the lovely warm room where a stove was lit we enjoyed lunch before going home to dry out!
Thanks to all the parent and grandparent helpers who braved the weather but it really was worth it.
An opportunity to work alongside Barnabas Preschool
We are seeking to work alongside Woodbridge based childminders who would be accredited to offer government funded places. If you
* like working with children
* would enjoy flexible hours
*could offer cover around Barnabas timings as well as caring for younger siblings
*would like the support of working with an established provider
*appreciate the benefits of a ready made client base ....
Please contact Barnabas Preschool to discuss how we could work together. Enquiries welcome from anyone interested in qualifying to become a childminder or already qualified.
The childminder would be quite independent of Barnabas but we would anticipate working on a mutually beneficial basis that would hopefully provide longer hours of childcare than we can offer alone.
World Book Day at Barnabas
We visited the library, Oxfam and Woodbridge Books where Susie read us a story. Borrowing, donating and buying - an outing full of life experiences!
