Holmwood House Nursery

151 Coach Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4DY
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9.1 24 Reviews
  • Holmwood House Nursery, Colchester
Holmwood House Nursery is situated in an idyllic semi rural location between Great Horkesley and West Bergholt. The location benefits from being 10 minutes from Colchester and five minutes from the railway station.

Dedicated staff provide imaginative, exciting and challenging activities for all the children in their key groups. All children have the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis, with role play, dressing up, art and craft, music and movement and messy play being provided as part of the routine.

The basis for all of the opportunities and activities provided is careful planning arising from continuous observations of individual children by the key person.

Children are praised constantly for their efforts and great emphasis is placed on being kind to friends, with the staff team acting as positive role models.

The nursery provides waterproof suits for each child so that children can safely engage in exciting activities whatever the weather.
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Funding & Fees

To see fee information please visit hwww.holmwood.house/nursery-and-preschool/nursery

We offer the universal 15 hours of funding (and extended 15 hours funding for those eligible) from 1 year-old. For further details of this funding and the hours it operates please speak with the Nursery Managers who will be happy to assist you.


For more information about Holmwood House Nursery fees please visit our website.

Contact Holmwood House Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Holmwood House Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Vicki Shreeve (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 45

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • The nursery is open for 47 weeks a year, with set closing weeks

Parking

  • Plenty of parking, off road, directly outside the nursery

Holmwood House Nursery Reviews (24)

9.1

Holmwood House Nursery has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.056) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Holmwood House Nursery has 24 reviews.

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Total of 24, showing 1-20
Review from Eleanor K (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Holmwood House Nursery in January and he has settled in so well. The trial sessions that were arranged made me feel completely at ease, as I was able to see him in the room interacting with other children and the staff. The updates on the app are fantastic, and it is brilliant to receive
so many photos of what they get up to during the day. At just 11 months old, my son is exploring the garden, creating bird feeders and painting, as well as developing his social and fine motor skills at an incredible rate. The staff are always so friendly at drop off and pick up, and my son is always thrilled to arrive.
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had 2 children go through this nursery and have had a wonderful experience each time. The staff are brilliant and I have no hesitation recommending this nursery to others. Each room has a lovely garden especially the older children and we greatly appreciate the activities offered. We know our
children have had the best start here.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is our second child to have come through Holmwood House Nursery and we couldn't be happier with our choice! The fact that a number of the staff are still there despite the age gap of my children speaks volumes.
Our son is very happy to go into nursery and has never cried at drop off! His allergies
have been well supported as have any other medical needs which have arisen. When I arrive to collect him, he's always happy to see me but it's clear he loves the adults at nursery too and always goes back for one more hug before leaving! We are kept informed of our son's progress and the regular updates via the app are wonderful, especially as he's not yet able to communicate about his day himself. I have no doubt that he will continue to thrive whilst in this nursery. The staff are all approachable and nothing is ever too much trouble. I can't wait to continue our journey with this wonderful nursery and can't thank them enough.
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Review from Shannon B (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience at Holmwood House Nursery has been fantastic. My little girl joined when she was around 10 months old and started in Snowdrops, the baby room. Practitioners are faultless at what they do and always supported with whatever we needed. She is now transitioning into the next room, Bluebells
and the team have gone above and beyond to ensure she feels as happy and settled as she can. The manager is outstanding and is always on hand to help with personal touches which in my opinion, is extremely rare to find.


Regular updates are given via the app and you always feel welcomed to call if you have any concerns at all. Another thing we love is the excellent quality of food and snacks that are provided.


I wouldn't send my daughter anywhere else.

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Review from Charley P (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Although joining the nursery 3 weeks ago, the care and support that the staff have given has been unmatched. I am over the moon with the progress my son has made within those 3 weeks, which he didn't get else where although being at other settings for longer.
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Review from H R (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery goes above and beyond to support children's learning and development with individual learning and group activity sessions. The staff are all friendly, kind and caring. They have great facilities, including a large outdoor area, which the children love.
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Review from Kitty H (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Holmwood House is a fantastic nursery, my little boy has come on leaps and bounds in his development and I can only thank the fantastic team of ladies at Holmwood House. My little boy has built some fantastic relationships with his teachers and friends. My little girl has also recently joined the babies
room and she too is loving her time at Holmwood House.
The outside space and facilities are brilliant.
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Review from A W (Father of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff members go above and beyond. A brilliant nursery where the care and support are evident to see on a daily basis. They have been a huge help to our family and we greatly appreciate each and every one.
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Review from V E (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl joined Holmwood House Nursery over a year ago. Most importantly, she absolutely loves going to nursery every day, she has made incredible friendships and bonds with all the adults in her room. The support and encouragement she receives every day has allowed her to flourish and become
an independent and confident little girl. The learning resources and activities that take place every day are incredible too. Especially in the year before heading to school. The app keeps me up to date with everything she is doing - I especially love the videos. I can not speak highly enough of the nursery and all the staff.
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended this lovely nursery for the last 2 and half years. She is extremely happy at nursery and has fantastic relationships with all of the staff members and other children. The nursery communicates really well with us, are extremely supportive and provide fantastic care to our daughter.
I would recommend Holmwood House nursery without any hesitation.
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Review from Andrew B (Father of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing bad to say. A unique setting in the middle of a wood and more importantly on my commute to work.


Plenty of parking and the occasional puddle to keep my shoes clean.


Great staff and safe environment for kids. My daughter always comes home happy.

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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Holmwood House Nursery is a fantastic nursery run by passionate and knowledgeable managers. The staff are kind and caring and make my son's days with them full of fun. My daughter also attended over 6 years ago. They were brilliant then and they haven't dropped the ball. Several of the staff who cared
for my daughter still work at the nursery now. Highly recommend
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Review from Tess M (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely outstanding nursery. My daughter has settled in beautifully with the help of the amazing team. The staff are all very caring and nothing is ever too much trouble. They get to know your child so well. The management is fantastic.
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Review from R F (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going here now for 3 years since baby to now 4 years old. He absolutely loves coming to nursery. The outside space for each individual room is brilliant, well adapted to fit the age of the children, and the encouragement to spend as much time outdoors is fantastic. The staff are an absolute
credit to this nursery! From the overall managers, to the key workers, to the assistants and learning support. My son has come on leaps and bounds at the nursery and we will be extremely sad when he leaves. They offer such great activities for all children, and the food options are way better than my son even gets at home! Including a roast dinner most weeks. I cannot find any faults at all with the nursery, and would encourage any parent to go visit and see how good it is!
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Review from Silvia C (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery at 8 months old and since the first day I felt happy to leave him in his key person's care. He settled very well thanks to the lovely staff and to the always open communication channels between home and nursery.
The activities on offer are always age-appropriate but also tailored
for the individual children’s interests and needs.
The two managers are always happy to help and demonstrate true commitment and love for their job every time they talk with the children under their care.
Holmwood House Nursery is one of the best decisions that we could make as parents.
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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An absolutely amazing nursery! The staff are outstanding and go above and beyond for the children. The management are also incredible and very approachable. The food provided is delicious and nutritious. Allergies are excellently provided for, including ensuring that all children can join in with cooking
activities and try what they have made. The activities are engaging and focused on helping children to progress. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Holmwood to anyone!
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Review from Hope O (Mother of Child) published on 28 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children attended this nursery.
I had total peace of mind that they were in a safe and loving environment.
The staff were always very professional and caring.
The language and literacy programme set my kids up nicely, ready for school.
Every child deserves to attend a nursery like Holmwood
House nursery!
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wow! My youngest son attends 2 days a week and loves his time there.As a child who has several medical 'issues' I was apprehensive about leaving him in the care of anyone else. I needn't have worried! They take his allergies and associated anxieties towards food seriously, have always reassured him
that what he is being given is safe and encouraged him to explore and try new foods. Academically he is well challenged and socially they have given him the confidence to explore new situations. He is always excited to tell us what he has been up to and their use of Tapestry is amazing - I love getting a notification at work! All the children thrive here, it is always clean and the opportunities provided are incredible. All those that work there are truly amazing people - supporting and reassuring not only the child but the parent too. I cannot fault this wonderful, welcoming nursery and my only two regrets are that I didn't start him sooner and that I didn't send his older brother there too!
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Review from Liam K (Father of Child) published on 4 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has just started at Holmwood House nursery at the age of 8 months and wow I’m so impressed with the level of care that my daughter is receiving. Staff are very welcoming, even the staff that are not necessarily in my daughter's room. Staff are very supportive. It’s nice to see the different
selection of toys that are available. Tapestry is very easy to use and it’s great that we can log on to see what our daughter has been doing. Whenever we go to pick her up she is very smiley. Thank you Holmwood House Nursery.
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Review from Nichola S (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the nursery since the age of 1. I was apprehensive returning to work leaving my daughter with someone else. I have never looked back. From day one, I found all staff extremely supportive, professional and they certainly go above and beyond their call of duty. 


My daughter

now attends nursery four days a week. On our only day off, she wakes up asking if she can go to nursery! I believe this speaks volumes. 


I frequently ask the girls for advice on education, behaviour (good and bad), toilet training, the list goes on. All of which we brainstorm together. 


Between the girls and myself, we work closely together to develop my daughter. My daughter has formed close relationships with all her key persons during her time at the nursery.


The staff continue to make Holmwood House Nursery the best it can be and are a wonderful group of people and a credit to the nursery. 

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Current Review Score: 9.1 (9.056)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.1 (9.056) out of 10 for Holmwood House Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 5.000 for Holmwood House Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (60 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 5
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.056 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Holmwood House Nursery is based on 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.5
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 45 number of registered child places is 9. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 9 = 0.556
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Holmwood House Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Holmwood House Nursery accepts?

Holmwood House Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Holmwood House Nursery Open?

Holmwood House Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Holmwood House Nursery have capacity for?

Holmwood House Nursery has capacity for a total of 45 Children.

How far is Holmwood House Nursery to the centre of Colchester?

2.9 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Holmwood House Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Holmwood House Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.