Colchester Prep & High School Nursery

Wellesley Road, Colchester CO3 3HD
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9.9 33 Reviews
  • Colchester Prep & High School Nursery, Colchester
This wonderful Nursery offers a warm, welcoming environment where your child will develop, flourish and become a happy, confident and independent learner. Take a look inside any of the warm, safe, homely rooms or the Early Years Garden and you will find happy, secure children, playing, exploring, discovering and, above all, smiling. You will also learn about the Nursery's structured formal learning programme in phonics and mathematics and its specialist teaching in PE, ICT, music and languages – one huge advantage of being part of Colchester Prep & High School. Open to children from the age of 2, the Nursery is the perfect place for your child to start their educational journey.

The Nursery is open Term Time and also provides a Holiday Club.

15 hours Free Early Years Education entitlement available. A hot lunch is available for all children.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Karen Hull (Head of Early Years)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 4

Total Places for Children

  • 26

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 4 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact Helen Clarke in Admissions

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:15-18:00
    Tuesday 07:15-18:00
    Wednesday 07:15-18:00
    Thursday 07:15-18:00
    Friday 07:15-18:00

When Closed

  • Open for 8 weeks during the School Holidays

Parking

  • Parking is available at the front of the School for Nursery and Reception parents.

Colchester Prep & High School Nursery Reviews (33)

9.9

Colchester Prep & High School Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Colchester Prep & High School Nursery has 33 reviews.

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Total of 33, showing 21-33
Review from Flora M (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Where to start! My second child is currently at this nursery and he just loves it there. He strides up the steps every morning happy and confident and I’m certain it’s because of the wonderful nurturing staff. They are so kind and reassuring. My children get so attached to them, which is lovely. They
do so many brilliant activities each day and every day he comes home chattering about his delicious lunch! It’s a great introduction to school life, with PE, French and IT lessons included. I also love the importance they place on fresh air -they have a brilliant garden all to themselves. I just couldn’t recommend it anymore, truly. My daughter went there too and still looks back so fondly. She came out with an amazing foundation for reading and indeed was reading proper books just a short time after. I’m so impressed by the reading, write, inc programme they have there. The children love to do it and it’s hugely effective. Just an excellent nursery, all round.
Reply from Karen Hull, Nursery Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you for your lovely comments. It has been such a delight to see your two children grow in confidence during their time at Colchester High School Nursery.
I look forward to extending your son’s…read more
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Review from Jessie F (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at the nursery since she was 2.5 years old and has had an incredible experience. Academically, she has thrived with reading and writing and has gained an incredible ability to read and blend letter sounds and begin to read her first books as well as being able to do basic maths
sums, recognising and writing letters, numbers and understanding what they mean. The nursery has also encouraged her artistic ability using varied mediums and her creative play with plenty of dress-up and imaginative play. The ability of the nursery to have specific music/P.E teachers really enhances the education and transition to school if you choose to go. Being part of a private school, I was anxious about the type of parent and therefore child that would be attending. Having now experienced it for myself, I can reassure anyone that it’s simply the best decision we made. Our daughter was surrounded by love, support and friendship from teachers and peers and has emerged as a well-rounded individual.
Reply from Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review and it has been a pleasure to see how your daughter has grown and developed into a delightful young girl. We will miss her in Nursery but look forward to seeing how…read more
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Review from Sophie E (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend Colchester High School nursery, I moved my son to the nursery after having a bad experience with another local nursery in Colchester. From the moment my son started it felt right, and over a year on I couldn't fault the nursery. All of the staff are caring and engaging with
the children. They provide a fantastic range of activities for the children from foreign languages and cooking to forest school. They provide a safe loving environment for the children to flourish. My son loves nursery and looks forward to going every day. Thank you to all the staff!
Reply from Karen Hull at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so glad that your son and you both feel at home in our Nursery. It is so wonderful to see him grow and explore his many talents especially his…read more
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Review from Kaitlyn T (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very impressed and over the moon with the nursery! We have no complaints and are so happy with the progress of our child. Our daughter enjoys going to school every day.
Reply from Karen Hull at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your review and we are so pleased that your daughter loves coming to School. We are so pleased to see her progress too and look forward to seeing her further develop as she…read more
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Review from Jo (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had 2 children in the nursery, both with different personalities and interests and what's amazing is that each child is seen as an individual and supported for their needs. The children are lucky to do PE, music, French and be part of the wider school and plays. They are exposed to such amazing
teaching opportunities and both our children have thrived and enjoyed the nursery setting, adored the staff and learned so much through play. My youngest can't wait for school and being a summer baby, we are confident he will thrive because of the care he has received. A great nursery.
Reply from Karen Hull at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your review and it has been such a delight sharing both your sons' progress through our nursery. Their participation in our character development programme has been exemplary and…read more
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Review from Lisa B (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Colchester High School nursery has exceeded our expectations in every way. After 6 months at the nursery, our little boy is thriving. He’s so happy there and goes in smiling and comes out smiling every day. He does a variety of activities, including lessons in PE and music with specialist teachers.
The interest taken in the child as an individual is exceptional - I feel the staff really know him, understand what he says, know the name of his favourite teddy and know all his interests, and I feel that they genuinely care about his wellbeing and his progress. I would recommend this nursery to anyone.
Reply from Karen Hull at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your review and we are so happy that your son feels so at home in our nursery setting. Understanding each child as an individual is so important throughout Colchester High School…read more
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Review from Sadriye E (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really impressed with Colchester High School Nursery since my daughter started in September. All the staff are extremely caring and know your child in person. It was lovely to see our daughter flourish from day one. Having moved from a different nursery, we saw the huge change in our daughter
rapidly. Staff care about both academical and emotional development of the children. I couldn’t recommend Colchester High School Nursery highly enough.
Reply from Karen Hull at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your review and we are so pleased that your daughter is flourishing. We look forward to continuing to help her reach her full potential while enjoying her childhood.
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Review from A P (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Colchester High School Nursery is so wonderful. We have had our daughter there for 18 months and she has just blossomed. The staff genuinely care about her and our whole family and the community is lovely.
She adores going into nursery, amazes us daily with what she has learned and is so happy and
loved there. We'd never go anywhere else!
Reply from Helen Clarke at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your review. We have so enjoyed having your daughter in our Nursery, watching her grow in confidence and building the foundations for her future school life.
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Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were very happy with the nursery we had used for my 2 children, previous to Colchester High School, however, it was necessary to move my youngest boy when we selected Colchester High School for my eldest boy primary school.
My youngest boy made the transition so easily thanks to the patience, kindness
and happiness of the nursery staff. We now have had 18 months experience of the nursery and their qualities have been a constant and important factor. My child is so happy there and I am content when I leave him. As a bonus, he is beginning to learn letters and words in a fun way and so the transition to school will be seamless.
Reply from Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your review and we are so pleased to have both your sons in our School. Reading, Writing and Mathematics are a key focus of our Nursery and it is absolutely amazing to see how…read more
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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so pleased with all aspects of the nursery. The staff are amazing, kind, patient and supportive in all aspects. My son gets so upset when it is not a nursery day, and quite often would rather stay and play. In addition to the normal EYFS topics, the nursery encourages interaction with the wider
community via talks and enrichment mornings/afternoons. A truly wonderful nursery that I will miss when my son has to go to school.
Reply from Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased that your son enjoys the Nursery so much that he does not want to leave! Expanding their learning beyond the EYFS is very important to us…read more
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Review from Alison B (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter received excellent educational and pastoral care. She has benefitted from being part of the wider school with specialist teachers teaching children foreign languages, P.E and music. The teaching staff are thoughtful, attentive and respond quickly to any communications. She started school
ahead of peers as she already understood letters from the read-write programme
Reply from Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
We are so pleased that you and your daughter have enjoyed her time at Nursery. We are so proud of how well our Reception children are doing and can definitely see the benefits of all the learning…read more
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Review from Kamani M (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery at Colchester High School Nursery is simply outstanding.
My son comes home every day eager to tell me all about the amazing day he has had.
The staff are stimulating and dedicated and very approachable.
Exposure to outdoor trips/visits to higher years is a testament to how far the staff
to go facilitate enjoyable learning to these young, bright minds.
Reply from Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. Our Nursery staff really believe in the importance of making learning fun and we are so pleased that your son agrees!
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Review from Natalie D (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended this excellent nursery for 2 years. It provided her with a well-rounded education and prepared her both emotionally and academically for school. Being linked to a great school also allowed for a seamless transition into reception. Good provisional all year round meant I could
continue to go to work knowing she was happy and well cared for by the friendly and professional staff. There is great daily communication with parents so I always felt I was kept up-to-date with knowing how the day had gone, as well as knowing important milestones in development were being met. Highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Helen Clarke, Marketing Manager at Colchester Prep & High School Nursery
Thank you so much for this lovely review and it is a pleasure to have your daughter with us also in the School.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.911)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10 for Colchester Prep & High School Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.911 for Colchester Prep & High School Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (175 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 192 Ratings = 4.911
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Colchester Prep & High School Nursery is based on 16 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 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 26 number of registered child places is 5.2, which has been reached with 16 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (4)

Karen

Karen Hull

Job Title: Head of Early Years and Nursery Manager Joined: 1994

I joined CHS in 1994 as a Nursery Practitioner and in 2012 proudly became the Nursery Manager, EY’s Years Designated Safeguarding Lead followed by Head of Early Years. I have attended numerous courses, including paediatric First Aid 12-hour training. I am passionate in my role of Nursery Manager in providing the very best care and education for our Nursery children. I love to stand back and observe the children exploring, playing, engaging in activities, their enthusiasm inspires me and makes me think how I can use my knowledge or maybe research new knowledge to further extend their learning and exploration. I have an excellent motivated, committed and highly qualified team. Ultimately all help to achieve our aim, for our children to be happy, confident, and independent little learners.

Clare

Clare Young

Job Title: Early Years Coordinator and Reception Teacher Joined: 2003

I joined Colchester Prep & High School in 2003 as a Year 1 teacher in the Prep Department. I have experience teaching all of the Key Stage 1 pupils. I moved into the Early Years Department working as a teacher in Reception and Nursery. I am the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and trained to Level 3.


I have completed numerous courses including Paediatric First Aid 12-hour training, Food Hygiene Level 2, Early Excellence Certificate and a Certified Microsoft Innovative Excellence.


I am a passionate, enthusiastic teacher creating a stimulating environment where every child can reach their full potential.

Anita

Anita Henry

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, CACHE Level 5, Paediatric First Aid (12 hours) Qualification

Poppy

Poppy Tomlinson

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2018

Since arriving at Colchester Prep & High School in 2018, I have had the pleasure of seeing so many of our children grow and develop. I am full of positive energy and have a smile on my face, I enjoy helping to create a relaxed and comfortable environment so that they are happy and can thrive! We spend our day observing children and joining in with their games, assessing what they can do and planning interactions with them, which will move their learning on. One of the greatest privileges of being a teacher at CPHS is seeing the progress children are continuingly making in all areas of learning.


Level 4 International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy, CACHE level 3 in childcare, Pediatric First Aid Qualification.

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