Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ
9.9 43 Reviews
  • Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery, Colchester

Funding & Fees

0-2 years:
Morning - £44.15
Afternoon - £44.15
Whole day - £88.30


2-3 years:
Morning - £43.50   
Afternoon - £43.50
Whole day - £86.50


3-5 years:
Morning - £41.50
Afternoon - £41.50
Whole day - £83


Effective from 1st August 2025

Fees are discounted for Staff & Students and will be confirmed on application with the Nursery.

Contact Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • University of Essex Campus Services
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Lucy Rose (Early Years Practice Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 52

Total Places for Children

  • 132

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 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

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • There are a number of free parking spaces outside the Nursery entrance for parents dropping off and collecting their children. These bays have a 20 minute time limit.

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Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery Reviews (43)

9.9

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery has 43 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery
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Total of 43, showing 1-20
Review from Stephen B (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two boys at Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery who have attended since they were 12 months and 9 months old. They both absolutely love it here and watching them flourish into such confident, sociable little boys has been a joy. All of the staff have been amazing, both teaching and non-teaching, and you
really get the sense that everybody absolutely loves their job. From the moment you walk in the door there is a warm, welcoming, positive atmosphere that resonates throughout the nursery. It's clear to see the staff take pride in helping every child to learn and grow. Throughout any given day they take part in a wide range of activities including singing, painting, reading, sensory and themed activities, walks to see the ducks, and free play with all the toys. The facilities are fantastic, particularly the outdoor spaces which my boys especially enjoy. My children are so happy here, and we could not be happier thanks to everybody at WPDN who have made their experience so wonderful.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your fabulous review. We're pleased to hear how much your boys enjoy their time at Nursery and how confident and sociable they have become. Watching children flourish is our favourite way to spend our working days, and it's so rewarding to know that you've seen that growth in your little ones.

Thank you again for your trust and support. We feel very privileged to be part of your family's journey and are so happy you and your boys feel at home here.
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Review from Z B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot speak highly enough of WPD Nursery. Our youngest has been there since she was one year old and is now finishing preschool, and our older child attended for over four years. Both children have been extremely happy and settled throughout their time there.


The experiences offered are fantastic,

including forest school, dancing, singing, and yoga, with sessions led by external teachers. These activities have really enriched our children's learning and confidence.


Every key person we have had has been exceptionally kind, caring, and supportive. We remember all of their names because each played a significant role in our children's development. Our children often play "nursery" and recall things they learned from their key persons, which shows the strong bonds formed.


Management and administration are equally wonderful, always welcoming us warmly each morning and saying goodbye at the end of the day. We will truly miss the nursery when our youngest finishes preschool.

Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your great review. We feel truly honoured to have cared for both of your children and to have been part of their early years journey. It's fantastic to hear that they have been happy, settled, curious, creative and confident throughout their time with us. Just as the children learn from us, they teach us something new every day too! Your children are wonderful examples of the capabilities of the human brain! They have left the nursery being able to speak 3 different languages so fluently and are a real credit to you and the work you put in as parents.

It's also lovely to hear that our management and admin team have made you feel welcomed and supported each day. We are grateful to both of you for the support and entertainment that you have offered to all the other children as well as your own at drop off and pick up times! We will certainly miss your family when your youngest finishes preschool, but we are so grateful for the time we've had together!
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Review from Louise R (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All three of my children have attended this nurse since 2019. We will be sad when this journey is over. All the ladies/ gentleman that work here are all lovely, friendly and kind.
I always recommended this nursery of local mums ask
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind review. We feel truly honoured to have cared for all three of your wonderful children since 2019 and to have been part of their early years journey. You guys definitely feel part of our nursery's most cherished memories.

It's the highest compliment we could receive to know that you feel confident to recommend us to other families. We'll be SO sad to see your family move on, but we're so proud to have supported your children as they've grown, and we'll always cherish the time they've spent with us. Don't forget to pop in from time to time to let us know how they are doing at school!
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Review from Trevor W (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy we chose Wivenhoe Day Park Nursery. Our son has a fantastic time here and the staff and management are second to none. They have a lot of activities including my sons favourite 'Dancing with Charlotte'. Also have great outside spaces. Cannot recommend enough.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're pleased to hear that your son is having such a fantastic time at Nursery and that he enjoys activities like "Dancing with Charlotte". We all love a bit of a midweek dance along!

It's wonderful to know that our staff, management, and outdoor spaces have made such a positive impact on his experience. Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to us, and we feel very lucky to have your family as part of our nursery.
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Review from Alice D (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has joined for the final year before starting school and we were apprehensive that this could be too much change for her
The staff have been so caring, welcoming and friendly and she is having so much fun
She has bonded really well with her key worker and is settling in perfectly
I have
been so impressed with how nurturing the staff are
I also love that you can go in to pick the children up and see what they are getting up to!
She has especially enjoyed the forest school, Dan has taught her so much!
Thank you so much for the love and care you give Elsie
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're really pleased you chose Wivenhoe Park and to hear that Elsie has settled in so well. She really is enjoying her final year with us before starting school. It's wonderful that she has formed such a strong bond with her key person and is having so much fun with the activities we offer.

Dan will be thrilled to hear your kind words about Forest School! The children do love their time exploring in the freedom of the great outdoors, being curious and learning new skills in a safe and stimulating environment.
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Review from Dave R (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery is excellent. The commitment of all the staff to supporting the children their is amazing, and they do such a good job of creating a warm, supportive and stimulating environment for children. All 3 of our children have attended the nursery and I cannot recommend them highly
enough, whether it be for how well they look after little ones, or how well they prepare the older children for the transition to school.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your wonderful review. We're thrilled to hear that all three of your children have had such positive experiences with us and that our team's dedication has made a difference in their early years. We think they have all taught us so much too in return! We loved to hear their inquisitive questions and thought-provoking ideas, always chatting away about what might be their next adventure or discovery.

It means a great deal to know that you've found our environment warm, supportive, and stimulating, and that we've been able to help prepare the older children for a smooth transition to school. Your kind words and recommendation are truly appreciated, and we feel very privileged to have been part of your children's journeys
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Review from Sarah W (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at WPDN in January 2024, shortly after he turned one, and we both love it! He really enjoys going to nursery and I feel so reassured that he will have fun and be well cared for. Our daughter attended a different nursery and our experience at WPDN has been 100% better. The nursery is just
great. The staff are all so caring and clearly love what they do, they are so enthusiastic and genuinely interested in our little ones. My son loves all of his 'ladies' and talks about them all the time. My son excitedly tells me about all of the fun activities he has done; I like seeing what the team have setup for the children when I drop him off in the morning, they really go the extra mile to provide fun, engaging and really creative activities for the children. My son really enjoys the craft activities, baking and of course dancing with Charlotte. Information sharing and engagement with parents is also really good, we feel suppported as a whole family. Thank you for everything.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're thrilled to hear that your son has settled in so well and that you feel reassured knowing he is happy, cared for, and having fun each day.

It's wonderful to know that he enjoys all of the activities we offer and the positive impact these have had on your son and on you as parents. Your kind words about our communication and family support mean a great deal to us, as building strong partnerships with parents is very important to us. We are a big nursery, so ensuring we can create a feeling of family and trust is crucial to our success.

Reading this review really helps to continue to drive us to do what we do for the children and families so thank you again.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a lovely nursery. The staff in both Bluebell and Maple room are so welcoming and always great me and my little girl with a big smile! When my little girl fist started I was very apprehensive to leave her with people I didn't know. However after a few weeks I felt very confident and happy. My little
girl absolutely loves going to nursery and she has learnt so much since she started. Thank you so much.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind review. We're delighted to hear and see how your little girl has settled in so well and that she loves coming to nursery each day.

It's wonderful to know that our Bluebell and Maple Room teams have helped make both you and your daughter feel so welcome and confident-those first few weeks can be a big step, so we're thrilled that the transition has been a positive one.

We look forward to continue watching her grow and learn with us.
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Review from T D (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son runs into this Nursury every morning he attends. The staff are always attentive. Lodi and Kerry have been out key workers whilst we've been there, and I'm sure all staff are amazing, but both of these people are lovely and our son has bonded well with both of them.


Lodi writes such great

reports about our son's days, we really know she's paying attention to him. (It's the details she adds that are so my son's reactions.)


Price wise this is an amazing Nursury and what the kids get is outstanding. Compared to another nursery our son attends there is no comparison.

Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We equally love to see how your son enjoys coming to nursery each day and that he has formed such strong bonds with Lodie and Kerry.

We're pleased that you find your reports detailed and reflective of your son's day-it's so important to us that parents feel connected to their child's experiences. Your kind words about our team, the care we provide, and the value for families mean a great deal to us so thanks again!
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little one has now been at WPDN for almost a year, having started in the baby room and now being in one of the toddler rooms. He absolutely LOVES the nursery, and so do we! As new parents, it's terrifying leaving your child with "strangers" but everyone has been so brilliant and kind from day one
that the transition was much easier for us than imagined. We always know he's in safe hands, he quickly got really attached to all his carers and his development has come along in leaps and bounds thanks to the hard work and love from everyone on staff. So many friends and family comment on how sociable and friendly our little one is, and we always credit his nursery for that. His day is filled with indoor and outdoor play, sensory activities, reading, singing and signing, lots of freshly-cooked food onsite, and lots of care and fun. We're so happy we chose WPDN for our little one.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your fabulous review. We're delighted to hear that your son has settled so well and is thriving in both the baby and toddler rooms. We completely understand how daunting those first days can be for new parents, and we recognise that trust must be earned, so it's fantastic to know that the team helped make the transition easier and that he quickly formed strong bonds with his carers and the team. We certainly are no longer strangers; you are all very much part of our nursery family. It is our absolute pleasure to have you here with us.

It's lovely to hear that his confidence, sociability, and development have flourished and noticed by all who meet him -exactly what we hope for every child.
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Review from S P (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery, great staff, great food, great facilities, the list goes on. My daughter always comes home happy, not hungry, and with lots of stories to tell about her day.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you for your review, it's great to know your daughter is enjoying her time (and food) at nursery, we are certainly enjoying having her here with us. Just as we are sure you would like to be a fly on the wall to watch her at nursery, we would love to hear her chats she has with you about her nursery day. It won't be long and she will be acting out all of her nursery day with you at home, getting you to be the child whilst she is a staff member. She has a wonderful imagination and loves a baby doll or two! Thank you for bringing her along to Wivenhoe Park.
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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy has just changed class, which caused him to be unsettled. The key workers in his room did an amazing job to support to settle him and he is now happily going into nursery. All the staff at the nursery are so friendly and kind!
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind words, support and trust. We're pleased that your little boy has settled so well in his new room and that our team were able to support him through the transition. We understand that the changes can feel like anxious times, but each time he overcomes these safe and supportive changes, he will become more resilient and prepared for school. Even at this early age - it's all good practice (for the children and the parents).

It's wonderful to know that he is now happy and confident coming into nursery each day. Your kind comments about our team's friendliness and care mean a lot-we're very proud of the nurturing environment we provide for all the children.
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Review from Babaljit S (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wivenhoe Park Nursery is a truly wonderful setting. The environment is warm, nurturing and thoughtfully set up to support children's development, confidence and happiness. The staff are caring, attentive and clearly passionate about what they do, which really shows in the way the children are supported
and encouraged every day.
A special mention must go to the manager, Dawn, who is absolutely fantastic. She leads the nursery with such kindness, professionalism and dedication. Dawn is approachable, supportive and genuinely cares about both the children and families, creating a real sense of community and trust.
I would highly recommend Wivenhoe Park Nursery to any parent looking for a safe, loving and enriching place for their child to thrive.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your wonderful review. We're so pleased that you chose us as the childcare provider for your child who makes us smile every day! It is so nice to hear that you feel our nursery provides a nurturing, supportive, and engaging environment for the children. Creating a space where children can grow in confidence, happiness, and curiosity is at the heart of everything we do, and it's lovely to know that this comes through.

It is really important to us that our management team share their passion and drive for their chosen careers and that the staff and families can see and feel their dedication to the nursery. Our whole team works hard to create a strong sense of community and trust with families, and your feedback really reflects that effort. Thank you for the special mention!

We feel very privileged to be part of your child's journey at Wivenhoe Park Nursery
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Review from Anil Y (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 4 year old son loves going to WPDN. He has been at this nursery since he was 10 months old and our family could not be more grateful for the amazing space that all nursery staff have created for young children and babies. His favourite activity these days is to go to forest school.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're pleased to know that your son has enjoyed his time with us since he was 10 months old and that he continues to thrive in our nursery environment.

It's wonderful to know that he especially enjoys Forest School-our team loves seeing the children explore, learn, and have fun outdoors. The children visiting forest school love to build and use real hand tools, cook food on the campfire, climb a tree or take a swing in the forest hammock. Dan even throws in a campfire story or plays the children a song or two on his guitar, which is amongst some of the children's favourite things.

Your kind words about our staff and the environment mean a great deal, and we feel very privileged to be part of your son's early years journey. We will definitely miss him when he goes off to school later this year.
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Review from Angie D (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had nothing short of an amazing experience with Essex day nursery. My son is now 4 and has been at the nursery from 14 months old. It has been such a positive experience for him and I am forever grateful for all the support, kindness and love the staff have shown him from day one. He always
runs to the door and is always excited to go to nursery/pre-school and has made wonderful friendships since being there. The activities the children get to take part in ie Forest School are so valuable and he adores being a part of it. He is such a confident and happy boy and Essex Day Nursery have played a vital role in that!
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for a lovely review and for trusting us with your son's care from such an early age. It is clear to see how supported, happy, and confident he has become as he greets us every morning with big smiles; excited and eager to start his day with his nursery friends, and it's clear to see that he truly enjoys experiences like Forest School.

Thank you also for your kind words about our staff's care, kindness, and dedication-they will be so touched to hear this.
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Review from Nina F (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have changed to this nursery after trial and error with other local settings and couldn't be happier. The staff is incredibly warm and welcoming, the food menu is well thought through and open to suggestions, and the kids have the most wonderfully adventurous yet safe surroundings. Also really love
the small groups that progress together meaning our little one is likely to start school with some of her besties.
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're really pleased to hear that you've found a home with us and that your experience since joining has been such a positive one.

It means a great deal to know that our team's warm and welcoming approach, our carefully planned menus, and our adventurous yet safe environments have stood out to you. We also love seeing the strong friendships form within our small, consistent groups-it's so special knowing those bonds can continue as the children move on to school together.
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Review from G S (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have used this nursery for both of our children and are extremely happy with it! The staff are all knowledgeable and professional but also very warm and friendly. Furthermore they have a great ratio of older/more experienced workers and younger workers that I think makes for fantastic teams.


Their

forest school is great for older little ones, too, and they learn so much about nature and to be hardy in all weathers!


They supported my shy son as he came out of his shell, and are now supporting my chatty daughter as she grows into a toddler. If I were to have another child I wouldn't think twice about which nursery I'm choosing. I have no doubt this is one of the best, if not the best, nurseries in the area!!


If I have a single complaint is that it ca be hard to find a spot!! But that's just testament to how good they are. Get in the waiting list, you won't regret it.

Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing us for both of your children-it truly means a great deal to us. We are so pleased to hear how happy you feel and that our team's mix of experience, professionalism, and warmth has made such a positive impact for your family.

It's lovely to hear how our forest school has supported your children's learning and confidence, and that we've been able to nurture your son as he found his voice and now support your daughter as she grows. Watching each child develop in their own way is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
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Review from Becky L (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot fault the care my child receives at Wivenhoe Day Park Nursery. The level of care from her key person feels more like a family connection than childcare. Theodora shows my child a love and warmth that genuinely mirrors my own, and that means everything to me as a parent.


All of the ladies

speak so highly of my daughter, whether it's how funny she is, how confident her walking has become, or how bright her personality is. It honestly sometimes makes me wonder if she ever plays up while she's there!


The nursery has instilled such confidence in my child. She has never cried at drop-off; instead, she happily waves at the staff, all of whom (very impressively) know her by name despite the number of children they care for.


I have never once doubted that this is the right place for my child, and I feel incredibly grateful for the love, reassurance and care they provide every single day. Thank you Poppy room and Theodora.

Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for sharing such a beautiful review. Your words mean the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for the trust you place in our team every day.

Building those secure, family-like connections is at the heart of what we do, and we're so pleased your daughter feels happy, confident, and safe with us.

We love to see her arrive with smiles and waves for everyone, and that her confidence continues to grow, is exactly what we hope for every child
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Review from Ella D (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves going to this nursery, we couldn't be happier that she's in such a caring and creative environment. She's been thriving because of all the wonderful activities they do every day, has made so many friends and adores the staff. They also have additional things which mean so
much to my daughter, such as story sacks with books and accompanying toys, and a library where the children can borrow books to take home. Highly recommend WPDN!!
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review and recommendation. We are happy to hear how much your daughter enjoys coming to nursery and that she is thriving in our caring and creative nursery environment.

It's wonderful to know that she has built strong friendships and feels such a close connection with our staff-that really is at the heart of everything we do. We're also so pleased that the extra touches, like our story sacks and lending library, mean so much to her. Encouraging a love of books and learning at home as well as at nursery is something we truly value.

Thank you again for your kind words and support. We feel very lucky to have your family as part of the WPDN community
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Review from H O (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As parents and as a student who is juggling school with parenthood, we couldn't be happier with Wivenhoe Day Nursery. From the moment you walk through the door, you can feel how caring, welcoming, and nurturing the environment is. The staff are absolutely wonderful, kind, attentive, and genuinely passionate
about the children and their development.
The nursery provides a fantastic balance of learning, play, and creativity, helping each child grow in confidence while feeling safe and supported. Communication with parents is excellent, and it's so reassuring to know that every child is treated as an individual and truly valued.
It's clear that a lot of thought and love goes into everything they do, from engaging activities to emotional wellbeing. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive and positive nursery community and would wholeheartedly recommend Wivenhoe Day Nursery to any family looking for a nurturing start for their child
Reply from Dawn Saunders, Senior Nursery Manager at Wivenhoe Park Day NurseryThank you so much for this incredible review. We are grateful that you took the time to share your experience with us. As a university nursery, it means so much to hear how supported and welcomed you feel, especially while balancing parenthood alongside your studies.

We want to ensure the environment feels nurturing and inclusive, so that children can feel safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. We are especially pleased to hear that you feel confident in the balance of learning, play, creativity, and emotional wellbeing we provide. We feel incredibly lucky to have families like yours with us!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.864)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10 for Wivenhoe Park Day 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 24 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 4.955 for Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (275 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 288 Ratings = 4.955
  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 4.909 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery is based on 24 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 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 132 number of registered child places is 26.4. 24 Positive Reviews ÷ 26.4 = 0.909
  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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Frequently Asked Questions about Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery accepts?

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery Open?

Wivenhoe Park Day 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 Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery have capacity for?

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 132 Children.

How far is Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery to the centre of Colchester?

2.2 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 Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery has an Basic Service - more info.