Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester

1 & 2 Oyster Court, St Helens Lane, Colchester CO1 1TY
Review Us
9.6 85 Reviews
  • Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester, Colchester
Banana Moon day nursery offers care for children aged from three months to five years in a purpose-built setting which ensures the needs of children can be fully met.
Staff always take the needs and views of its parents very seriously to ensure the best learning and playing environment is created for children to grow and develop in.
A safe and secure playground complements the indoor facilities of Banana Moon day nursery, and an in-house kitchen is used to create nutritious and healthy daily meals.
Security is of paramount concern at Banana Moon. With this in mind, they operate a ‘fingerprint’ biometric access system to protect children and nursery staff. This system allows nursery personnel to register parents' fingerprints in seconds.
Banana Moon operates CCTV throughout the nursery. This added security is there for the protection and peace of mind of children, staff and parents. The presence of the external cameras also acts as a powerful deterrent to any unwelcome visitors.
They have a dedicated sleep room with soft lighting and natural wood cots. This calm and quiet room provides a restful environment for babies, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable nap without being disturbed by any external noise. Each child has their own bed linen, which is regularly laundered in-house.
The nursery is equipped with a number of interactive screens, which provide an interactive learning experience for children of all ages. Adding this technology to the nursery environment encourages the little ones to explore the world of ICT in bite-sized chunks.
To help share your child’s development and to make communicating with parents informative and easy, the Parent App is available to download from the App Store or Google Play. This helps staff to share ‘golden’ moments like children painting or exploring their environment and learning through play.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sophie O'Hanlon (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 19

Total Places for Children

  • 100

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Free funded places available (limited availability). Please get in touch for fees

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-19:00
    Tuesday 07:00-19:00
    Wednesday 07:00-19:00
    Thursday 07:00-19:00
    Friday 07:00-19:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Parking

  • Ample Parking available on site

Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester Reviews (85)

9.6

Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.592) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester has 85 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
  • 69
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Total of 85, showing 41-60
Review from Joanne (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is very welcoming, my little girl loves it and is learning lots of new things! The staff are lovely and very helpful and I feel very secure dropping my child off to Banana Moon, I have regular updates through the app, lovely food choices also. Very safe, enjoyable, welcoming nursery.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your lovely comments, Joanne. We are pleased that you are enjoying the benefits of our bespoke parent app, as well as our healthy home-cooked food.
It's so good to hear that you can…
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Review from Dawn N (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had 2 children at this nursery and now our youngest also attends. The staff are amazing and go the extra mile with the children; they are friendly and approachable, and my children have all had very good relationships with the staff. My other children were very sad when they left, and when it
came to finding a nursery for my youngest there was no contest. The stuff my children learnt there was so amazing, even learning some Spanish as well as letters, numbers and animals. I would absolutely recommend this nursery to any of my friends or anyone who is looking for a nursery.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you, Dawn. It's great to hear from our parents how good our staff are. We really do appreciate your comments, and I'll be sure to pass your feedback on to our staff team.
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Review from Hannah D (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Having only started nursery in September, my son settled in within days! He quickly got stuck in with a broad range of activities and toys and has become more confident and independent. My son enjoys the food and happily eats or tries everything. My son loves singing and dancing at home and these activities
are supported and encouraged at nursery too.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thanks for your review, Hannah. We always try to encourage each individual child's interests and build on them. It's also nice to hear that he likes our home-cooked meals.
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Review from Aisling L (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Banana Moon is a wonderful setting and the staff make it such a warm, welcoming home from home. They don’t offer as many activities as other newer nurseries, but in my opinion, they offer much more through their calm, nurturing approach. My daughter is so happy when she arrives for her day; she does
a little jump before she goes in!
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you, Aisling, we do strive to make Banana Moon a home from home for all of our children. I am glad that you and your daughter are happy at Banana Moon.
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Review from Samantha T (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Banana Moon Day Nursery (Colchester) is a wonderful Nursery. The staff are thoughtful, caring, kind, thorough, friendly and genuinely lovely people. I have complete trust in them to look after my little one. He has been attending since he was a baby (now in Preschool) and has always been happy. My son
has developed so much at Banana Moon. He always comes out with a smile on his face and tells me about the interesting things he has done throughout the day. All the staff are very personable and nothing is ever too much trouble. I highly recommend Banana Moon and will definitely be sending any future children I may have there. A delightfully well kept setting with fantastic staff! We will be sad to leave when my little one starts school.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your review, Samantha, It has been a pleasure to see your son develop through the years with us. Our dedicated staff team are a valuable asset to us, and we appreciate your recognition…read more
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Review from Clare G (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started at the nursery in the pre-school room this October 2020 and has settled in really well. He is happy to leave me and goes into the nursery no problem. The staff at Banana Moon are very helpful, friendly, very supportive and are always happy to help.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your review, Clare. I am glad that your son has settled in well. We appreciate your feedback. The staff here at Banana Moon are key to our nursery, and I wanted to thank you for…read more
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Review from Sally P (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Banana Moon is a fantastic nursery. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. Since coming to Banana Moon for 8 months, my daughter has already learnt her colours fluently and can count from 1-10 fluently. The online diary is very informative and staff often add photos of my daughter enjoying her time
there. A 5-star nursery!
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Sally, thank you so much for your review. I am glad that you can see the development in your child and you are enjoying our bespoke Banana Moon App. Our staff are key to our nursery, and I…read more
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Review from Katarina F (Mother of Child) published on 8 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery for the first time in October 2020. She always smiles and is very happy when the word "nursery" is mentioned. She always comes out very happy and content. The interactive application is a huge help for parents to see what they are up to during the day.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you, we are glad that you and your child are enjoying Banana Moon. We really do appreciate your comments.
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Review from T S (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been very happy at Banana Moon. He has bonded well with his key worker who he talks about when at home. The transition between rooms as he has grown has also been well supported. We have been especially pleased that our dietary requests have been followed so closely.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for taking the time to review us. However, I would be interested to know as to why you only gave 3 stars for 'Management', Facilities' and safeguarding. I would really appreciate it if you…read more
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Review from Makala S (Mother of Child) published on 31 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Banana Moon since he was 8 months old and absolutely loves going there. We have never had a single day where he's not wanted to go! The staff are all friendly and helpful, and there is a clear focus on engaging families, asking for feedback, and listening to parents views.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your review. I am so glad to hear that your son enjoys attending Banana Moon. We appreciate all feedback and try to make all of our families feel welcome.
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Review from Katja (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the nursery, the staff are always friendly and well-liked by our little girl and that's what is important to us.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are glad to hear that your little girl enjoys attending Banana Moon, and that our staff make her feel welcome.
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Review from Csilla B (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter loves it here. The staff are amazing, making her feel welcome every time. I'm very pleased.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you very much for your kind words. The staff do a fantastic job and it's good to hear positive comments about them. I'll be sure to pass this on to our team.
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Review from Diana (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a parent, I am very pleased with Banana Moon Day Nursery. I find the Management team very welcoming and helpful. There were moments where I needed to add/modify some days in my son's diary and they were extremely helpful. My son enjoys going there, he loves his key person and the other members of
staff that are in his room. I like that fact I can see my son's daily activities and meals through the app any time as well as his golden moments. I feel I can trust them; I know my son is in good hands.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your kind words. Our staff work very hard to make all of our children feel at ease and learn through play, which I am glad you can see via our Banana Moon App.
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Review from Beata S (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Super place for children. A great place for children. Staff very nice helpful. Caring for the well-being of children. Attentive - allow them to grow and learn. I recommend this place.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your review and comments. We are very proud of our staff team and the dedication they have. I'll be sure to pass your comments on to the team.
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Review from Carla B (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm so pleased that I chose Banana Moon for my daughter. After viewing a few, I instantly knew that I'd made the right choice when I met the team at Banana Moon. Every member of staff at Banana Moon seems to really love their job and are so good with my daughter. She's learnt so much since being there,
she's only 18 months and is already counting to 10. I also love the varied choice of food. She has a range of healthy home-cooked meals and gets to tried lots of different cuisines that I would probably not cook at home. They also have a great outdoor space, which I did not expect for a town centre nursery, so this was definitely a plus! I highly recommend Banana Moon to everyone.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for your review and wonderful comments. We are very proud of our staff team at Banana Moon - Colchester.
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Review from Kafy (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Banana Moon for almost three years. He loves it and made lots of friends. He adores the staff as they are very attentive. He has learnt a lot and he is becoming more independent.
My daughter joined 4months ago and she settled in quickly. She loves going there as the staff
are so caring. She is beginning to show her personality and is more confident.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your comments. I am so glad that we have had the honour to care for both of your children through their early years.
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Review from Holly Y (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing nursery, fantastic staff, all three of my children have/still go here, my youngest is disabled and the help and care he receives is amazing he has come so far because of the all the support he gets couldn't wish for more. Pukka nursery.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you very much. It's great to hear our staff are doing such a wonderful job.
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Review from Lauren (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t praise this nursery anymore if I tried. I was that mum that viewed every single nursery possible and hated every single one of them until I viewed this one, myself and my son felt comfortable straight away. As soon as the viewing was over I couldn’t wait to ask when my son can start. The staff
are so lovely, the food they serve the children is all home-cooked and they teach the children so much (even Spanish). I also love that they have a little app so you can see what the children are up to throughout the day. I would recommend this nursery to anyone with small children.
Reply from Gary Chamberlain at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you very much for your review. Glad to hear you like our App too.
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Review from Dani R (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves it here, the staff are brilliant. I tend to worry a lot but they’re very reassuring and deal with queries quickly to put your mind at ease. It makes such a difference to my day when she runs in and is excited to be there. The staff genuinely care about all the children and their wellbeing,
you can tell it’s not just a job for them.
Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Dani, thank you so much for your lovely review.
We are so pleased that your daughter loves the nursery and that you find the staff to be caring and genuine.
We really appreciate your kind words…
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Review from Sharna S (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been going to Banana Moon since she was 2 and from the start, she has grown into a lovely child and a great help with that is this nursery. The staff are amazing making her feel welcome every time, the past 12 months has been progress after progress from doing great activities to
doing a little nativity play at Christmas, the staff are amazing and I cannot fault any of them. They are caring and understanding and if I have any concerns they are there to help, it will be such a shame my little girl will be going to big school in September, but I'm sure they will help with the transition and as I've now got a little baby boy it won't be too long before I'm back to put him into this nursery as for me, personally, it's the best one in Colchester. Also, the chef is an amazing cook and the menus I see every week make me slightly jealous I'm not eating there daily.
Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Sharna, thank you so much for your kind review.
We are so pleased that your daughter feels welcomed to the nursery and that you're feeling she is making good progress in her time with us. We are…
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.592)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.592) out of 10 for Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 13 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 4.942 for Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester is calculated as follows: ( (146 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 155 Ratings = 4.942
  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 4.65 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester is based on 13 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 100 number of registered child places is 20. 13 Positive Reviews ÷ 20 = 0.65
  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 (7)

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Meet the Team (16)

Natasha

Natasha Ritchie-Loan

Job Title: Senior Nursery Manager Joined: 2012

I have worked at Banana Moon since 2012, when the Billericay Nursery first opened. I hold a Diploma in Nursery Nursing, which I was awarded in 1999.


I am a proud mummy of two boys — they are my world! Both of my sons have attended Banana Moon, and my youngest still does.


Working with children is my true passion. I love nothing more than seeing them flourish, learn, develop, and grow over the years at Banana Moon. The children and families are at the heart of our nursery — we are not just a nursery, we are a part of your children’s extended family.


My role is to encourage children to follow their interests while supporting the staff to provide stimulating and engaging experiences that promote growth, curiosity, and joy every day.

Sophie

Sophie O'Hanlon

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2021

Hi, I am Sophie, and I have a level 3 qualification in childcare. I started with Banana Moon 3 years ago as an Early Years Educator and have progressed to the position of Manager. I'm enjoying getting involved with all of the children and their families and working with the team to make sure everyone enjoys their time in the nursery.


During my spare time, I love spending time with my family.

Kiera

Kiera Savory

Job Title: Room Leader/Deputy Manager Joined: 2023

I have worked in Early Years since I was 17 years old, during this time I have studied to become a Level 3 Early Years Educator.


For me helping children grow and reach their goals so they are ready to go off to school is one of the most rewarding feelings.


I am very excited to have joined Banana Moon as the Room Leader for Full Moons.

Billie

Billie Russell

Job Title: Third In Charge / SENCo Joined: 2023

I have worked in childcare for many years, starting my career as an unqualified practitioner and working my way up to become a Level 3 Early Years Educator.


I have been with Banana Moon for several months and currently serve as Third in Charge and SENCo. Supporting children with additional needs is something I am truly passionate about, and I love helping every child feel confident, happy, and included.


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my younger siblings and relaxing with friends. I also love bringing creativity and fun into my work, whether it’s through play, activities, or learning experiences that make each day exciting for the children.

Robert

Robert Taylor

Job Title: Chef Joined: 2023

I was raised in a family where cooking was a big part of daily life, and their passion inspired me to study catering at college.


I love seeing children try new foods and discover that healthy meals can be delicious. In this way, I feel I’m helping them get the best possible start in life.


Outside of work, I enjoy playing football and spending quality time with my family.

Lilla

Lilla Jangaon - Markaly

Job Title: Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

Hello, I am Lilla. I am originally from Hungary but now live in Colchester with my little family.

Sophie

Sophie Oldroyd

Job Title: Apprentice Joined: 2024

Hi, I am Sophie. I am a Level 2 nursery practitioner and currently doing my Level 3 apprenticeship. I am based in Full Moons.

Suzanne

Suzanne De Boer

Job Title: Level 2 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

Hello, I am Suzanne. I originally lived in The Netherlands and then moved to Australia.
I now live in Colchester with my little family.

Nicola

Nicola Pearson

Job Title: Holiday Club Manager Joined: 2024

I have worked in childcare for over 7 years and am passionate about supporting children’s growth and development. I am a Moon Crew Manager, where I enjoy creating a nurturing and fun environment for the little ones.


Outside of work, I love travelling and spending quality time with my family. I am really enjoying making a positive impact here at Banana Moon and seeing the children thrive each day.

Megan

Megan Stevenson

Job Title: Level 2 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2022

My name is Megan and I am a level two early years practitioner in the baby and teenie room. I have 3 years of experience within a nursery setting and I am first aid trained. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.

Tyheisha

Tyheisha Simpson

Job Title: Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

Hi. I am Tyheisha. I enjoy spending time with my family and my daughter. I used to work and live in London but have recently moved to Colchester with my husband.

Andrea

Andrea Salamanova

Job Title: Level 2 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2022

Hi, I’m Andrea. I’m originally from Slovakia, and I now live in Colchester with my husband and our two boys.


At Banana Moon, I am based in the Baby and Teenie Moons room, where I love supporting and caring for the youngest children as they grow and develop. I really enjoy creating a calm and nurturing environment, and it’s such a joy to see the babies and toddlers reach new milestones each day.


Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, cooking, and getting outdoors with my boys. Being a mum myself has given me a real understanding of how important it is for children to feel safe, happy, and cared for — something I always aim to bring into my work.

Melissa

Melissa Knight

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2022

My name is Melissa and I am a Nursery Practitioner in the Full moon room at Banana Moon, in Colchester.


I am a qualified teacher and have over three years of experience working in nursery settings.


I also have a performing arts degree and have been carrying out dance and drama activities within the setting. I also have level 3 in phonics.


In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old son.

Katherine

Katherine Cooper

Job Title: Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2018

Hello. I am Katherine. I live in Colchester with my little boy and husband. I have worked at Banana Moon for almost 7 years now!

Vanessa

Vanessa Curto

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2021

I joined Banana Moon after moving to Colchester from Palmero in Italy. I have several years of experience working as a Nursery Practitioner. While living in Italy I studied childcare to a degree level.
I am currently working in Full Moons and Mini Moons

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Esther Sweetman

Job Title: Playworker Joined: 2025

Hi, I am Esther.

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