can honestly say he enjoyed his time here so much.J G(Father of Child)
She settled straight away down to the care and attention of the staff in her room and the managementJoel S(Father of Child)
Children are so happy and thrivingL V(Mother of Child)
can honestly say he enjoyed his time here so much.J G(Father of Child)
She settled straight away down to the care and attention of the staff in her room and the managementJoel S(Father of Child)
Children are so happy and thrivingL V(Mother of Child)
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,...
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.
Also provided: Toilet Roll, Blue Roll, Bedding, Washing Powder, Face Cloths.
Opening Times
Monday07:30-18:30
Tuesday07:30-18:30
Wednesday07:30-18:30
Thursday07:30-18:30
Friday07:30-18:30
When Closed
Bank Holidays
Parking
Ample Parking available on site
Funding & Fees
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
£567/ month
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.
Defaults shown
9 months to 2 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
1 day per week
£189
3 days per week
£567
5 days per week
£1,234
Adjust for your situation
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What this price covers
Standard chargeable day 7:30am to 6:30pm (11 hours)
18 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks, Wipes, Suncream and Toilet roll, blue roll, bedding, washing powder, face cloths.
Price without government funding: £1,247 / month (£98 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
£680/month more than the funded price.
This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
Working parents of children aged 9 months to 2 years can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 51 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
This nursery applies up to 6 funded hours per day, stretched across 51 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 18 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester to get a personalised quote:
Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.581) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester has 89 reviews.
Reviewer Connection to Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
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Showing 89 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Holly Y (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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.
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•
Overall Experience
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...
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•
Overall Experience
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...
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 and you taking the time to share your experiences of the nursery.
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Review from Sharna S (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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...
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 so pleased that you will be staying with us after your daughter moves onto Primary school.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences of the nursery.
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Review from Ella H (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The staff at this nursery are so lovely and friendly and have really made my little boy feel at home whilst in their care. My little boy’s learning has come on leaps and bounds since being here, they do a lot of reading and learning together here and it really shows. My child loves his nursery and...
The staff at this nursery are so lovely and friendly and have really made my little boy feel at home whilst in their care. My little boy’s learning has come on leaps and bounds since being here, they do a lot of reading and learning together here and it really shows. My child loves his nursery and I would highly recommend it!
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Ella, thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased that your son's learning has progressed in his time with us and that he loves nursery.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience of the nursery.
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Review from Angela P (Grandmother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester is a lovely nursery, with caring staff. The different rooms are well equipped, offering different creative activities, which enables the children to learn and use their imagination. There is a varied weekly menu. It also has good security measures.
Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester is a lovely nursery, with caring staff. The different rooms are well equipped, offering different creative activities, which enables the children to learn and use their imagination. There is a varied weekly menu. It also has good security measures.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Angela,
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased to hear that you find the staff team to be caring and the rooms well equipped.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences of the nursery.
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Review from Danielle C (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We love this nursery, they have been amazing with my little girl who was 7 weeks premature and has been going since 7 months old, one day a week. She started in Teenies and has now moved into Toddlers. She has been unsettled in Toddlers as she has only been in there 2 weeks and is so small but...
We love this nursery, they have been amazing with my little girl who was 7 weeks premature and has been going since 7 months old, one day a week. She started in Teenies and has now moved into Toddlers. She has been unsettled in Toddlers as she has only been in there 2 weeks and is so small but everyone has been amazing at making her feel comfortable. I also love that she has freshly cooked meals when she is there and a good variety with different menus for different weeks. They are also good at communicating when they need to regarding my child, I feel safe and 100% comfortable she is looked after when she is in their care!
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Danielle,
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased to hear that you feel staff make you and your daughter feel comfortable, and that you find staff communication to be good.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences of the nursery.
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Review from Allan O (Father of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The staff have always been very friendly and enthusiastic when I've been to the nursery, always smiling and happy! I'm very pleased.
The staff have always been very friendly and enthusiastic when I've been to the nursery, always smiling and happy! I'm very pleased.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Allan,
Thank you for taking the time to review the nursery.
We are pleased that you find the staff to be friendly and enthusiastic.
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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter started nursery last April and she has enjoyed it from her first day. She has made huge learning progress. Fantastic atmosphere and lovely staff always willing to help.
My daughter started nursery last April and she has enjoyed it from her first day. She has made huge learning progress. Fantastic atmosphere and lovely staff always willing to help.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Nursery manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for taking the time for this lovely review.
We are so pleased that your daughter enjoys coming to Banana Moon Colchester, and that you find the nursery has a fantastic atmosphere.
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Review from Susie P (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son enjoys attending the nursery, he has attended since he was 2. I like the fact they soothe the child by holding or offering cuddles when they are upset.
They have a wide range of activities, the new electronic system their installing will inform me more about his day.
My son enjoys attending the nursery, he has attended since he was 2. I like the fact they soothe the child by holding or offering cuddles when they are upset.
They have a wide range of activities, the new electronic system their installing will inform me more about his day.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Susie,
Thank you for your kind review. We are very pleased that your Son enjoys coming to nursery. We are very excited about the new online learning journeys too and hope you find it informative.
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Review from D S D (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Lovely setting, clean and tidy and with all equipment to keep my toddler occupied all day. Staff are friendly and my son seems to have settled quite well.
Lovely setting, clean and tidy and with all equipment to keep my toddler occupied all day. Staff are friendly and my son seems to have settled quite well.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Danielle,
Thank you for your kind review.
We are so pleased that your son has settled well and that you find the staff to be friendly.
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Review from Claire (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I am very happy with the preschool nursery at Banana Moon my son has enjoyed it so much and is always made welcome every time he goes in. All the staff are very lovely and brilliant at working with the children.
I am very happy with the preschool nursery at Banana Moon my son has enjoyed it so much and is always made welcome every time he goes in. All the staff are very lovely and brilliant at working with the children.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Claire,
Thank you for your kind review.
We are so pleased to hear that your Son feels welcomed into the nursery and your lovely comments about the staff.
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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I've been pleased with Banana Moon all of the team are lovely. My son has settled in well and I feel confident he is being looked after well.
I've been pleased with Banana Moon all of the team are lovely. My son has settled in well and I feel confident he is being looked after well.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your kind review.
We are so pleased that you find the team to be lovely and that your Son has settled in well.
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Review from Sam L (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter has been attending the nursery for a year and a half now and absolutely loves coming. She settled in quickly and is well looked after each session. The nursery are good at keeping us informed of her progress which is always reassuring. Would definitely recommend Banana Moon Nursery.
My daughter has been attending the nursery for a year and a half now and absolutely loves coming. She settled in quickly and is well looked after each session. The nursery are good at keeping us informed of her progress which is always reassuring. Would definitely recommend Banana Moon Nursery.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Sam,
Thank you for your kind review.
We are so pleased to hear that your daughter loves coming to the nursery and that you feel reassured by the updates from staff on her progress.
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Review from Victoria C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Banana Moon is a friendly, warm caring nursery. My son is extremely happy there. They do lots of activities such as in the garden which is really equipped with play ideas for the children.
The staff are lovely and the children love singing and story time.
Banana Moon is a friendly, warm caring nursery. My son is extremely happy there. They do lots of activities such as in the garden which is really equipped with play ideas for the children.
The staff are lovely and the children love singing and story time.
↩Reply from Michelle Dent, Manager at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Victoria,
Thank you for your kind review.
We are so pleased that you find the nursery warm, friendly and caring and that your Son is very happy here.
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Review from Saleha W (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter started at Banana Moon when she was 9mths old, she is now 2.5yrs and I am so pleased with the care that she receives. The staff are lovely, caring and I feel so comfortable leaving her in their care with no worries.
She is so happy there, as am I! Would highly recommend.
My daughter started at Banana Moon when she was 9mths old, she is now 2.5yrs and I am so pleased with the care that she receives. The staff are lovely, caring and I feel so comfortable leaving her in their care with no worries.
She is so happy there, as am I! Would highly recommend.
↩Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Saleha, Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad that you feel comfortable and happy leaving your daughter with us and that you find the staff team to be lovely and caring.
We very much appreciate you taking the time to provide us with feedback.
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Review from Charlotte (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son started here when he was 11months old straight into full-time care. He absolutely loves it and I have felt reassured leaving him there with such knowledgeable and caring staff. He has developed so much in all areas since starting and there isn't a moment I regret sending him there rather...
My son started here when he was 11months old straight into full-time care. He absolutely loves it and I have felt reassured leaving him there with such knowledgeable and caring staff. He has developed so much in all areas since starting and there isn't a moment I regret sending him there rather than the nanny option we had lined up originally.
Apart from picking him up, my favourite part of the day is reading his little daily report to see what he has been up to, that the staff diligently fill out and pop in his bag for home time.
↩Reply from Gary Chamberlain, Director at Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
Hi Charlotte,
Thank you so much for your kind review.
We are so pleased to hear that your son loves the nursery, and that you feel reassured leaving him with the staff.
Our parent partnerships are very important to us and we are therefore very pleased that you are receiving a detailed...
Hi Charlotte,
Thank you so much for your kind review.
We are so pleased to hear that your son loves the nursery, and that you feel reassured leaving him with the staff.
Our parent partnerships are very important to us and we are therefore very pleased that you are receiving a detailed handover each day.
Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this review, we very much appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Michelle B S (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2017 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son has been attending the nursery for three months. In the beginning, I was worried and emotional about returning to work and leaving my son but I can't thank all the staff in the baby room enough for helping to make the transition for me and my son as easy as possible. The phone calls that I...
My son has been attending the nursery for three months. In the beginning, I was worried and emotional about returning to work and leaving my son but I can't thank all the staff in the baby room enough for helping to make the transition for me and my son as easy as possible. The phone calls that I received in the first couple of weeks reassuring me that my son was ok and the photos they sent home so I knew some of the things he was doing helped so much. My son has settled really quickly he seems happy and enjoys his time there. He likes all the staff and most importantly he has fun. The staff are brilliant, they are always approachable, friendly and provide good updates.
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Review from Shirley (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2017 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son has been going to Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester for nearly a year now, a half day once a week and he always looks forward to it. He settled very quickly thanks to the friendly and caring atmosphere in the nursery.
The staff are very nice and helpful. They are always there to answer...
My son has been going to Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester for nearly a year now, a half day once a week and he always looks forward to it. He settled very quickly thanks to the friendly and caring atmosphere in the nursery. The staff are very nice and helpful. They are always there to answer queries and I know that my son is in good hands whenever he goes there. The rooms are tidy. Hats off to the staff that I think has the biggest patience in the world as we all know how the children can be really messy. The garden is spacious and lovely and there's plenty to explore and learn from. My son will be going to the pre school group from the toddler's group soon and hopefully, he can go more days as he just really loves it there.
I can't thank the staff enough. They have been very good, caring and loving to my son since day one. Thank you, Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester!
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Review from Laura El (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2017 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter absolutely loves Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester. The staff are all so wonderful and have done so much in making my little girl the lively little thing she is! She is always talking about the fun she has and I always feel confident she is getting the best care I would want for her...
My daughter absolutely loves Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester. The staff are all so wonderful and have done so much in making my little girl the lively little thing she is! She is always talking about the fun she has and I always feel confident she is getting the best care I would want for her all because of Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester !! Could not ask for a better nursery! Would definitely recommend to every mum I know!
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Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
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Meet the Team (18)
Natasha Ritchie-LoanJob Title Senior Nursery ManagerJoined 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...
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 O'HanlonJob Title ManagerJoined 2021
Hi, I am Sophie, and I have a level 3 qualification in childcare. I started with Banana Moon 5 years ago as an Early Years Educator and have...
Hi, I am Sophie, and I have a level 3 qualification in childcare. I started with Banana Moon 5 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.
Nicola PearsonJob Title Deputy ManagerJoined 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...
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.
Billie RussellJob Title Third In Charge / SENCoJoined 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...
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.
Sarah IngramJob Title Moon Crew Manager & Third in ChargeJoined 2026
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve worked in childcare for the past 16 years, which is something I’ve always found incredibly rewarding. I’m also a mum to my...
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve worked in childcare for the past 16 years, which is something I’ve always found incredibly rewarding. I’m also a mum to my wonderful 8-year-old daughter, who keeps me busy and smiling!
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, especially going on long dog walks. I also enjoy weight training and keeping active. I’m a warm, caring and down-to-earth person who loves making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Lilla Jangaon - MarkalyJob Title Room LeaderJoined 2024
Hi, I’m Lilla! I’m originally from Hungary and have been living in the UK for the past 13 years. I have always had a passion for working with...
Hi, I’m Lilla! I’m originally from Hungary and have been living in the UK for the past 13 years. I have always had a passion for working with children, which led me to study Early Years at university in Hungary and complete my Level 3 qualification in England.
I’m currently the Baby Room Leader and love watching the children grow, learn and develop. I especially enjoy building strong relationships with them and supporting their early development.
Outside of work, I’m a wife and mum to a beautiful girl. I love travelling with my family and cooking dishes from different countries.
Lauren SuttonJob Title Room LeaderJoined 2026
I began my journey in childcare in 2021, after studying Early Years at Manchester University, where I also met my husband! My husband serves in the...
I began my journey in childcare in 2021, after studying Early Years at Manchester University, where I also met my husband! My husband serves in the military, which has given us the wonderful opportunity to travel and experience different parts of the UK.
In my spare time, I enjoy watching films, going bowling and having a little shopping trip whenever I can. I love making memories, trying new things and enjoying quality time with the people closest to me.
Hayley FarrantJob Title Room LeaderJoined 2025
Hi, I’m Hayley! I’m originally from Derry, Ireland, and have been living in Ipswich for the past five years. I’m the Minis 2 Room Leader, where I...
Hi, I’m Hayley! I’m originally from Derry, Ireland, and have been living in Ipswich for the past five years. I’m the Minis 2 Room Leader, where I enjoy supporting children with SEN and helping every child learn, develop and grow at their own pace. Outside of work, I love travelling back to Ireland to spend time with my family and see my nephews.
Shannon DawsonJob Title Early Years EducatorJoined 2025
Hi, I’m Shannon! I’ve been working in childcare for the past 6 years, and it’s a career I really love. My favourite part of the job is watching the...
Hi, I’m Shannon! I’ve been working in childcare for the past 6 years, and it’s a career I really love. My favourite part of the job is watching the children grow, seeing their little personalities develop and being able to build such special bonds with them along the way.
Outside of work, I’m a very proud auntie to two beautiful nephews and a lovely niece. I absolutely love spending time with them whenever I can, making memories together and enjoying all the fun that comes with being an auntie!
Laura NichollsJob Title Early Years PractitionerJoined 2026
I have worked in childcare for 26 years, gaining experience in both day nurseries and as a Nanny. I’m passionate about caring for children and love...
I have worked in childcare for 26 years, gaining experience in both day nurseries and as a Nanny. I’m passionate about caring for children and love watching them grow, learn and develop. Outside of work, I’m kept busy by my 9-year-old son, especially as he plays for two football teams! When I get some quiet time, I enjoy getting lost in a good book or heading out for a long walk.
Tyheisha SimpsonJob Title Level 3 Nursery PractitionerJoined 2024
I’m from the Caribbean — Jamaica, a beautiful little tropical island in the Caribbean Sea! You might wonder why I’m living in the UK when I come from...
I’m from the Caribbean — Jamaica, a beautiful little tropical island in the Caribbean Sea! You might wonder why I’m living in the UK when I come from somewhere so warm and sunny. Well, my mum is from Birmingham, and my dad is Caribbean, so I guess I got the best of both worlds! I came to the UK to explore and experience the other side of my culture and discover the British way of life.
And finally, I’m probably the shyest member of staff here! It might take me a little while to come out of my shell, but once you get to know me, you’ll see that I’m friendly, caring and always happy to have a chat
Megan StevensonJob Title Level 2 Nursery PractitionerJoined 2022
Hi, I’m a caring and calm person with 7 years of experience working in nurseries and schools. I’m Level 2 qualified and currently studying towards my...
Hi, I’m a caring and calm person with 7 years of experience working in nurseries and schools. I’m Level 2 qualified and currently studying towards my Level 3. I especially love working with babies because I enjoy being part of their experiences, watching their personalities develop and celebrating every little milestone they achieve. Coming from a big family, I also love caring for my younger family members. In my free time, I enjoy baking, travelling and going on hikes.
Andrea SalamanovaJob Title Level 2 Nursery PractitionerJoined 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...
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.
Vanessa CurtoJob Title Nursery PractitionerJoined 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...
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
Melissa KnightJob Title Nursery PractitionerJoined 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...
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.
Monika JuraszekJob Title ApprenticeJoined 2025
Hi, I’m Monika! I’m currently working towards my Level 2 Apprenticeship and am mainly based at Full Moons, although I also enjoy helping out around...
Hi, I’m Monika! I’m currently working towards my Level 2 Apprenticeship and am mainly based at Full Moons, although I also enjoy helping out around the nursery.
I’m originally from Poland and have been living in England since 2010. I’m also a proud mum of two amazing boys, who both attended Banana Moon when they were younger, so being part of the nursery feels extra special to me.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my boys and keeping active. We enjoy going swimming, cycling and kayaking together, and I love making the most of our time outdoors as a family.
Jackie TaylorJob Title Kitchen Assistant & PlayworkerJoined 2025
Hi, I am Jackie. I come from a Health and Social Care background, but in 2025 I decided it was time for a career change and joined the holiday club....
Hi, I am Jackie. I come from a Health and Social Care background, but in 2025 I decided it was time for a career change and joined the holiday club. I later had the opportunity to join my son, Rob, as his assistant in the Banana Moon kitchen during term time. I love arts and crafts and cooking, so this role is a perfect fit! I enjoy getting to know the children and supporting families through cooking workshops and healthy, nutritious meals. I’m passionate about learning and have completed courses to expand my knowledge and skills.
Robert TaylorJob Title ChefJoined 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...
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.
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