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
  • 72
  • 12
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 85
  • 2
  • 12
  • 13
  • 72
Reviewer Connection to Banana Moon Day Nursery Colchester
  • 69
  • 14
  • 2
Total of 85, showing 61-80
Review from Ella H (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…
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Review from Angela P (Grandmother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…
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Review from Danielle C (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…
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Review from Allan O (Father of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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…
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Review from D S D (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…
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Review from Charlotte (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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…
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Review from Michelle B S (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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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Review from Mandy (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has a great bond with all staff members. Since she has started they have done their utmost to make her feel safe and settled. The staff are friendly and approachable. They are even there if you have any worries and will give you excellent advice. Best day care ever.
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Review from Polly (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel like Banana Moon adores and cares for my child as I would do myself: incredibly reassuring for a first-time mother, and parent of a young child.


The facilities are great, the people incredibly kind and my child is supremely happy there!

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Review from Hollie (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has loved her time at Banana Moon and has grown and developed so much since she has started. I cannot praise them enough for how they have helped my daughter with her confidence! My son will be starting in September and I'm positive he will have just as good an experience.
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Review from Rebecca W (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending the nursery for almost 9 months now and has thrived during this time. The staff constantly seek to engage the children with stimulating and interesting activities and there are always new things appearing in the room for the children to have fun exploring and learning.


Our

son has developed a good bond with a number of the staff in the room which is reassuring for us as parents. The children are always in clean clothes if they have got dirty doing a messy activity. The food is wholesome, home cooked and my son has always eaten 100% of it! It is a big thing leaving your child in the care of others, sometimes for up to 12 hours a day, but I know he is well looked after and cared for at nursery.


Thank you for taking care of our son, keep up the good work!

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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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