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Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Horseshoe Farm, Main Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford CM3 4EX
Jesters Logo
Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre logo
Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre, Chelmsford
Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre, Chelmsford
Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre, Chelmsford

Jesters' beautiful, purpose-built, cedar wood Nursery and dedicated Baby Cottage specialise in nurturing under 3s with babies and children spending their formative years focusing on care, wellbeing and learning through play. The semi-rural, intimate setting overlooks the Essex countryside; and with nature on the doorstep, offers a truly 'home away from home' feel.

Jesters Bicknacre Nursery is part of the fully integrated co-location Nursery and Nursery School set up. Once...  

Funding & Fees

Fees are dependent on age of your child and the session times required. Please contact us for our pricing schedule.

Fees are dependent on age of your child and the session times required. Please contact us for our pricing schedule.

Contact Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Phoebe Daniels and Becky Tutte (Nursery Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 30

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
  • Tuesday 07:30-18:00
  • Wednesday 07:30-18:00
  • Thursday 07:30-18:00
  • Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre Reviews (71)

9.6

Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.612) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has 71 reviews.

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Showing 71 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My son started at Jesters in November and he absolutely loves it there. Communication is excellent from the staff and I feel very safe leaving him there, especially in these unusual times. A lovely setting with great outdoor space too.

Reply from Becky Pardoe, Operations Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your lovely words. We love having your little one at Nursery and are so pleased with how he's settled in.

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Review from Lizzie M (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My son started in September and has really settled he has made friends and really likes the staff. They have a range of activities and lovely meals. Communication is brilliant and the staff are very approachable.

Reply from Becky Pardoe, Operations Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you for your lovely feedback. We love having your little one at Nursery with us.

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Review from Emily G (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter started attending Jesters twice a week since October and enjoys it so much. This is the first nursery setting she has ever attended, and she is already thriving. All the staff are very approachable, and I can see they have such a great relationship with the children. I also love that they play outside no matter what the weather.

Reply from Becky Pardoe, Bicknacre Nursery Operations Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We love having your little one at nursery, and she has settled in really well!

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Review from Fiona (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our one-year-old daughter has just started going to the Nursery and the team there have been outstanding. They are all so friendly and kind and they have been incredible with managing the food and nutrition in regards to our daughter's allergies. She has settled in so well and she absolutely loves it there. She's had a really smooth transition from being at home to nursery due to the amazing staff. She has already blossomed in a matter of weeks trying to talk more and her sensors and skills, etc. have really come on so well and I think this is due to being at nursery and also interacting with other children. We really are so happy with Jesters and the setting outside is stunning meaning our daughter gets to be outside just as much as indoors. We really couldn't be any happier with the service, etc. that our daughter receives.

Reply from Becky Pardoe, Bicknacre Nursery Operations Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. It is so lovely to hear how well you feel your little one has settled in with us. We love having her here as part of the Jesters Family!

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Review from Hayley S (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

This is a lovely nursery. The staff are really sweet and professional, the setup is beautiful and my little girl always comes home happy. The team send us regular updates and we love seeing everything she gets up to each day. I’d readily recommend Jesters to any parent.

Reply from Becky Pardoe, Bicknacre Nursery Operations Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We are so pleased to have your little one here with us at Jesters. She seems to really enjoy being at Nursery with her peers and is already thriving.

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Review from Adam B (Father of Child) published on 7 October 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Both my sons aged one and four started at the Bicknacre Nursery in July. I was slightly worried about how they would settle (after not being left with anyone for a long period of time with the pandemic), but I have been amazed at how quickly they have settled. The staff take time to get to know each of the children as individuals and help them to feel welcome.

My boys love the rural setting with the large open outdoor space for them to run around in. They both talk about the tractor they see in the field next to the garden. It’s a fantastic nursery and I would recommend to anyone. They also learn lots whilst having fun, which is great!

Reply from Becky Pardoe, Operations Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We love having your boys here with us at Nursery! They seem to have a wonderful time whilst they're here so it's lovely to hear that you are so pleased with our setting!

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Review from Nicole A (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little girl has been attending Jesters Nursery for the last three months and has settled in really well. I love the family feel and outside space - I really feel like they've gotten to know my daughter and are incredibly supportive as we try to get her to expand her diet a little more. The online diary is an excellent resource, updated throughout the day too, so I get a little snapshot into her busy days!

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, we really appreciate and value this. We have loved settling your little one into nursery, she is growing and developing so well! We love our Jesters Family feel too! The outside space is so spacious and natural for the children to explore - thank you again.

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Review from Lindsey S (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little boy started at Jesters a few months ago and has never been to a nursery before, so he was extremely nervous. He's come out of shell more and more, he absolutely loves going and says his main carer is his best friend! Such a great atmosphere for them to develop and grow.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, we really value and appreciate it! We are so happy you are pleased with how your little one is progressing. He has made a special bond with his key person, who works hard to make all of the children feel safe and secure in our home from home setting.

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Review from Hannah S (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I wanted to chose a nursery for my little boy that felt like a home setting as I needed childcare for 3 days a week. I have been amazed at how settled my 10-month-old has been. The nursery instantly followed his routine with such ease and have been fantastic at communicating all the important parts of the day you want to know when you leave your child. The staff are so friendly and supportive and the setting is just wonderful. My boy comes home to me so happy and cared for each day, I cannot fault anything about his induction or the nursery. I feel very lucky to have Jesters care for my child whilst I’m at work.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We are thrilled that your little one has settled so well into our baby nook. We try hard to ensure we follow each child's individual home routine and make it a home from home setting for them. Our fantastic baby room Leader ensures she builds a strong bond...  

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Review from Linda K (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I can't rate Jesters highly enough. My 3 year old went to a previous nursery where every day I was told she had been really emotional most of the day. But at Jesters she is a different child. She loves nursery now and loves telling me about everything she has done. My one year old has also settled in beautifully. The staff are fantastic and always greet you with a smile. And always make time to tell you about their day afterwards. I'm so pleased we made the move. They also provide great updates with pictures about what the kids have been up to. Would highly recommend.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate and value your feedback! We have loved settling both of your little ones at nursery and seeing how well they are progressing. We are so pleased that you are happy and glad you made move too as they are a pleasure to look after.

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Review from Craig S (Father of Child) published on 17 August 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The staff at Jesters @ Bicknacre are quite simply the most accommodating, kind and friendly people that I know. Not only have they dealt with our little one fantastically, they have been amazingly patient and flexible with us at a particularly testing time. I can't recommend this nursery enough, you simply won't be disappointed.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Nursery Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your very kind words. We really appreciate your feedback, we will always do all we can to be accommodating. We have really enjoyed settling your little one into our new baby nook and are so pleased you are happy with how he is getting on.

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Review from Rosie L (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We have been so happy so far with this course of nursery especially with Covid 19. We are so well informed with what is going on and the nursery feels like a home from home when dropping our son off. We would definitely recommend this setting for anyone who needs childcare.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your lovely and kind feedback. We really value and appreciate this and are so thrilled you are happy about how your little one has settled in our baby nook. We love looking after him!

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Review from Michelle G (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I am so happy with this nursery. It has a really cosy/family feel about it and my one-year-old jumps out of my arms on a morning into the nursery nurses arms and comes home happy every evening. The safeguarding measures are exceptional and it is a vibrant, clean and welcoming space for the children. Communication is great and the staff listen to your needs for your child and ensure they are met (ie nap times). I get the feeling the staff just want to do everything possible to make the experience the best for you and your child. There's a wonderful outdoor space for the children and it seems the outdoor play is encouraged at all times/seasons which is fantastic for my little boy. I cannot recommend this nursery enough. A huge relief for me working full time knowing he is being well looked after.

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Review from Andrew L (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our three-year-old daughter moved here from another pre-school. She has settled in really well and looks forward to attending. The staff are friendly and professional. The curriculum that is followed is varied and stimulating. Overall very satisfied!

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Review from Kerri H (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020 Submitted via Website
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Our son has just joined Jesters Nursery and has settled wonderfully. The staff are amazing and worked so hard to make sure our nervous and shy little boy was happy and relaxed. This made settling easier for all of us. Within days of being at Jesters, he was full of beans and excited to go back. He loves Jesters and is always keen to tell us what he has been up to. They provide a safe and caring environment that allows children to feel free to explore, the resources are clean and engaging, especially the garden area. We are really impressed with Jesters and would certainly recommend them to anyone looking for childcare in the area.

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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020 Submitted via Website
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My daughter started at Jesters in July and we’ve been over the moon with how well she’s settled in here. It’s such a lovely nursery with a great outdoor area too. She wakes up in the morning happy to go and when I pick her up she’s full of stories of things she’s done that day. The staff are amazing and you can see how caring they are towards the children. I would highly recommend Jesters.

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Review from Angela R (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter has just started here and has settled in fantastically. The staff are very polite and kind and have helped her settle in. She goes in each day happy and contented, which is such a relief now I am back at work.

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Review from Jane T (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter has been attending the pre-school for nearly 2 years now. She loves her time there, I’m really pleased with how happy she is and the progress she has made. The environment is welcoming, exciting and well looked after. The garden is a particularly fantastic resource. The children take part in a number of activities inside and outdoors. The staff are very friendly, competent and try to bring out the best in each child, depending on their interests and needs. They have also always been very flexible and accommodating (with change of days/hours etc) where possible, which is extremely rare with nurseries. I would highly recommend Jesters Nursery.

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Review from Karen H (Grandmother of Child) published on 23 September 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My Grandson was born prematurely and had some needs that had to be considered when he entered Nursery.
The Staff at Jesters are Professional, considerate and very kind.

From when our Grandson entered Nursery to the time that he has now left, we have seen such a considerable change him. He has grown in confidence. The help from all the staff and the regular updates that they have given us have been delightful and a real joy. Thank you to all at Jesters!!!

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Review from Rebecca C (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2019 Submitted via Website
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Jesters is a lovely little nursery. It is clean and safe and the staff are very friendly. My daughter absolutely loves going there! The garden is amazing and it’s really handy being next door to the after school club! Definitely recommend.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • Posted: Tuesday 28 Jan 2025Are you looking for a nursery space for your little one? Spaces available! Come and visit our newly refurbished, cosy BABY NOOK at Jesters Nursery Bicknacre, Horseshoe Farm, Main Road,...
Upcoming Events

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

Meet the Team (4)

Becky Tutte Job Title: Nursery Manager, Servicewide Compliance Manager and Nutrition Lead Joined: 2016
Becky Tutte
Background

Hello, my name is Becky. I have more than 10 years of experience in the childcare sector. I graduated from Colchester Institute with a BA (Hons) in Music in 2009 and then undertook my childcare qualification whilst working in my first Early Years setting.

The Jesters Family

I joined the Jesters team back in 2016 and have worked my way up through various positions to the Bicknacre Nursery Manager, sharing the role alongside Phoebe. I am also the Service-wide Compliance Manager and Nutrition Lead, overseeing all Jesters settings.

Outside work

As well as my full-time job at Jesters, I am a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor and work alongside my brother at The Mobile PT. I completed my qualification in 2018 following my own fitness journey at Bootcamp. In my free time, I enjoy socialising with friends, spending time with my family and watching Musicals.

Favourite children’s book

As a child, I really enjoyed reading the Tracy Beaker collection. Now I have two nieces, I enjoy reading to them, and we enjoy sharing the Julia Donaldson books together, in particular The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

Phoebe Daniels Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018
Phoebe Daniels
Background

Hello, I am Phoebe, Bicknacre Nursery Manager, sharing a role with Becky and our co-located site, Danbury Deputy Operations Manager. I have been working in the childcare sector since 2016, gaining my Level 3 qualification in 2018. I have also completed my Level 4 in Nursery Management in 2020. I started my journey with Jesters as a Nursery Practitioner in 2018, helping to open our sister site in Beaulieu.

The Jesters Family

Working across both sites is such an incredible role. I love that the children’s personalities are really starting to show, especially the cheeky side! Most of my professional career has been at Jesters, and I love their values and ethos throughout the settings.

Outside Work

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and my little boy, Dougie. We love to go for walks to the park and explore the wonderful places around us.

Favourite children’s book

Growing up, my favourite book was The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. It reminds me of the time I would read it at my Grandma’s house and we talk about which ‘lands’ we wanted to go to. Mine would always be ‘The Land of Dreams!’

Rachel Morris Job Title: Head of Education & Wellbeing Joined: 2019
Rachel Morris
Background

Hello, I’m Rachel, Head of Education & Wellbeing at Jesters. I have over 12 years of experience in childcare and education, and have taught in both nursery and school settings. I am passionate about child development and will always go above and beyond to ensure that all children are provided with exceptional learning and care opportunities.

The Jesters Family

I am part of the leadership teams at all Jesters settings. My role is to shape education and the curriculum across the service. I have Early Years Professional status.

Outside work

In my spare time I enjoy watching a good documentary or my favourite football team. I love reading, gardening and being outdoors.

Favourite children’s book

My favourite book is The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, as it reminds me of my childhood. My Grandparents used to read it to me to help me get over my fear. Happily, ‘Plop’ got over his fear, however I did not!

Hollie Russell Job Title: Head of Curriculum & Inclusion Joined: 2022
Hollie Russell
Background

Hello, I am the Head of Curriculum & Inclusion, developing and nurturing our Jesters pre-schoolers. I have always had an immense passion for helping others and making a difference, and because of this, I always knew I wanted to work with children, positively impacting their lives and helping them thrive and learn.

The Jesters Family

Growing up, I always admired my teachers and couldn’t wait until I could inspire other young children, too. I completed my University Degree in Early Years and Primary Education and QTS Qualifications, and have been working in childcare and education since 2014. I have loved every minute and continue to do so here at Jesters.

Outside work

In my spare time, I enjoy walking and cuddling my two dogs, Ralph and Willow; they are adorable and playful. I also enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and cooking each other’s dinners.

Favourite children’s book

My favourite children’s book is Superworm by Julia Donaldson. This book has been extremely lucky for me, as I based an activity and lesson around it, and thankfully, I was successful. It is also an excellent read for children and my go-to in the classroom. I know firsthand the children enjoy it as much as I enjoy reading it to them.

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