Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Horseshoe Farm, Main Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford CM3 4EX
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9.8 66 Reviews
  • 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 children reach pre-school age, they transfer to the exclusive Nursery School located just 5 minutes up the road in the neighbouring village of Danbury. Jesters Danbury is the 'Home of School Readiness' and capitalises on and dedicates itself to preparing pre-schoolers for the transition to primary education, operating as a distinct and exceptional satellite Nursery School.

Once children graduate to primary School, the Jesters care does not end. Back at Bicknacre, the separate Jesters ‘Kids Club’ provides breakfast, after school and holiday care for children up to 12 years of age.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Becky Tutte & Jessica Shields (Nursery Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 30

Age Range

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

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.

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 (66)

9.8

Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has 66 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 61
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  • 1
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Date Published
  • 66
  • 4
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  • 11
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Reviewer Connection to Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre
  • 54
  • 11
  • 1
Total of 66, showing 61-66
Review from Natasha S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a lovely nursery. My daughter loves attending and has made lots of new friends since starting in January.
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Review from Christina B (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at the nursery for a year and has thrived. Every single teacher has had a positive impact on her learning and we have loved it. The setting is small allowing each child to get 1:1 time as well as fun through multiple activities of baking, colouring, science experiments and even
boot camp.
The garden is a great asset too.
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Review from Sophie A (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter only started Jesters in January due to us moving to the area, but in those 6 months, she had an amazing time. They're like a little family there, she loved playing with children her own age but also getting to help with the little ones. She grew more than I ever imagined she would in 6 months.
She broke up for the summer to start school in September and every day asks when she can go back. We are due baby number 2 in January and Jesters is first on my list for a nursery.
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Review from Lauren R (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Jesters from when he was 15 months. I particularly wanted a smaller setting where he could grow and develop and have the attention he required. He has flourished in the setting and has developed so much confidence. His language skills are amazing and I feel this is down to Jesters.
All the staff at the setting are highly qualified and have such a love for their profession. The mixed age grouping really creates a family feel and how the setting is dressed creates a calm atmosphere for children to feel calm and relaxed. I can not recommend this nursery enough.
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Review from Thomas W (Father of Child) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I moved my son to Jesters in October and must say that it is the best thing I did. It has brought my son on so much with all the different learning styles they have and feel they have made sure that he is set for September when he starts School. Thank you so much all the Jesters Team x
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Review from Joanne C (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t thank all the staff enough for making my first childcare experience with my youngest the most enjoyable experience. They are kind, friendly and so supportive of my needs and requirements.


The nursery is clean and has beautiful surroundings. Lots of activities and great things to do and also

have been very accommodating for me.


Strongly recommend them if anyone is thinking of using this nursery. Can’t fault it or the staff at all.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.763)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.763) out of 10 for Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 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 4.763 for Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre is calculated as follows: ( (100 Excellents x 5) + (31 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 131 Ratings = 4.763
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre is based on 11 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 30 number of registered child places is 6, which has been reached with 11 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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 (4)

Becky

Becky Tutte

Job Title: Nursery Manager & Servicewide Compliance Manager Joined: 2016

Background
Hello my name is Becky. I have more than 10 years 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 Jessica and am also Servicewide Compliance Manager 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.

Jessica

Jessica Shields

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2019

Background
Hello my name is Jessica, I am the Nursery Manager, alongside Becky, here at our Bicknacre site. My career within the childcare sector started in 2012 upon completing my Level 3 qualification. In 2017 I progressed and achieved my Level 5 Diploma in Childcare and Management whilst holding a Room leader role and have since worked my way to Nursery Manager.


The Jesters Family
Since returning to Jesters after a career break and the birth of my 1st daughter in September 2023 and have gravitated back to that feel of belonging. My own childhood was magical and I wish to offer those unique experiences with the ethos and opportunities I’m invested in.


Outside work
Socialising with friends, coffee meet ups and baby groups have become my new hobbies and I cherish every moment! I have a Chihuahua called Wills who loves to be spoilt, and why shouldn’t he!?


Favourite children’s book
My favourite book, again relating back to my childhood is The Famous Five collection by Enid Blyton. The imagination, adventures, family feel and challenges bring lots of excitement and wonder.

Rachel

Rachel Morris

Job Title: Head of Education Joined: 2019

Hello, I’m Rachel, Head of Education 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.


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


I love helping children develop and grow and often seek inspiration from one of my favourite quotes “Do not compare your child to others, there’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it’s their time” – I look forward to helping the children shine.

Hollie

Hollie Russell

Job Title: Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead Joined: 2022

Hello, I am Hollie, the Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead 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.


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.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has an Enhanced Service - more info.