Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester

1 Villa Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0RH
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8.1 72 Reviews
  • Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester, Colchester
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Where children are at the heart of everything. Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery offers an incredibly spacious day nursery for children to grow and develop. They offer a secure environment, catering for children between the ages of three months to five years.

They will have four dedicated nursery spaces for the different age ranges, including separate spaces for mobile (Tweenies) and non-mobile babies (Babies). Each room reflects the seven areas of learning as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage and is designed to be accessible to every child.

They aim to be outstanding in all that they do! They take nothing for granted and are committed to constantly monitoring, evaluating and improving their standards of care.

•   Award-winning nursery group with over 35 years experience

•        All main meals and snacks prepared fresh on site

•        Modern security systems, including CCTV cameras

•        A professional, dedicated team that will use their knowledge to provide stimulating and educational activities that inspire, challenge and engage the children.

•        Fantastic outdoor play area with distinctive spaces (including an active area, gardening area, and a mud kitchen). All areas of learning will take place in nature's best classroom.

•        A healthy lifestyle choices objective, promoted through active play, outdoor learning, a teaching kitchen and healthy snacks and meals

•        A creative and stimulating thematic curriculum

•        They are keen to have a strong partnership with parents/carers via an online communication journal and day to day contact with you will be pivotal

•        3 months to 5 years

•        Open Monday-Friday 51 weeks a year
        
•        Full and half day sessions from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm

•        Branded Nappies, wipes and creams all included in the price

•        Large on-site car parking

•        Covered buggy storage available

Fees are inclusive of freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, tea, snacks and drinks.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Linda Cranny (Senior Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 75

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Session Times: Full Day: 7.30am-6.30pm
    AM Session: 7.30am-1.00pm
    PM Session: 1.00pm-6:30pm


    Registration -
    There is a non-refundable registration fee of £100. A deposit of £100 will also be payable upon registration, which will be deducted off last month’s nursery fees


    Discounts -
    Full-time places receive 1 week’s discount on nursery fees
    Charges for 50 weeks of the year instead of 51 weeks
    Sibling discount of 10%
    Discount for Met Police, NHS staff, Fire Brigade staff and Teachers of Monkey Puzzle


    Please see our website for fee information

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • On site car parking is available

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester Reviews (72)

8.1

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.067) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester has 72 reviews.

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Total of 72, showing 1-20
Review from Manpreet P (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Monkey Puzzle has played a vital role in my daughter's growth and development since she was just 8 months old. As she embarks on her new adventure in primary school, my husband and I want to express our deep gratitude for everything Monkey Puzzle has done for our daughter. We especially thank the director,
the owner and the entire team for shaping her early years. We highly recommend this nursery!
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Review from Kimberley P (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started in starfish when he was 7 months, he has now just moved up a room at 18 months. I have been very impressed with the care and support he has been given. His key worker has remained unchanged and excellent. The whole team in starfish are friendly and approachable. They really care about
the children they look after. I feel very lucky that my son has had such a wonderful team to help him grow.
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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started here when she was 6 months old and is very happy. She is now a happy and confident 20-month-old. Thank you for your fantastic care here. Highly recommend this place and its lovely staff.
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Review from Amina S (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband and I were hesitant to put our daughter into a nursery when we moved to the area after a bad experience in a previous nursery in the past. Working in the education sector, I knew exactly what I was looking for when looking for a suitable nursery. Monkey Puzzle exceeded my expectations by
ensuring the children’s individual needs are met and activities are planned linked to the interests of the children. My daughter thoroughly enjoys her time there. She absolutely adores her key worker and has settled in really well. The staff are down to earth and very supportive and we are glad that we picked the perfect place for her!
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Review from Georgios M (Father of Child) published on 4 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery according to my opinion. The staff are unbelievably caring and professional. My little boy has settled in very quickly. They get a good variety of food and snacks. Lots of extra activities and music lessons. I would highly recommend this nursery. Thank you to all of the wonderful
staff for the amazing work they do.
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Monkey Puzzle for just under a year after we moved area. She settled in absolutely fine and the staff were amazing at making her and myself feel comfortable. Since being at Monkey Puzzle she has made so many friends and amazing relationships with the staff! We will be sad to
leave Monkey Puzzle for her start into school.
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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Monkey Puzzle for 7 months now and loves it. His key worker is brilliant and he is always excited to see her. The app to see pictures and updates on their day is really helpful and puts your mind at ease.
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Review from Carl S (Father of Child) published on 20 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I honestly cannot rate Monkey Puzzle enough, they are all extremely helpful, professional and go above and beyond for the children. We’re very happy as our daughter loves it here and we get to see what she’s been up to each day. It’s clean, the nutrition is brilliant and the general feel of the place
is safe and friendly.
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Review from A T (Father of Child) published on 7 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been very happy here. Nurtured by the staff to explore her curiosity she has grown hugely in her 12 months here. There is a brand new building upstairs and facilities are spacious and modern. Activities are planned each week relating to a wide variety of themes which stimulate and interest
the children and a big focus on learning through play. Staff are enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable about their profession and keep parents well updated. From our first tour, we were readily welcomed into the nursery and our daughter will leave ready to start school.
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Review from Latiesha U (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't stress how amazing the nursery practitioners are at Monkey Puzzle, they are truly what makes this nursery an amazing nursery. My little one started attending from 5 months and she has loved every single day. Thank you to the team; I'm so grateful for all your hard work!
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Review from Keisha A (Mother of Child) published on 10 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I always knew I wanted my little girl to go to nursery but I couldn’t afford it until she was two and I managed to get her tax-free childcare funding. Most of the nurseries on my doorstep didn’t have suitable hours for what I needed nor did they have space for the first term. I had looked into Monkey
Puzzle and was really considering it. From the get go, I felt put at ease and relaxed. The nursery owner was always so helpful and lovely. 9 months later and my little girl is doing so well the staff are all so lovely. There’s always so much to do and my little girl goes in and comes out with the biggest smile on her face each time. I can’t thank the team at Monkey Puzzle Colchester enough for everything and I cannot recommend them enough!
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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I was looking for somewhere for my 8-month-old to go I was recommended Monkey Puzzle by a friend. I went for a show around as was made to feel at ease straight away, it wasn't easy leaving my baby to go to work but the girls made me and her feel at home. She is now 3 nearly 4 and loves going, Thank
you
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Review from M G (Father of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife and I are so happy with our experience with Monkey Puzzle. Our daughter started there full time at 14 months old and I was so worried about leaving her all day. But the routines and activities are so enjoyable, the staff are so kind relaxed friendly and genuinely love the children. My daughter
loves going to nursery! I feel so relaxed whilst she is there as I know she is having a lovely time and being well looked after as well as very well educated. She willingly washes her hands, loves to read, paint, draw, climb and dance. Her all-round development is fantastic and I have no doubt that this is due to her being in such a wonderful nursery.
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Review from I K (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Providing amazing care for our little girl. She loves going to nursery and always is so happy. The whole team is doing an incredible job, especially in these uncertain times. We have seen such a huge development in her attending nursery which is all down to the staff working there and we cannot thank
you all enough.
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy that we chose Monkey Puzzle nursery for our little girl. The staff are so caring, enthusiastic and interested, providing such imaginative activities. It is clear why all of the children seem so excited to arrive every morning.
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Review from Ashley B (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After relocating during lockdown, my son started at Monkey Puzzle Nursery when he was 2 years old. He settled in very quickly, he’s now 3 and still loves going. The staff are so friendly, reassuring and great at their jobs. I’m so pleased we chose Monkey Puzzle.
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Review from N S (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My niece has been attending Monkey Puzzle since she was 9 months old. She absolutely adores going to nursery everyday and it makes going back to work so much easier knowing that I don’t have to worry at all about her. She has built amazing relationships with all of the staff (who are fantastic) and
other children. She has learnt so much from attending Monkey Puzzle and it’s lovely to see how confident she has become. I would recommend Monkey Puzzle to anyone and it’ll be a sad day when she has to leave to go to school!
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Review from F H (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started at Monkey Puzzle nursery at the start of 2021 and he's absolutely loved it! Considering that he's never been looked after by anyone other than me and my wife, I was so nervous, but the staff have been so warm and welcoming that he's settled in perfectly. It's a wonderful sight
to see the updated photos when he's having such a lovely time!
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Review from Lydia D (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The perfect nursery for my daughter, a real home from home. The moment we get there in the morning she can't wait to go in and see the staff and other children. The staff are always so friendly and really know my daughter well. She's only just 2, she started here 3 months ago and her development is
coming on in leaps and bounds. I'm so glad we chose Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester for her and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her here.
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Review from Paul A (Father of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolute first class nursery, the staff here are amazing, the nursery its self is a great place good size classrooms with a good outdoor area. A secure place so I'm confident in the knowledge my child is safe, outstanding food selection, the list is endless. I’m so glad I chose this nursery after lots
of research, my little one is very happy here which is of course the most important factor.
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Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.067)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.067) out of 10 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.1 out of 5 from 1 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 5.000 for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester is calculated as follows: ( (12 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 12 Ratings = 5
  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 3.067 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester is based on 1 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 = 3
    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 75 number of registered child places is 15. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 15 = 0.067
  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 (2)

Meet the Team (2)

No image found

Manjit

Job Title: Nursery Owner Joined: 2018

Manjit – Nursery Owner


Hello, my name is Manjit and I am the owner of Monkey Puzzle Colchester. I am originally from Kent, but recently relocated to Essex with my wife and business partner Sandy, and our two lovely children, Siena and MJ.Nursery Staff


I do not come from a childcare background, I successfully achieved a BA in Accountancy in 2003 and worked in the city for a number of years. Over time I decided that office work was not for me and I wanted to direct my expertise elsewhere. My wife and I both decided that we wanted a new challenge and chose childcare as our first business venture; we had observed a number of shortcomings and weaknesses from our son’s Nursery and became passionate about quality childcare and felt a strong desire to do it ourselves and do it better.


Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are an excellent childcare business to be a part of, we knew we were moving into a thriving childcare industry but Monkey Puzzle stood out as a chain to invest in due to its longstanding reputation and proven success rates.


In my spare time I love watching Football (Chelsea :0)). I play cricket, badminton and enjoy running. I also love spending time with my family and friends.


Qualification and Training:


Paediatric First Aid
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Safer Recruitment
Emergency First Aid
Quality Teaching, Learning and Interactions
Designated Safeguarding Lead (Children)
Recognising and preventing FGM
Prevent Duty
Basic Child Protection

No image found

Katie Hart

Job Title: Senior Nursery Manager Joined: 2019

Level 5 in Childcare and Management

Frequently Asked Questions about Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester

What is the Age Range of Children that Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester accepts?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester Open?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester have capacity for?

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester has capacity for a total of 75 Children.

How far is Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Colchester to the centre of Colchester?

2.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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