Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester

Braiswick Primary School, Apprentice Drive, Colchester CO4 5QJ
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9.8 63 Reviews
  • Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester, Colchester
Located within the grounds of Braiswick Primary School, Sunhill Colchester offers a safe, secure and happy environment for children, enabling them to develop at their own pace, whilst having fun, making friends and becoming a confident and independent little person. The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

The nursery offers 3 age-appropriate rooms which have been carefully planned to help children's learning and development as they grow. Each room has individual access to a free flow area which consists of a big sandpit, a music and water wall, and a newly planted sensory garden for the children to manage and investigate.

The children are also able to explore the nursery's big open space which consists of climbing apparatus, a mud kitchen, an investigation area for the children to look for and identify bugs and a bug hotel.

As the nursery is conveniently located on school grounds, the children are able to access some of the school's facilities such as Forest school and the use of the hall for yoga sessions.

The location also aids children's progression to 'big school' whether they will attend Braiswick Primary School or elsewhere. Being located in a school setting helps the children to become familiar with a school environment.

Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester proudly offers an exclusive 5% discount on fees for those working for the police and fire services. Please contact the nursery for more information.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Elaine Sim (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 13

Total Places for Children

  • 65

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day Session £88.90

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.

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 & Christmas

Parking

  • The nursery has 10 car parking spaces in front of the nursery for parents and visitors.

Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester Reviews (63)

9.8

Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.770) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester has 63 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
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Total of 63, showing 1-20
Review from G F (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing nursery. My daughter attended a different nursery prior to this one and had a very bad experience so I was surprised when she settled in so quickly. The staff are really friendly, very child focused and are able to effectively put the children at ease. My daughter loves going every
morning and has come on leaps and bounds since being there. They have a really good range of indoor and outdoor activities, the garden space in particular is great. I love that they take the time each day to send photos and a quick update, it's great to see what my little one is doing! I would definitely recommend.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We are thrilled that your daughter has settled in so quickly and is enjoying indoor and outdoor activities. It is fantastic to know that she is making…read more
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Review from K I (Mother of Child) published on 23 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't have made a better choice than this nursery. Both of my daughters love it, and even before my youngest started, everyone already knew her name, which showed how much care they give each child. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the garden is big, clean and full of great activities. The
staff are amazing, always caring, and it's clear they are looked after too. The manager isn't just a manager, she truly loves and interacts with the children. I'm so grateful for everything they've done for my girls. This nursery is full of love, kindness and encouragement. Thank you to the whole team for creating a happy place.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
We are delighted to read how happy your daughters are and that you feel so supported by the nursery team. It means so much to know our care and environment have made such a positive impact. Thank you…read more
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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Choosing a nursery is a big decision, especially as new parents, but we know we've made the right choice with Sunhill. Our daughter joined the baby room just before her first birthday and is really thriving thanks to the kind staff and manager, welcoming setting and engaging activities. The meals are
nutritious and varied and it's great to see her enjoying these throughout the day via the app, along with photos of her joining in with the fun activities where she always has a smile on her face, further confirming we've made the best decision. We look forward to our daughter continuing her early years journey at Sunhill. Thank you everyone!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
We are delighted that your daughter is thriving and enjoying her time with us. We know how daunting the transition to nursery can feel, so it means a lot to know that our communication and activities…read more
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Review from E W (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in January and has come on leaps and bounds! Everybody knows him by name and gets visibly excited in the mornings when we reach the nursery gate. That's the most truthful review you will ever receive.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're delighted to read how happy your son is coming into nursery and that you've already seen such wonderful progress in his development…read more
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Review from Rachel B (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are lovely here, they have a great flow/routine to the day. My daughter has recently moved up a room and has settled in really well because of this.
They've been very supportive through the potty training period too, couldn't ask for anything more of them.
My daughter eats and sleeps
well here too which is testament to how well this nursery is run. She is absolutely on cloud 9 after a day at nursery, these are some of the favourite days of her week for sure.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
We're so happy to read that your daughter has settled well into her new room and that the routine has helped her feel comfortable. It's great to know that we could support her through potty training…read more
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Review from Boluwatife T (Father of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled very well in school even though we thought it will be very challenging changing his nursery due to relocation. He was always talking of going back to his former nursery when he just started but that is now in the past as he is very used to the school and always looking forward to
the days he'll go to school. The staffs are very helpful and friendly. Thanks to you all.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
We're so happy to read that your son has settled in well and is now enjoying his time at nursery. Transitions can be challenging, but knowing he's happy and looking forward to his time with us is…read more
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Review from Tom B (Father of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to sunhill since she was 9 months and is now just over 2 years old. She absolutely loves it and learns so much - I put this down to the wonderful staff and the range of activities. My son who is 4 months old will be starting when he is 9 months old too. An amazing nursery
and I would highly recommend to any parent.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
It is wonderful to read how much your daughter loves her time with us and is learning new things. The team works so hard to provide activities that suit each child's individual needs, and we look…read more
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Review from R K (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful setting that go above and beyond to help both children and their families. The modern and spacious rooms allow children to explore many interests and the garden space is superb! I love the fact it is free-flowing from indoors to outdoors. The culture is unified and friendly and you feel
it the second you walk through the door. The manager spends time in all the rooms and gets to know each child personally, which further enhances the lovely welcoming culture. Highly recommend!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
We are very proud of our setting; thank you for recommending us!
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Review from N W (Mother of Child) published on 8 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loved her time at Sunhill, she started at 2 years old and now is at primary school, she never had a problem going in, she would run in! She bonded well with the nursery staff and made some great friends there. It was a positive start to her schooling and I thank all of them for the nurturing
care of her.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Our aim is to ensure each child feels safe and loved and leaves the nursery ready for school and with a love of learning. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have felt comfortable leaving my daughter at Sunhill. All the staff are so caring and competent, from the baby room to pre-school. My daughter has loved nursery and goes in confidently. She enjoys the activities and has made great friends. The resources are very good quality and the nursery has a
lovely big garden. The food is also healthy. It's great to see updates on the app. Thank you to all the staff!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for sharing your experience of our nursery. We take pride in our setting, the resources and support we provide to all of the little ones in our care, and our open communication with parents.
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Review from Carly M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has settled extremely well into the baby room at Sunhill Day Nursery. We received regular updates throughout the day. The staff are super friendly and supportive and nothing is too much trouble.
They offer support and friendly advice and really care about the children and their development.
I
am so happy to have found this nursery and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I feel so comfortable leaving my daughter in their care. I look forward to her moving through the classes over the next few years.
Thank you so much to all the staff you are all fantastic.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
She's going to have lots of adventures as she moves through the different classes!
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Review from Katie B (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It's a nice enough nursery, and my son enjoys his time there.
There's been a couple of instances where something like tonsillitis, hand, foot and mouth has been going around the class, and we've not been notified. Being told would help us a lot.
The outside space is nice. Food could be a little
more varied.
The girls in the room are nice and warm.
Would welcome more updates, pictures and moments on the app; this is a bit sporadic.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that your son enjoys his time at our nursery.
As a group, we are always trying to improve our communication with our families. We aim to provide…read more
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Review from Justine F (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think this particular nursery is absolutely lovely, led by the manager who never ceases to smile and say hello every time myself or my child is there. The room my child is in is led by a wonderful team of nursery staff, always there to reassure and support the kids. I hope they continue to provide
such a welcoming and nurturing environment for years to come.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for your lovely review; we really appreciate your comments! We will ensure this is passed on to the team at the nursery!
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Review from Adina M (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really lovely and caring members of staff. My little one loves coming to nursery. Great activities every day and has learnt and developed so much since starting nursery.
She is well looked after and enjoys playing with all the children.
The staff are very attentive and always happy to help.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
We really appreciate your feedback; thank you so much for writing us a review!
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Review from Bunmi D (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has improved greatly in every aspect of life. She has had a great sense of humour, understanding and intelligence since she started attending Sunhill Day Nursery.
The school provides a venue for learning and supports children in developing a positive behavioural attitude.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for your review! We really appreciate it!
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Review from Natasha P (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly, helpful and supportive of development. Always gives thorough information on my child’s activities. Supportive of a vegan diet. My 17-month-old looks forward to going and can be left without crying (eventually!) very big deal for me as she’s a koala baby!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you so much for your review! We really appreciate it!
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Review from Rachel W (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at the nursery are always so friendly and helpful. My son has come on leaps and bounds and is learning so much from all the activities they do and the support they give him. I would recommend Sunhill Day Nursery to any parents with young children who want peace of mind that their child
is well cared for.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you for your review! We really appreciate it!
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Review from Harriet S (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased with Sunhill Day Nursery and couldn't have hoped for a better setting for our son. The team in the baby room are incredible, and the room leader recently identified an issue with our son's ears which was impacting his speech that we hadn't noticed. We are so grateful that she was able
to highlight the issue, and our child is having grommets this month to help him, as a result.
He absolutely loves playing outside in the garden, has a regular nap pattern and eats well whilst at nursery.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you ever so much for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. Our daughter loves attending! They go above and beyond to celebrate all holidays relating to the children's backgrounds. Love getting the daily app updates.
The only opportunity is to have organic milk/food. I think organic milk is at a bare minimum.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Thank you very much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We recently moved to Sunhill from another nursery and are so pleased we did! Every member of staff takes an interest in your child and caters to their individual learning needs and interests. The days are filled with exciting activities, which my daughter loves - including nature walks, painting, dressing
up and playing. The parent app is such a good tool as you get access to their daily information, such as meals, nappy changes and photos/videos of your child's day.
My children are really happy at Sunhill, thanks to the amazing team!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester
Hi, and thank you for your review; we really appreciate it!
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.770)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.770) out of 10 for Sunhill 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 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 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 4.924 for Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester is calculated as follows: ( (122 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 131 Ratings = 4.924
  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 4.846 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester 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 65 number of registered child places is 13. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 13 = 0.846
  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 (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Elaine

Elaine

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2017

Qualifications: Level 3

Frequently Asked Questions about Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester

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

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

What Days & Hours is Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester Open?

Sunhill 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 Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester have capacity for?

Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester has capacity for a total of 65 Children.

How far is Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester to the centre of Colchester?

3.0 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 Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester has an Enhanced Service - more info.