Open 51 weeks
Open 7.30am - 6.30pm
Spacious outdoor area
5% off for Police & Fire services
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester, nestled within the serene grounds of Braiswick Primary School, is a purpose-built nursery that utilises eco-friendly building technology. We are proud to provide a secure and stimulating environment where children thrive through play and exploration.
Our setting has three age-appropriate rooms designed to support children’s learning and development, all with access to our expansive outdoor areas that include a sensory garden, climbing apparatus, mud kitchen, and a bug hotel famously known as ‘Buggingham Palace’ at Colchester nursery.
Besides having access to a free-flow garden right outside the individual rooms, we also have a large garden attached to the side of the building that provides many opportunities for the children to develop their physical skills by riding bikes, climbing the climbing wall, and jumping on the trampoline. They can also expand their imaginations through role play in the wooden car and cooking in the mud kitchen.
For our older children, we’re committed to making the transition to school a positive experience for every child. Our Next Stop School program helps children develop key skills—like independence, confidence, and curiosity—while working closely with families to ensure they feel fully prepared for this exciting next step to the local primary schools.
In addition to making the most of our outdoor learning areas, children at Sunhill Day Nursery enjoy frequent visits to the nearby park and woods, all within walking distance of the setting. Book a personal nursery tour today to find out more about our facilities, availability, and team of qualified practitioners.
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The All Aboard Approach is unique to The Old Station Nursery Group and is our advanced approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and core pedagogy. It differs from traditional nursery teaching methods by providing real-life opportunities to enhance children’s natural curiosity, with emphasis on hands-on experiences, child-led learning, and whole development.
The six core areas promote active engagement and critical thinking whilst encouraging exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Each child learns at their own pace and is challenged and extended at appropriate times.
The best place to see the All Aboard Approach in action is via our local nursery Facebook page, where each post explains which part of the curriculum the children are working on. Our parents also receive updates on the Parent App too.
Activities at our Colchester nursery free-flow between indoor and outdoor learning, making the most of our outdoor spaces whenever we can. When you come for a nursery tour, you will see how our environment supports this seamless transition.
We offer numerous extra sessions throughout the week, enhancing our All Aboard Approach, a bespoke version of the Early Years Statutory Framework.
Cookery
Gardening
Physical Activities
Science
Music
Art
At Colchester Nursery, we nurture young chefs by teaching children how to cook and prepare food. Through hands-on experiences they explore recipes, experiment with ingredients, and develop valuable culinary skills.
With the aid of a ‘cool touch’ oven, child-safe equipment and the children’s chef’s hats and aprons we follow a set curriculum to learn about the joys of cooking and gain lifelong skills such as measuring, counting and following set instructions.
In all weather, we nurture our vegetable plots, guiding children through plant lifecycles and introducing them to different tastes and textures from the fresh produce we grow on-site.
As Budding Gardeners, they are taught about the importance of looking after the environment, how to support plant growth and the benefits of sustainability.
Budding Movers at Colchester nursery take part in Boogie Beats, a lively dance class loved by both children and staff alike.
This engaging class merges music and dance with structured learning, enhancing coordination and confidence in a fun-filled environment.
During their early years at Colchester Nursery, children embark on a journey of discovery as Budding Scientists.
Throughout this journey they take part in fun scientifical experiments, learn about our solar system and explore a range of materials and resources.
Budding Musicians club ignites a love for music in young children through fun and interactive activities like singing, playing instruments, and exploring different sounds.
Children develop their musical skills and creativity at Colchester nursery and not only enhances their appreciation for music but also supports their cognitive and emotional development.
At Colchester nursery, our Budding Artists club inspires creativity and self-expression in young children through engaging activities such as drawing, painting, and crafting.
Through this hands-on experience children explore various art forms and techniques whilst nurturing their artistic talents and boosting their confidence and fine motor skills.
We know how important it is to feel connected to your child’s day. That’s why we work closely with families to build strong links between home and nursery.
You’ll receive updates through our parent app, as well as opportunities to speak with our team at drop-off and pick-up times. Whether you’d like to discuss your child’s learning, development or daily routine, we’re always happy to help.
By working together and sharing regular updates, we can provide a consistent and supportive experience for your child both at nursery and at home.
At Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester, nothing is more important that your child’s safety and wellbeing. Before children can learn, play and thrive, they need to feel safe, secure and supported in their environment.
That’s why we follow robust policies and procedures across every aspect of nursery life, helping us meet the standards set by Ofsted and other relevant health, safety and safeguarding requirements.
Our team receives regular training in areas including safeguarding, health and safety, food hygiene and paediatric first aid. We also support ongoing professional development, helping us maintain high standards of care for every child who attends our nursery.
Nutritious hot meals are prepared on-site at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester by our cook, with menus rotated every three weeks to provide children with a variety of balanced meals.
Using NHS Eatwell guidance, our menus are designed to support healthy growth and development while helping children develop positive relationships with food from an early age.
Every child at our Colchester nursery has a dedicated key person who gets to know them well and acts as the main point of contact for their family.
Your child’s key person will keep you updated on their progress, support their individual development and be on hand to answer any questions you may have. As children move through the nursery, we provide settling sessions to help them become familiar with their new room, routines and key person.
It’s always a proud moment when children leave Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester to start their school journey. Through our Next Stop School programme, we help children build the confidence, independence and skills they need for their next adventure.
Children take part in a range of school-readiness activities, while parents are supported through learning journey updates, parent meetings and resources that help strengthen the link between nursery and home.
As a thank you for being part of our nursery family, each child leaving for primary school will also receive a £30 Clarks voucher towards their first pair of school shoes.
All our nurseries follow the All Aboard Approach, our bespoke curriculum inspired by the Early Years Foundation Stage. Alongside this, each nursery offers activities and experiences tailored to its children and environment.
Children at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester enjoy a variety of activities and experiences tailored to their interests and stage of development. Through play, exploration and discovery, we help children build confidence, develop new skills and follow their natural curiosity.
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester commits to providing a simple fee structure so you can manage your nursery costs.
At this nursery, we provide private and government-funded sessions for eligible parents.
Click here to view the nursery Fee Schedule and Funding Guide. Please contact the nursery manager to discuss availability and nursery fees that are correct for your individual circumstances.
In our baby room, babies are surrounded by a variety of natural resources that stimulate their early learning experiences.
Our dedicated staff interact closely with the infants, encouraging language development and nurturing their physical skills. These foundational interactions lay the groundwork for their future learning journey.
In our toddler room, children engage with a rich array of natural resources tailored to their individual interests.
They explore and gain knowledge through diverse activities that foster curiosity and understanding, supporting their early development in a nurturing environment. We love to spend lots of time in our large outdoor space where there are always plenty of games and activities to explore.
Our Pre-school room encourages children to take the lead in their learning journey, following their interests and exploring a wealth of natural resources.
Here, they expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them, preparing them confidently for their future.
"I’ve been at Sunhill Nursery in Colchester since it opened and I am fortunate to have a dedicated and qualified team surrounding me. We aim to create a stimulating and happy environment for your child to thrive in, providing many opportunities for your child to access and learn throughout the EYFS and our All Aboard Approach."
Elaine Sim (Sunhill Colchester Nursery Manager)
Yes. Nutritious hot meals and snacks are prepared on-site at our Colchester nursery by our trained cooks. Designed around NHS Eatwell guidelines, our menus use fresh ingredients to support children’s growth, development and wellbeing. Menus are rotated every three weeks to provide variety and encourage children to explore new foods and flavours. We can also accommodate allergies, dietary requirements and special diets – simply speak to a member of our team.
Our Colchester nursery follows a Key Carer Approach to help children build strong relationships with familiar adults from day one. We offer settling-in sessions tailored to your child’s needs, allowing them to explore their new environment at their own pace, while parents are welcome to stay and support the transition.
Throughout the settling-in process, families receive regular updates, photos and observations through our parent app, helping them stay connected to their child’s day and feel reassured as they settle into nursery life.
Yes. Our Colchester nursery offers government-funded childcare for eligible families, including up to 30 hours of funded childcare for eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years. Funding eligibility and availability can vary, and our team is always happy to help families understand their options and answer any questions about funding support.
School readiness at our nursery in Colchester is supported through our Next Stop School programme, which helps children develop the confidence, independence and communication skills they’ll need for starting school.
Through play, everyday routines and new experiences, we encourage children to build friendships, solve problems, express themselves and become confident learners ready for their next adventure.
Our nursery in Colchester features bright, spacious learning environments with dedicated areas for a variety of activities. This helps children learn, play and explore in ways that suit their interests and stage of development. Outdoors, children have access to a large garden with free-flow opportunities throughout the day, encouraging active play, discovery and outdoor learning.
Families at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester receive regular updates throughout the day through our parent app, including photos, observations and highlights from activities.
You’ll also have opportunities to speak with your child’s key carer and the wider nursery team at drop-off and collection, helping you stay informed about your child’s progress, routines, meals and daily experiences.
We take the time to get to know each child as an individual at our nursery in Colchester. Through our Key Carer Approach, children receive personalised support based on their interests, routines and stage of development. We work closely with families to share important information and celebrate milestones. If a child is settling in, potty training or needs additional support, we tailor our approach to help them thrive.
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester provides full-time and part-time care for 0-5 year olds.
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester raised £88.14 for Children in Need through a cake sale and Guess How Many...
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester hosted their annual coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Thursday 28th...
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester welcomed member of parliament, Will Quince, into the nursery on Thursday 8th October.
Please note that this is not a confirmation of your tour. One of our nursery team will endeavour to get back to you ASAP to confirm your date and time. Thank you.
If you are looking to arrange a tour within the next 48 hours, we recommend calling the nursery directly.