Open 51 weeks
Open 7.30am - 6.00pm
Spacious outdoor area
FREE childcare in December
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.
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.
View Ofsted report
The Brighter Learning Approach (BLA) 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 BLA 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.
Championing children's holistic health and laying the foundations for a happy, healthy and successful life.
Helping the future generation of global citizens to understand the world they live in and to believe they can make a difference.
Enabling early experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). Nurturing our next generation of investigators, inventors and innovators.
Enticing children to develop a life-long love of books and reading through engaging and interactive storytelling experiences. Building strong literacy skills while sparking imagination and creativity.
Engaging children in meaningful mathematical learning. Developing knowledge, building skills and exploring concepts, through purposeful play and plenty of practice.
Developing confident communicators by engaging in quality conversations with children every day, in a language rich and communication friendly environment.
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 clubs throughout the week, enhancing our Brighter Learning Approach, a bespoke version of the Early Years Statutory Framework.
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.
At Colchester Nursery, we nurture Budding 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.
Guided by caring Nursery Practitioners, children learn to appreciate healthy eating and gain confidence in their abilities.
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.
Our nursery is passionate about the link between home and nursery; the nursery experience is as much about the parent as it is for the child. Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester commits to verbally updating you about your child’s day at pick-up time and via digital updates on the parent App.
We are here at any time should you wish to call us or want to discuss any area of your child’s care.
We aim to look after our parents as well as our children so you can carry on with your day with a sense of peace.
First and foremost, you and we need to know that your child is safe. Before we can deliver the excellent curriculum that makes our nurseries so special, robust policies and procedures are followed to meet the exacting standards of Ofsted, building and fire regulations, food safety standards and staff DBS background checks and references.
Our staff are trained in numerous areas and we offer further training opportunities for staff who have an interest in a particular area. For example, some of our nurseries have attained Millie’s Mark, an accreditation gained by having 100% of staff on site trained in paediatric first aid.
Nutritious hot meals are prepared on-site at Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester by our cook and menus are rotated every three weeks.
Good nutrition is essential during childhood as it is a time of rapid growth, development and activity. Our chefs are trained using the Eatwell NHS guidelines to ensure mealtimes are delicious, packed with good things that enjoyable for children to eat.
Every child has a nursery key person who knows them best and who will be the child and parent’s main contact.
Your key person at our nursery will update you about your child’s day and is there to answer your questions. When your child moves to the next age group room, we hold several settling sessions with a new nursery key person.
We encourage our parents to view the new room too, and we will work with you to discuss the new routines, just like we did when you first started nursery.
It is wonderful to nurture and see our children graduate to primary school. Part of the unique offering of Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester is our focus on the next stage of your child’s learning journey.
We prepare the children through school activities, teacher meet and greets and graduation ceremonies. Our commitment is to support our parents too by providing child learning journey updates, parents evenings or one-to-ones and home link learning kits to enhance the link between nursery and home.
All our nurseries follow the Brighter Learning Approach, our bespoke version of the Early Years Statutory Framework. Within this, each nursery chooses extra clubs, activities, and enhancements suitable for their space.
Sunhill Day Nursery Colchester enjoys multiple clubs including Budding Gardeners, Budding Movers, Budding scientists, mindfulness and cooking clubs. We also hold open days where parents and carers are encouraged to come along and meet other parents to build their own personal friendships and networks ahead of primary school.
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. Contact us for the nursery fee that is correct for your individual circumstances.
In our Twinkle Stars 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 Sunbeams, children aged 2-3 years 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 Preschool 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.
We’re excited to extend our ‘Free December’ offer to new families who register and start at our nursery by the 30th of September 2024. If you secure your child’s place before the 30th of September 2024, you’ll enjoy December 2024 free of charge—a perfect holiday gift for your family. Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity. View terms and conditions.
"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 Brighter Learning Approach."
Elaine Sim (Sunhill Colchester Nursery Manager)
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.