Car Park
We have on-site parking available for easy access and convenience.
Old Schoolhouse, Colchester, Day Nursery
a beautiful ‘home from home’ environment where children learn, play, discover and imagine
The Old Schoolhouse Colchester
Day Nursery & Preschool
239 London Road
Stanway
Colchester
CO3 8PB
Opening Times:
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 18:00
To book a tour our Customer Care Team are available during Christmas! Christmas Opening Times
Drop-Off Directions & Parking
The nursery is situated on London Road in the suburb of Stanway, which lies to the west of Colchester, Essex.
There are fantastic commuter links to Colchester Town Centre and the A12.
Bus Routes: Several bus routes service London Road, including connections from Colchester Town Centre.
Nearest Train Station: Colchester Station, approximately 3 miles away, provides rail connections to London and other major cities.
On-site parking is available for easy drop off/pick up
Call Us
Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten
At the Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten, our aim is to provide your child with a stimulating and well structured educational experience. We provide a warm welcome to all our children, free from prejudice, with activities designed to meet each child’s learning, development and welfare needs in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Particular emphasis is placed on a child’s personal and social development that recognises and respects each child as an individual whilst promoting awareness of others through a variety of shared activities.
The safety of the children in our care is of paramount importance and the activities that the children are involved in are designed with this in mind. Our team are vigilant at all times for the safety and well being of each child and the Kindergarten is a secure and harm free environment for children.
At the Old Schoolhouse, we believe that young children thrive where there is a positive partnership between parents and the childcare provider that is characterised by trust and mutual support and parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s progress with our team. The Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten is proud of the fact that Ofsted assessed the standard of childcare and education we provide to be outstanding in each of the areas that they inspect. Our team are dedicated to the development and welfare of each child and constantly review ways in which we can further improve outcomes for the children in our care.
Nursery Facilities
Meals & Snacks
We provide healthy meals and snacks as well as fresh water and milk. Our menus are seasonal and are certified by a children’s dietician ensuring the right balance of ingredients for the children. All dietary requirements are catered for by our professional chefs.
Outdoor Garden
Our outdoor space offers an environment to explore and develop and provides a place where imagination comes to life.
Fees & Availability
Nursery fees are dependent on the age of your child and your specific childcare requirements. Funding options are available, including the government’s 15 and 30 hours funded childcare, and we also accept the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme and childcare vouchers.
To request pricing and availability, please call us or complete the request a call back form below.
How we learn at Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten
Babies
- Our baby room offers the perfect place to begin your child’s nursery journey
- We offer as many settling in sessions as you and your child need to feel safe and happy in a new environment. This is the start of us building a long-standing relationship with your family, ensuring secure bonds between child and nursery team
- We offer a stimulating environment and a variety of resources for our babies to explore, develop and discover through play
- We promote sensory play from a very young age, helping children to make sense of the world by connecting what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel
- In our reading corner the children have access to a library of books and stories, music, and rhymes introducing early literacy and communication skills
- We promote movement and balance and focus on early wellbeing awareness and relaxation exercises
Toddlers
- Our toddler room is where our toddlers can thrive as they become more independent and curious
- We feel it is important to offer a range of natural resources and provide plenty of messy play opportunities to encourage learning through creative play
- In our library area we have a selection of age-appropriate reading resources to encourage communication and develop language and literacy skills
- We encourage independence and free thinking by allowing the children to choose and lead activities carefully guided by our practitioners
- We promote physical creativity through music and movement which is key in helping to develop children’s fine motor skills
- We continue to promote early wellbeing awareness and relaxation techniques to help our children understand their thoughts and feelings
Preschool
- Our preschool room supports ‘school readiness’ through a wide range of quality resources and equipment that promote all areas of the EYFS including maths, literacy and PE
- We embed maths and literacy into everyday routines providing opportunities for letter and number recognition
- We give encouragement and praise to our children inspiring them to investigate and be curious of the world around them
- We promote an inclusive environment where we take part in a variety of cultural and international celebrations
- We work on whole body movements to develop large motor skills, co-ordination, balance, and strength
- We provide a dedicated space for children to learn in small groups allowing focus and concentration as our practitioners deliver activities preparing children for their next step into school.
Outdoor Space
- In our garden children can wander, climb, splash, and run in our educationally designed outdoor learning area.
- Our children have access into the garden which is essential for healthy development and wellbeing and our outdoor equipment encourages physical development and challenges
- Our outdoor space allows children to understand and take risks which helps to build their confidence, independence, and eagerness to learn
- Our children are introduced to important life skills and encouraged to try new things through play and exploration, through activities such as role play, water play and investigative play
- We promote a ‘grow your own’ initiative providing spaces in our garden for children to plant their own vegetables, herbs, plants, and flowers
- We use natural materials such as sand and mud to promote discovery and imaginative play
Our Team
Libby Leever
Joined: 2007
My name is Libby, I am the nursery manager at The Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten & I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Childcare, leadership and management.
I have over 2 decades of experience working in both large and small independent childcare settings. During this time, I have enjoyed working with many families and team members to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for the children in our care to thrive.
Emma Durrant
Joined: 2008
My name is Emma I am the deputy manager of The Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten & hold a Level 4 NVQ in childcare and education and a Level 5 in leadership and management. I am also the nursery SEND co and use my many years of experience to support our families to achieve their goals.
Our Team
Our nursery has a lovely family feel which makes it a wonderful place for your child to grow, learn and play. We have a passionate team, who aim to create something special and different, ensuring all children are nurtured, cared for, and inspired with their individual needs in mind.
We have a dedicated senior team who support the nursery management in striving for delivering excellence by enriching home from home environments with an expertly trained team.
All staff complete comprehensive training, further developing their knowledge and understanding of children’s development, covering all key aspects in keeping children safe.
We can provide advice and support for all our families on a vast range of topics by pulling together our combined experience.
Food & Nutrition
Our delicious, healthy and nutritious food is sourced from trusted suppliers and prepared and cooked by our onsite chef. All dietary and religious needs are met.
Our experienced team would love to meet you and your little one, so book a visit today and we will show you everything our nursery has to offer during your own personal tour at a time to suit you.
Join us at our next Open Day
Saturday 18th January 2025 (9am-1pm)
Call Back Request
If you would like us to give you a call back at a time which is more convenient for you, please fill in the form below.