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Sunhill Early Learning Colchester

Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2021)
·
5.0(10 parent reviews) ·Braiswick Primary School, Apprentice Drive, Colchester, CO4 5QJ · Essex
Number of places
87 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2021
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

Apricot Day Nursery, situated in the heart of St Neots, offers a nurturing and intimate environment for early years education. The nursery adheres to the Montessori approach, fostering learning through play and child-led exploration.

With a commitment to supporting children's holistic development, Apricot Day Nursery focuses on cognitive, social, and physical growth, preparing them for school through its 'Next Stop School' programme. The nursery prides itself on flexible benefits for families, including not charging for food, enhancements, or consumables, and offering fully and part-funded sessions.

The facility includes three rooms, each with its own safe and age-appropriate outdoor play area, promoting outdoor learning regardless of the weather. Apricot Nursery and its associated Pre-School are located across two sites, ensuring a unique experience.

' A variety of clubs and enhancements, such as cookery, movement, art, music, gardening, and science, further enrich the children's learning journey. The nursery also emphasises strong parent communication, robust safety measures, nutritious on-site prepared meals, and a key person system to ensure personalised care.

Our ethos

Apricot Day Nursery follows the Montessori approach, fostering learning through play and child-led exploration. They use a 'Brighter Learning Approach' curriculum which focuses on holistic development and incorporates real-life, hands-on experiences across six core areas. They also offer a variety of clubs and enhancements to enrich the learning journey.

What it's like

Children arrive happy and thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting, readily leaving parents and quickly engaging in play. They show that they feel safe, knowing their needs are met, and develop secure relationships with staff. Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning through high levels of concentration and enjoyment, and are familiar with routines, responding well to expectations.

Montessori approachOutdoor learningBrighter Learning Approach curriculumFlexible benefits for familiesNutritious on-site meals

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am - 6.30pm, 51 weeks a year. Specific session times are 8am to 6pm for a full day, 7:30am to 8am for early start, and 6pm to 6:30pm for late finish.

Food

Meals are freshly prepared on-site by a dedicated cook, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dietary requirements, intolerances, and allergies are catered for. The nursery does not charge extra for food.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2019

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sunhill Early Learning Colchester

Last inspected 8 December 2021

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children arrive happy and thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting, readily leaving parents and quickly engaging in play. They show that they feel safe, knowing their needs are met, and develop secure relationships with staff. Children demonstrate positive attitudes to learning through high levels of concentration and enjoyment, and are familiar with routines, responding well to expectations.

Inspector highlights

  • Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disability, make good progress in their learning.
  • Staff focus on children's personal, social and emotional skills, helping them understand and control their emotions.
  • Parents speak positively of staff and the progress their children have made.
  • The manager effectively supports her staff team, closely monitors education and care, and provides helpful feedback.
  • Children become increasingly independent in managing their self-care needs.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to make the most of teachable moments in order to further extend children's learning.
Inspection #10208262 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak positively of staff and the progress their children have made since starting at the setting.

They value that staff join in with the festivals that their family celebrate.

Parents comment on how well staff supported them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing activities and ideas to support children's learning at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff know the children well and confidently talk about where they are in their learning. They gain information from parents regarding their children's starting points. Staff confidently assess children's learning, enabling them to understand what children know and what they need to learn next. As a result, children, including those with special educational needs and/or disability, make good progress in their learning.

Outdoor space

Older children have great fun outdoors playing 'What's the time Mr Wolf?'. They develop mathematical ideas as they move forward, carefully counting their steps.

Parent Reviews of Sunhill Early Learning Colchester

5.0
(10)
Angela Vivona
3 months ago

You know a nursery is doing an amazing job when your two-year-old asks to go to school even on the weekend. From the moment you walk into Sunhill, you can feel the warmth and sense of family. All of the staff are incredibly friendly, caring, and supportive. The love and dedication they show each day is truly commendable. The environment is bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed, with a wonderful range of activities that encourage learning through play, creativity, and exploration. We are constantly impressed by the variety of experiences they offer, from arts and crafts to outdoor play and early learning activities. Communication with parents is excellent, and we always feel informed about our child’s progress and daily experiences. We are incredibly grateful for the love, support, and dedication shown by the entire team and would highly recommend this nursery to any family!

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George Spiliopoulos
4 months ago

We couldn’t be happier with Sunhill Nursery! The staff are absolutely amazing—friendly, caring, and always go above and beyond to make the children feel safe and happy. Our daughter loves coming here every day, and it’s clear how much effort the team puts into creating a warm and welcoming environment. The nursery is well-maintained, which gives us great peace of mind. There are plenty of toys and activities to keep the children engaged and learning in a fun way. It truly feels like a second home for our little one. We highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a nurturing, clean, and joyful place for their child. Thank you to the entire team for everything you do—you’re fantastic!

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Ish
4 months ago

Would highly recommend Sunhill nursery. I have recently moved and so my children had to leave which was really upsetting, as I believe it’s the best nursery I will of ever had the pleasure of sending my children to. The staff are all amazing, and Elaine the manager was the biggest support to not only my children but myself. My children really came out of their shells during their time at Sunhill and I see their little personalities begin to shine. Could not thank the staff enough for how amazing they were to both my girls and the extra support with my sen child.

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Amy
3 months ago

Highly recommend Sunhill Colchester as a nursery - I liked that it is within the primary school gates so additional security when those are locked along with the usual security for the main building. Little one always left with a smile and had lots to tell us about his day. The staff are all so friendly and actually talk and inform you of things which we have found it not as common across other settings. We loved our time here and are sad we had to move to a closer nursery.

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Natalie Loft
6 months ago

I would highly recommend this setting and nursery. I have recently worked in partnership with the manager and staff. Attention to detail is always spot on and the passion behind it is amazing. I previously sent my little bit to the setting and have watched it grow into something beautiful. Five stars.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Sunhill Early Learning Colchester. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: December 2021

  • January 2022Good
  • December 2021Good

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