Holly Corner Kindergarten

A nurturing and creative environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn through play

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104 Shrub End Rd, Colchester, CO3 4RX

Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 18:00

Age: 6 - 60 months

Fee table

Open Day: Sat 16 May

About Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner Kindergarten is an OFSTED GOOD (2025) nursery in Colchester, based on Shrub End Road in a charming converted home. The nursery provides exceptional childcare for children aged 6 months to 5 years across three age groups, fostering a calm atmosphere with natural resources that inspires curious, independent thinkers. A dedicated, experienced team led by a degree-level manager supports every child's learning and wellbeing, with strong partnerships with families.
Children thrive through exploration in thoughtfully designed rooms that encourage self-discovery and hands-on play. Activities may include sensory experiences, early communication and creative projects tailored to age and interests.
The beautiful outdoor area offers ample space and a dedicated nature zone for forest school-type activities. Children can connect with the environment through play in the forest/nature area, building confidence and resilience.
All rooms enjoy regular yoga sessions, while pre-school children may benefit from phonics sessions, enriching their development.
Could Holly Corner Kindergarten be the right home-from-home setting for your child? Book a tour today and explore the converted home and nature zone.

Nursery Facilities

Discover the facilities available at our nursery and how they support your child's care, learning, and development.

Buggy Store

A dedicated space to safely store your buggy during the day, making drop-off and pick-up easier and hassle-free.

Our Nursery Fees

We understand how important it is to have a clear picture of the costs associated with your child's care. Our fee sheet is designed to be transparent and straightforward, so please click below and take your time to look through it.

You can also learn more about fees and funding options on our dedicated pages Fees and funding page

If you have any questions at all, please do get in touch. We are always happy to talk things through with you.

Our Fees

Nutritional Approach

We believe food is fundamental to healthy growth, happy minds, and positive lifelong habits. In the earliest years, what children eat shapes taste preferences, supports brain development, and lays the foundations for long-term health.

All meals are freshly prepared on site each day using quality, seasonal ingredients. Our menus are developed with expert guidance, designed for inclusion, and go beyond Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. We want every child to become a confident, curious eater.

Our Menu

Meet Our Nursery Manager

Zoe Lewis

Hi, I'm Zoe. I joined Holly Corner Kindergarten in 2015. I have worked in early years since 2006 and during this time I have studied for and gained my Level 3 and BA Degree in Early Years.

I love leading the team at Holly Corner and supporting the staff to deliver high quality care and education to the children.

What to Expect on Your Nursery Tour

Our Next Open Day

Saturday 16th of May:9am-1pm

Meet our friendly team

Learn about our curriculum

Explore funding options

Explore our rooms and areas

Our Commitments

Our curriculum is built around five core commitments that guide how we nurture every child.

Critical And Creative Thinkers

Nurturing curiosity and confidence to imagine, test ideas, and solve problems through exploration.

Sense of Belonging

Building secure, trusting relationships so every child feels safe, valued, and confident.

Explorers of Our World

Connecting children to nature through outdoor experiences that build resilience and independence.

Confident Communicators

Supporting every child to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.

Happy and Healthy

Encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and joyful experiences that support lifelong wellbeing.

Our Curriculum

Our nursery curriculum is tailored to our current cohort of children and focuses on four key areas. We support children to be independent learners, developing confidence and independence as they grow. Children become confident communicators, starting in our baby room with signing and lots of singing.

We help children develop positive relationships, building friendships with other children and bonds with key people. Children also learn to care for living things and the world around us, as we have a passion for nature at Holly Corner and incorporate this into our provision as much as possible.

What Parents Say About Us

8.3

Review Score for Review Score for Family First Day Nursery

32 reviews

May 22, 2024

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

What a wonderful setting! My son has thoroughly enjoyed his time here the last two years. All the staff that have worked with him have been incredible, know him well and genuinely care and have his best interests at heart. I’m so pleased my son had a nurturing, positive experience here before he moves on to school. I highly recommend!

Natasha C

May 16, 2024

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

A really lovely nursery. Absolutely brilliant staff that have worked with me regarding anything I was trying to implement/teach/train at home. Needs taken into consideration. Flexible in a crisis. Super friendly and approachable. High security level. Great feedback from my child’s day with information on daily activities. Overall a fantastic setting, and I would highly recommend it.

Marie R

March 26, 2024

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Both of our daughters are lucky enough to have a place in this wonderful nursery. Our eldest has been there for 18 months and our youngest for 6 months. The staff are what really makes this place unique - all so friendly, caring and supportive. It's greatly reassuring to know that our children are safe and well looked after by people who are genuinely passionate about their job, and the influence that they have on the children's development. Fantastic comms, especially feedback at the end of each day, there's never any detail spared about the day's activities. The nursery management has also been fantastic - from initial enquiries onwards, they've bent over backwards to help fit around our work schedule. Our girls will be very sad to eventually leave - I can't imagine a better start in the world of school.

Chris S

December 1, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

I could not be happier with this nursery, my daughter just loves going here! The staff are amazing - they are all very polite and friendly, everyone is made to feel welcome, and there is a great homely feel (you know the feeling like when you go to nanny’s house). I can’t recommend this nursery enough!

Jamie H

December 1, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My son has been attending Holly Corner for almost a year now, and I have found all the staff very supportive, friendly and professional in caring for him. When he first started he had a dairy allergy, I soon felt very confident in the staff to manage his dietary needs and any symptoms of a reaction. My son loves being at Holly Corner and is always busy with various fun activities. I feel so reassured by the excellent care my son receives that I would recommend them to any parent looking for a childcare setting.

Samina E

December 1, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner is the most wonderful nursery in Colchester. Not only does the nursery offer plenty of different experiences of play and opportunities, but it also embeds the best manners and behaviours. Thanks to Holly Corner, my son has learnt lovely social skills and how to play with others effectively. The nursery addresses issues promptly and has extensive knowledge of my child. The nursery has a family feel to it and the manager is always on the end of an email/phone to deal with any enquiries immediately. The key workers work so hard and in-depth feedback at pick-up is always very much appreciated. My husband and I highly recommend this nursery and we feel lucky that our son has a place at Holly Corner.

Joanna H

December 1, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My little one absolutely loves Holly Corner. All of the staff there are amazing. They take the time to get to know each child individually taking time out to remember their likes and dislikes. Genuinely could not ask for more from the staff there. Special shout out to three members of staff, in particular, for all of their care with my little one, she adores you all and talks about you all the time at home!

E M

November 29, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

The staff is very lovely, they all are smiling all the time, the ladies make everything to look easy. My kid has improved some much since he started. Thank you, stay positive like you are all the time, and be kind always with our kids they need a better world.

Andreea N

November 28, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Our daughter has attended Holly Corner since October 2022 and we couldn’t be happier with the care she has received. The staff are amazing, and my daughter has formed strong bonds with them. Communication is excellent and it’s lovely to see photographs and regular updates of what she’s been doing.

S S

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner has provided a caring and nurturing environment for both our children over the past year. They always have the needs and happiness of the children at the heart of everything they do. Staff are approachable and friendly and communication with parents is great. Our daughter’s desire to learn is encouraged at Holly Corner - her writing, numeracy and creative skills have come on leaps and bounds since starting at the nursery. The best thing about Holly Corner though, is that I know for certain that all the staff understand my children’s personality and individual needs. I have no hesitancy in leaving my children in their care and am forever grateful for the staff’s hard work and compassionate education. Thank you!

L T

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Have used Holly Corner for both my children since 2019 and our experience has been brilliant. A high standard of care for the children can be seen from all the staff, both my boys have/had a lovely relationship with everyone there. Brilliant resources are available for the children too, cannot recommend it enough!

Abby C

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

The staff at Holly Corner are extremely caring and kind. I couldn't be happier with all of them for all their hard work and dedication. My little boy is always happy and talks about all the staff, with a smile on his face. Well done, for such an incredible team!

Andreea F

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner is the perfect nursery for my daughter. She attends once a week and always leaves happy, bouncy and full of smiles! She sleeps and eats really well there (sometimes even better than she does at home!) She is learning so much from Holly Corner. If you are searching for a nursery, I would 100% recommend Holly Corner!

G C

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner is a very welcoming setting. Everyone greets my daughter like they’re all her key workers, which for a mum having to leave their young child is lovely to see and comforting. Well done girls. And of course to the chef who keeps my daughter well fed.

Georgina M

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My little girl has been attending Holly Corner since she was 9 months old and it’s been amazing since day one. The staff genuinely care and have my daughter's best interests at heart 100% of the time. All staff are warm and welcoming. It was the best decision I made putting my daughter in nursery, she is now two and loves going to see all her friends. Thank you everyone at Holly Corner.

Hannah T

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

The staff at Holly Corner are exceptional. They are so caring and want the best for my child. They try to promote opportunities for my child to meet his next steps and allow time for him to follow his interests. He loves all the staff at Holly Corner and speaks about them in a very positive manner. If I ever need to discuss anything with a member of staff, they are always happy to do so. The food is something my son really enjoys and he tells me the “hotpot is tasty” and “Can you make those cheesy swirls like the chef?” Please pass on our thanks to all the staff, we really appreciate everything you do.

Katie F

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

The nursery provides a homely environment, where children are happy, well looked after, and have access to stimulating environments and an enormous garden to play in daily. My children are both very happy here and are excited to go to nursery each day. The adults know the children well and I feel confident that they care about my children as much as I do.

Katy S

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

I cannot recommend this nursery enough! Every single member of staff is so welcoming and friendly. It is so wonderful to know that our child is in such a safe, homely and caring setting. The activities on offer are stimulating, fun and educational. Every day our daughter comes home with a ton of amazing artwork! The nursery has even helped our daughter with her speech and language - helping her practise sounds that she finds tricky. The selection of food on the menu is also brilliant, there is a wide variety of meals. Usually, our daughter is a fussy eater, but she eats everything at nursery. It really is a wonderful place for our daughter to learn, play and grow. Thank you.

Lucy B

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My little girl has been at Holly Corner since she was 9 months and is now almost 2 and she loves it! The staff have always gone above and beyond to make her feel settled and to make me feel confident in the fact her happiness is really important to them. A special mention to one staff member in particular who has always gone the extra mile to help my little one settle and grow whilst there and she has certainly done both of these things. I couldn't recommend the nursery enough.

A C

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Excellent nursery. My son is very happy there. Safe, friendly, nurturing and fantastic food. They are on top of behaviour and excellent with feedback and communication. I have had no complaints and will be sad when my son leaves.

Nicola B

November 27, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My daughter has attended Holly Corner for 2 years now and has progressed from badgers to hedgehogs and now to squirrels. Since joining nursery she has developed so much. I remember when she was around 2 and never really counted before when she then came home, stood in a corner and counted to 10, then shouting ready or not here I come. The staff at Holly Corner really care about the child's development. They always take the time to fill you in on the day's events and even advise if they see something. It's like a family, our daughter will move off to school next September which Holly Corner will have prepared her, and us for. It will be sad to take her out but they have done an amazing job of setting her up in life.

Gavin N

April 5, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My son has been at the setting since he was 1 year old and is now 4 years old, in the last year. This setting is like a second home for my son, he feels very comfortable attending it’s never been an issue. It’s a very homely setting with it not being too big. All the ladies who work here are so welcoming, all know my son and make him (and myself) feel at ease. The manager is lovely and very easy to talk to. I have experience of two other settings and can honestly say it was the best decision I made choosing Holly Corner Kindergarten. I will continue to highly recommend.

Jessica P

April 5, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

What a wonderful Kindergarten. It is such a home from home feel and that’s why we love it so much. The staff are absolutely amazing and kind. My little boy loves coming for his mornings, and we will be very sad when we leave. I would recommend this Kindergarten to everyone.

Lisa C

April 4, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

We are very pleased with Holly Corner Kindergarten. Our daughter is very happy there. The staff are extremely friendly and cannot do enough to help our daughter. The nursery is a happy place and our daughter looks forward to attending every session.

Christopher H

April 4, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

I was looking for peace of mind, kind carers for my child and a variety of education. That’s exactly what we receive; as well as good food menus, regular updates on the app and clear communication from the manager. My child loves attending, and that relieves the mum-guilt. Highly recommend.

Natasha B

April 4, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

My daughter has been with Holly Corner Kindergarten for a few months now and really enjoys her days there. The nursery gives a much more homely feeling than some of the other places we viewed. She’s grown so much in confidence and loves to play with all her new friends, babies and staff included! Having taken a little while to settle in, not used to being away from family for such long periods, staff were caring and patient with her. Also making an effort to keep me updated on her progress which helped ease my worry a lot. Staff are really hands on, helping the little ones to explore and learn new things every day, I can see my daughter has a lot of fun participating in the daily activities and I am confident that my child is in a safe environment whenever she is there. I would recommend this nursery to those looking locally.

Sophia C

April 4, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Our daughter has attended the nursery since early 2022 and we could not recommend or praise the care she receives at Holly Corner Kindergarten enough. The staff are so lovely, caring and supportive and our daughter has built wonderful relationships with them. The activities planned and the routines built into the day provide excellent opportunities for our daughter’s development.

Tara L

April 4, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner Kindergarten is such an incredible nursery. My 2 year old currently attends the nursery and my son who is now 7 also went here. It took me a while to find a nursery that we really connected with and this place just felt like home! I was super nervous with both my children starting nursery but seeing them run in with a big smile on their face ready for the day put me at ease! Highly recommend! Thanks Holly Corner.

Chelsea C

April 3, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Holly Corner has such a home from home setting that my daughter settled in from the initial day she joined a couple of years ago. Each and every member of staff has been incredible at both assisting her in reaching her milestones as well as being so caring with unlimited cuddles! We have loved her time here and credit the nursery with setting her up with the skills she needs for starting school.

Emma H

April 3, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

We’ve really enjoyed the experience and feel our child is learning in a holistic way and building confidence and peer relationships. We’ve noticed changes as the nursery has been acquired by a larger organization - we feel the app is not as cohesive and the cost of food per day is incredibly high for the food our child is receiving. The care and compassion for each child is wonderful however we’ve felt pressured to ‘reach milestones’ our child and family haven’t been ready for - a more family centered view would be appreciated.

Emily Ann S

March 31, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

Our child is really happy at the nursery and always looks forward to going in. We receive lots of updates about his day and his progress via the app. The staff are very professional and always engage him around his interests.

J F

March 28, 2023

Review of Holly Corner Kindergarten

I highly recommend Holly Corner Kindergarten. It is a fantastic nursery. Leaving your child in a new setting is always a bit daunting at first, but I have always felt my daughter is in safe hands at Holly Corner. The manager and all staff are personable but professional, and their attentiveness and the care they provide to the children reflect in the strong bonds they have with the children. My daughter thinks the world of her key workers and other members of staff at the nursery. My daughter's speech and confidence has also come on leaps and bounds since she started at the nursery. The nursery also has a lovely garden which my daughter thoroughly enjoys.

Sarah M