Located in the beautiful and historic surroundings of the University of Essex.
Our large Colchester based day nursery offers vibrant and stimulating child care for children aged three months to five years. Childcare sessions are available to all University students and staff, and members of the public by application.
What Ofsted says about us
Children are happy and settled in this inclusive nursery. The key-person system and settling-in procedures ensure that children settle quickly. Babies benefit from nurturing relationships with staff.
We are very proud of our nursery and think it’s a great place for your child to thrive but don’t just take our word for it, read the reviews left by parents on Google. You can find more in-depth reviews at daynurseries.co.uk.
-
WPDN is an incredible nursery. Our oldest son moved to reception this year and our youngest is about halfway through. From start to finish we have felt supported and cared for by our children's key persons, the other teachers in their rooms, and the rest of the WPDN staff. The staff genuinely care about your children, and there's little more important than that. We've always felt that WPDN was a stimulating and comfortable place for our boys to be - and they're happy to be there too! The supportive environment and range of activities has really nurtured their growth. The nursery is welcoming and when challenges come up for your child - and they will - the staff reinforce what is normal development and work with you to put a plan in place to do what's best for your child, at nursery and at home. The forest school is a wonderful addition to the pre-school provision. Dan and Teresa do a great job allowing the children to explore outdoors freely and safely. Our son would have been there every day if it were an option! Nursery is expensive but as a working parent, there's no avoiding it. Dawn and the admin staff do their best to keep the fees as low as they can while ensuring that staff are supported and costs are covered. I'm glad we still have time on the clock with our youngest because I'm not ready to say goodbye to WPDN yet!
Patrick Lown
January 9, 2026 -
So kind and warmhearted teachers and staffs. My daughter was so happy in this nursery. Thank you!
Hyun Suk Lee
December 9, 2025 -
Sending your child to nursery is a huge deal for any parent, but particularly first time ones. I can honestly say WPDN made absolutely every effort to accommodate all our wants and needs as parents, despite how out of the ordinary some might have been! Nothing has been too much hassle. The transition to each room has been seamless. All the staff genuinely feel like they care about your children. Dawn and Danielle a special thanks for your help and support. Our son is moving to a childminder now with his new sisters and it honestly feels bitter sweet to be saying goodbye. Absolutely don’t hesitate to consider this nursery for your precious children.
Scarlett B
October 23, 2025 -
Could not recommend Wivenhoe Park enough!! Our two children attended this nursery from age 1-4, and we had a wonderful experience as a family. We found all of the staff to be incredibly caring, kind, and thoughtful. The ladies in the room really make you feel at ease that your child is in a safe and loving environment, and the office staff and SENCo are second to none. The outdoor space is amazing, with plenty of room in the gardens and opportunity to explore the wider campus during forest school sessions. The nursery has a strong passion for education and inclusivity, as well as fun, and it shows. They have a strong family ethos, and invite family members to be involved in their child’s journey as much as possible. Graduation is the cutest event ever, with the children mirroring the Essex University gowns and ceremonies! The nursery also organise two free events for children and their families during the year, filled with arts and crafts, fun and freebies. It is clear to see how much the staff go the extra mile to create the best experience possible. The effort they go to in order to support individual learning really is incredible, and we can’t thank them enough.
Caroline Huxter
September 15, 2025 -
It’s an amazing nursery; the staff are kind, considerate and do their absolute best for the children. The SENCO is dedicated, supportive and helped us enormously. I couldn’t recommend the nursery enough!
Carrie Pickett
August 29, 2025
