Nannas Day Nurseries third Colchester nursery is based in the old Beehive Children's Centre next to the Queen Boudica Primary School on Cowper Crescent. Opened on Monday 3rd September 2018, the nursery takes children aged 2-5 years in the beautiful converted building. Following on from the success and popularity of our other two sites in Colchester, Nannas won the bid for the old Children’s Centre against over 20 other competitors.
The new nursery features a large open plan entrance hall with welcoming sofa and sensory wall decorated in the purple and silver colours that Nannas are famous for. Both playrooms are light, open and airy with high ceilings and direct access onto the garden. Each room has its own bathroom for the children as well as a sink area and fridge, meaning that they are self- sufficient.
Replicating the success of the other two sites – Cowper Crescent has the same set up, natural play ethos and policies and procedures that have continuously earned Nannas Day Nurseries Ofsted Outstanding. Children can enjoy free flow play both in and outdoors with construction areas, home corners, mark making, playdough stations and cosy corners where children can look at books and relax.
The nursery will offer both flexible and fixed contracts alongside funded only sessions with early and late opening times. Its ideal location means it is easily accessible for working parents travelling by public transport and those working at the local hospital or walk-in centre.
Cowper Crescent offers the same extra-curricula activities as our other two sites including Forest School, Dance and Sports, alongside an enriching and stimulating learning environment.
Open 6.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday, Nannas Day Nurseries is open throughout the year, closed only on Bank Holidays.
Upcoming dates for your diary......
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Thursday 25th December 2025
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Friday 26th December 2025
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Thursday 1st January 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Friday 3rd April 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Monday 6th April 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Monday 4th May 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Monday 25th May 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Monday 31st August 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Friday 25th December 2026
-Bank Holiday NURSERY CLOSED: Monday 28th December 2026
We offer our funded places via the stretched offer, meaning that children can attend for their fully funded sessions over 48 weeks of the year rather than the set 38 weeks. Additional hours can be added to these if parents require longer days.
Our 2025 Terms are as follows:
Spring Term 2025 begins: Thursday 2nd January 2025
Spring Term 2025 ends: Thursday 10th April 2025
SPRING TERM HOLIDAY 2025: Friday 11th April 2025- Monday 21st April 2025
Summer Term 2025 begins: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Summer Term 2025 ends: Friday 15th August 2025
SUMMER TERM HOLIDAY 2025: Monday 18th August 2025 - Friday 29th August 2025
Winter Term 2025 begins: Monday 1st September 2025
Winter Term 2025 ends: Friday 19th Decemeber 2025
WINTER TERM HOLIDAY 2025: Monday 22nd December 2025- Wednesday 31st December 2025
Our 2026 Terms are as follows:
Spring Term 2026 begins: Thursday 1st January 2026
Spring Term 2026 ends: Thursday 2nd April 2026
SPRING TERM 2026 HOLIDAY: Friday 3rd April 2026- Friday 10th April 2026
Summer Term 2026 begins: Monday 13th April 2026
Summer Term 2026 ends: Friday 14th August 2026
SUMMER TERM 2026 HOLIDAY: Monday 17th August 2026- Monday 31st August 2026
Winter Term 2026 begins: Tuesday 1st Septemeber 2026
Winter Term 2026 ends: Monday 21st December 2026
WINTER TERM HOLIDAY 2026: Tuesday 22nd December 2026- Thursday 31st December 2026
We also accept Pupil Premium and 2 year old funding and are able to claim this on a case by case basis. Please see your Nursery Manager to find out if you are eligible.
We provide a selection of cereals for breakfast and healthy morning snacks - fruit bowls are available in the rooms for children to freely access throughout the day.
A two-course home-cooked lunch will be provided at an additional cost should this be required with either a pudding or a starter, teaching the children healthy choices. Alternatively parents are welcome to provide a packed lunch for their child.
Our substantial afternoon snacks help tide the children over until they go home for their dinner!
Throughout the day children have free access to their water bottles that are provided by parents both in and outdoors. Full fat milk is also available during meal times
All ingredients purchased are low in salt and sugar and we aim to provide your child with their recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day!
Our menu's are a replica of the menus from our Turner Road site which were written alongside a hospital dietician to ensure that each child receives the correct balance of vitamins and minerals throughout their day with us. In line with current legislation and guidance our menu's also display the related allergens (key can be found in the nursery).
Look out for our specially themed menus for events and festivals such as World Book Day and Chinese New Year!
We provide free takeaway teas and coffees in the morning for parents breakfast bar so parents can ensure they grab a healthy breakfast after dropping off their children with us!
Children's Nannas Day Nurseries uniforms (and matching accessories) are available to purchase from our online Shop Keep Easy Store. Please visit https://shopkeepeasy.com/990059209. Please note that items are for home delivery only, the click and collect service is not supported.



Drop us a message or arrange a showaround.
Nannas Day Nurseries
Queen Boudica Primary School,
Cowper Crescent, Colchester,
Essex CO4 5XT
Telephone: 01206 853476
Nursery Manager: Charlie Stuttle