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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Colchester, Highwoods

Google
5 /5

9.2

Day Nurseries Score
Outdoor-facilities
Parking

Our purpose-built Colchester Severalls nursery is located on the Severalls business park and industrial estate, close to the A12 junction 28.

From our cosy baby room to mind-blowing Foundation Class, the nursery has been designed specifically to promote growth, development and preparation for school. 

We'd love to welcome you to our Busy Bees family here at Colchester Severalls. You can find everything you need to know in our Parent Pack, and if you would like to look around please book a visit to come and see us soon.

 

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Colchester, Highwoods
Nursery Facilities

Our age appropriate gardens further children's development outdoors and provide space to explore and engage in new learning experiences. The children enjoy delicious nutritious meals and snacks everyday which are freshly made by our Chef.  

Located within Severalls Business Park on the northern edge of Colchester, our nursery offers a convenient base for families across the town and beyond. The A12 and A120 are both easily accessible, connecting us to Colchester city centre, the surrounding villages, and the wider Essex road network. 

Colchester railway station provides fast services to London Liverpool Street in under an hour. On-site parking is available, making drop-offs a simple and stress-free part of the working day.

Not sure if Busy Bees Colchester Severalls is the best option for your family? View all of our Nurseries in Colchester to explore all Busy Bees locations in your area.

Special things about Colchester, Highwoods

Long-standing staff team

Long-standing staff team

Creating a home-from-home atmosphere. 

Unique to

Colchester, Highwoods

Spacious outdoor area

Spacious outdoor area

A large garden for amazing outdoor learning.

Unique to

Colchester, Highwoods

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups.

Unique to

Colchester, Highwoods

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Kate Whitnell

My name is Kate Whitnell and I am the Manager here at Busy Bees Colchester. 

I am passionate about providing the best care for our children and creating new and exciting learning experiences for them. I am very proud of the nursery team and they share my values and vision for the nursery.

I started as a part time qualified nursery nurse in 2008 where I worked in the Pre School. I soon progressed into the management team firstly as a Room Leader, then to Third in Charge before becoming the Assistant Manager in 2011. I was delighted to become joint manager in 2014 to fulfil my life long dream. I then became full time manager in May 2018. 

Having been here for such a long time, Colchester nursery is my second home and close to my heart, I love seeing the dedication my staff have to children and parents in the nursery and seeing children thrive in our stimulating environment. I was so proud to be voted Manager of the Year in March 2019 at the Busy Bees Awards.

I work full time and I have been with the nursery for 16yrs. I am married to Matthew and we have two wonderful boys, Lewis and Owen who attended the nursery from 2yrs and 15mths. They have now both left school and I truly feel that Busy Bees gave them the best start in their early years education.  

In February 2020 we were graded Outstanding by Ofsted after a full day inspection. It was an amazing day and I was so proud that we received the recognition of how we provide outstanding care to our children every day.    

Meet the amazing team

Emma Braddy

Assistant Centre Director

Emma Braddy

Reviews

What
Colchester, Highwoods
parents say

Day Nurseries

9.2

Google

5 /5

My 2 year old son doesn’t got to this school. We live in Clacton and had to shoot up to Colchester Hospital to drop someone off on the way back my son who suffers with travel sickness threw up all over himself and his spare clothes ( except trousers ) he threw up by the nursery and the weather was terrible and he was topless so I went in to the nursery and explained to the staff member and asked if they had a top in lost property without hesitation the lady went in and got him a top we was both so grateful this review is a way of saying thank you to that lady we really appreciate it

KS

08/06/2026

The entire team at Busy Bees Severalls have been like an extended family to me and my little boy, their kindness has been so touching and made a real difference. My little boy has thrived since starting less than a year ago. The staff are keen to build real connections with the children and work on building their confidence and independence. Honestly I couldn't imagine a better setting for my little boy. Thank you x

SM

03/03/2026

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Colchester, Highwoods operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 6:00 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 52 weeks a year, Busy Bees Colchester, Highwoods helps support families around the demands of work and everyday life.

We look forward to working with you to create a plan that suits your family.

SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING

We take pride in our safeguarding policies

Safety and safeguarding are at the heart of everything we do, and your child's safety is our highest priority. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure every child in our care is safe, supported and well looked after.

Learn more

Award-Winning Safeguarding Standards recognising our commitment to protecting children across the UK

A dedicated Safety and Safeguarding Team with decades of experience, led by an industry-recognised leadership team

ISO 45001 certification supported by robust policies and procedures to help protect every child in our care

Thorough recruitment processes including enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive referencing, before joining Busy Bees

Carefully managed drop-off and collection procedures and sign out with controlled entry

Paediatric first aid trained staff in every nursery

A safe, supportive environment and a dedicated "speak up" service, where team members can confidentially report concerns 24/7, 365 days a year, through a variety of channels, without fear of retaliation

Curriculum and education

Giving your child the best start in life

Curriculum

Our Bee Curious curriculum is at the heart of everything we do, helping your child grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

Centred around your child's interests and pace, we combine purposeful play with a carefully designed curriculum that fosters curiosity and confidence. Bee Curious guides every moment in our nursery, from caring routines to planned activities, placing the unique child and their key person at the heart of learning. From encouraging independence at mealtimes, to supporting friendships in the playground, to celebrating every milestone with enthusiasm, our curriculum sparks a love of learning from the very beginning.

Expertly

developed

Using our 40 years of industry leading childcare experience, Bee Curious is a blueprint for playful learning. It is:

Developed by industry-leading experts and using over 40 years of global expertise

Based on the latest child behavioural science research and findings

Developed through collaboration with Busy Bees educators across the world

Led by Gill Jones MBE - Busy Bees Group Chief Quality Officer

Playfully

taught

Alongside structured learning, we encourage your child to express themselves freely and explore the world around them through creative and outdoor experiences that support every area of development. We do this by:

Using role play and storytelling to strengthen communication

Exploring art, music and movement

Learning outdoors in a safe, stimulating environment

Developing physical coordination and confidence

A head start

in life

Our teams nurture your child's curiosity and confidence, preparing them not just for school, but for life. We do this by:

Early reading and writing through phonics, storytelling and mark-making activities

Strong number sense through counting, patterns and problem-solving

Hands-on, purposeful play to encourage critical thinking and curiosity.

Strengthening focus and listening skills with guided group learning sessions.

Childcare at Busy Bees

Childcare funding

Funding and fees

Understanding childcare funding and nursery fees can feel complicated. Our aim is to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, helping you to find the right options for your family.

Use our funding fees calculator to estimate how your childcare hours could reduce your weekly nursery fees. Before using the calculator, please check which funding you might be eligible for here.

Calculate your fees Fee Sheet Funding Eligibility

explore a day at busy bees

A day in the life at Busy Bees Colchester, Highwoods

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 7:30am

Children arrive from 7:30am and are warmly greeted by our team.

Bee with a bowl of snacks

Breakfast

Children can enjoy fresh fruit with a selection of cereals or porridge.

Bee reading a book

Morning time

9am — 12pm

Every morning, children are introduced to activities that engage their interest.

Focused sensory activity

Exploring colours and textures

Outdoor exploration

With educators to guide the play.

Snack time

A nutritious snack and/or formula milk (if required) is provided.

A story with calm time or a nap

The children may have one or two naps in the day depending on their home routine and we will always offer these in line with their home life.

Bee holding an apple

Meal time

12pm — 2pm

A nutritious lunch. Our full NHS-accredited menu is available here.

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Bee gardening with a watering can

Afternoon
Activities

2pm — 5pm

Engaging your child with activities based around our Book of the Moment.

Outdoor guided play

In purposefully themed play spaces.

Tea time

A light evening meal.

Two bees flying together

Wrap up
and home time

until 6:00pm

Our last available pick up is at 6:00pm.

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 7:30am

Children arrive from 7:30am and are warmly greeted by our team.

Bee with a bowl of snacks

Breakfast

Children can enjoy fresh fruit with a selection of cereals or porridge.

Bee reading a book

Morning time

9am — 12pm

Every morning, children are introduced to activities that engage their interest.

Focused learning activity

A warm welcome with a morning song

Snack Time

Age-appropriate sensory or learning activity.

Outdoor learning

Exploration and connection with nature, whatever the weather.

Story time and reflection

A calming period before lunch.

Bee holding an apple

Meal time

12pm — 2pm

A nutritious lunch. Our full NHS-accredited menu is available here.

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Bee gardening with a watering can

Afternoon
Activities

2pm — 5pm

Engaging your child with activities based around our Book of the Moment.

Curious Mind

Maths, sensory experiences or problem solving.

Tea time

A light evening meal.

Outdoor play

In purposefully themed play spaces.

Two bees flying together

Wrap up
and home time

until 6:00pm

Our last available pick up is at 6:00pm.

Children and staff sharing a healthy meal at nursery

Food

Our weekly menu

NHS-accredited meals, drinks and snacks available.

Prepared daily by our on-site nursery chef

Variety of fresh ingredients throughout the week

Supports healthy growth and development

NHS-accredited nursery menu; our two seasonal menus are accredited by NHS Startwell, ensuring the food we serve is balanced and offers optimal nutrition.

If your child has any dietary requirements, allergies or cultural preferences, please speak with the Centre Director. Our team will work to ensure safe, suitable alternatives are provided.

See our food & menu

Track Progress

Our mobile App

Busy Bees

Throughout the day, keep up to date with your child's progress with our Busy Bees App.

Learn More
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