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

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 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 was so proud to be voted Manager of the Year in March 2019 at the Busy Bees Awards.

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.