Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Lady Wolverton Pavillion, Adastral Close, Newmarket CB8 0PX
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9.7 73 Reviews
  • Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket, Newmarket
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9.4
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Care Provided by Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Simone Nel (Operations Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 30
  • Total Places for Children
  • 96
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays
  • Parking

  • Parking at Newmarket Leisure Centre and Adastral Close car park.


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Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket Reviews (73)

Total of 73, showing 21-40
9.7

Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.677) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket has 73 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would thoroughly recommend Colourbox Newmarket, particularly to parents of children who enjoy being outside. I feel the children get lots of time outside in both the garden area and the fantastic country club, which they all seem to love. My children look forward to going to nursery and coming home
happy and tired. The interactions I have had with staff have been positive and I believe they really do care about each child they look after. There is a relaxed and happy vibe in the Nest and Garden Club and I feel my children are safe and well supervised. On the occasions where I’ve raised a question or concern with management, it has been dealt with quickly and thoroughly. They eat well and often have second helpings! Thank you to all the staff at Colourbox. You set the bar very high for nurseries and I hope you know how appreciated you are.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you so much for your fantastic review. This is a true reflection of the dedication and passion that goes into a Colourbox setting, and we appreciate your honesty and recommendation to other parents. I will be sure to share this with the staff who will feel truly appreciated by it.


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Review from Anna S (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with Montessori Colourbox. Is a great place for our son, he is really enjoying spending time at the nursery and learning new skills. All staff are helpful and I can tell they enjoy working with the kids and they have the right attitude. We know he is in safe hands.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your kind review. The staff are truly passionate about early years, and we are delighted that you feel your child is in safe hands with us, a true reflection of the dedication that goes into the setting.


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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

I’d give this nursery 0 stars if I could. The staff turnover says it all.
Nappy rashes all the time and I mean very bad ones. One time she even came home with dried poo! When I questioned it and requested a meeting after numerous times, they blamed my child. No one will take responsibility or try
and fix the issues. I’ve known five children to leave there in the last few months because the care it’s just not given.
I bet this post gets taken down like the other bad reviews that I know have been put on here.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It may be reassuring for you to know that we have no control over the reviews on this page and this is why Daynurseries.co.uk is such a good tool for parents researching nurseries. All reviews are published regardless of whether they are negative or not and we have fully investigated your claims in this regard. You are misinformed about staff turnover - we do not have any issues with this. We have recently lost two staff members to maternity leave, and our company policy of promoting from within means that sometimes staff members may move to one of our other settings for their own Professional Development. Our records reflect that any nappy rashes recorded have been communicated and dealt with, and our staff are always more than happy to work with parents to help support children with recurring nappy rashes. Please accept our sincere apologies on behalf of the team, using this information to deliver better experiences henceforward.


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Review from Maria C (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had an excellent experience at Colourbox Newmarket. The staff are friendly and approachable and my little girl talks fondly of her teachers and the activities.
We love the ethos of the nursery, with everything very much child-led.
We feel the nursery has really encouraged our daughter’s development
in every aspect.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your warm and thoughtful review. I'll be sure to share this with the staff. We are delighted to hear that you are happy in every area with the experience for both you and your child.


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Review from B H (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Communication is terrible. Very little in the way of updates on children and when you get something it’s very clear it’s generic. My son was moved up to a new class and location 3 weeks before he was due to leave the nursery with no warning and no preparation. No feedback was given on his first day.
My son has had multiple nappy rashes that are so bad he can’t sit down because he has been left in his own poo for hours.
For the price you pay, crackers for a snack and sandwiches every day for dinner are not good value for money.
The outdoor areas are brilliant and there are some great teachers but all in all the management lets this nursery down badly.

Reply from Susie Norman, Owner at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. As the founder and director of this family business, I have thoroughly investigated your claims (including checking records from last year) and I have not found them to be justified. Certainly, our transitions have been handled in a different way this term due to the complete refurbishment of the Newmarket nursery but at all times children’s welfare has been at the heart of our decisions. It seemed unfair to us to leave your little boy without his friends and familiar teachers, even for 3 weeks. Yes, snacks and sandwiches are part of our daily offering but so are 2-course lunches, cooked from scratch by our qualified and experienced chef - you have clearly taken your example out of context. Your attitude to my staff was also unjustified and I do not tolerate this from our customers. However, I do wish you and your family all the best.


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Review from Yazmin N (Mother of Child) published on 3 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The nursery setting is lovely - really beautiful inside and outside. I have no concerns for the health, safety or well-being of the children when there, however, I think if your child has a disability, avoid it. Unless your child needs 1-2-1 care constantly, I’ve found them very unsupportive until a
grant was able to be had. The communication is poor - often I have no idea what my individual child has eaten or done that day, the app post is very generic and often doesn’t have photos of my child in. My child struggles with changes and often the nursery doesn’t warn me of changes therefore he’s very unsettled when he comes homes - vomits and doesn’t sleep which leads to poor attendance. I’ve made them aware of this but it doesn’t seem to change anything. The staff they have with the children are a great group of hard-working individuals and some of them truly love and care about the place but I feel we’re all let down by management.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are happy to read that you feel positive about so many aspects of our nursery. We have certainly taken your comments regarding our SEN practice to heart and would like to simply respond that respectful partnership with parents is key and in every case where this has been present we have seen wonderful outcomes for children.


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Review from Hannah B (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow! What an exceptional nursery. My daughter has been attending for two years and loves every minute. She bonded with all staff really well!
Her favourite activity at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School is country club, where she enjoys getting up close to nature and learning new outdoor skills.
This
Montessori lead nursery has encouraged secure independence in my daughter and enabled her to grow in confidence by giving her such a rich array of educational activities.
I highly recommend this nursery to all those parents looking for that extra something that the staff here provide.
Thank you for making my daughter's first educational experience a positive one.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your thoughtful review, and for your recommendation to other parents. We are so pleased to read about your daughter's positive nursery experience at Colourbox.


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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son absolutely loves his days at nursery. He loves the staff and they’re very nice to him. The choice for daily activities is great and so are updates via the app. We love the Montessori approach and how much it has helped him communicate and use tools like cutlery. The staff are lovely and really
competent.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your review. I will be sure to pass this on to the staff, who will no doubt feel so appreciated by your thoughtful words.


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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are really pleased with how our daughter is growing and developing at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School. She has grown in confidence and character and will now happily wave us goodbye at the door.
We love the child-led ethos and the year-round use of the beautiful outside space.
The
staff are friendly and knowledgeable and I feel as if they really take the time to understand each child. The recent parents evening was a great opportunity to chat with the key workers and spend time in the Nest seeing the various activities and stations available.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your great review. Our year-round outdoor Country Club space is definitely a highlight for the children. We are so pleased to read how much you enjoyed our parent's evening too.


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Review from E M (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great standard of care. Dedicated, caring staff. Fantastic facilities, lots of outdoor space. Easy pick-up and drop-off location and times. Healthy, homemade food. My child is really enjoying his time.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for this great review. You've highlighted some of the great things about Colourbox!


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Review from Bianca T (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a fab nursery! Our little girl is thriving under the supervision of the lovely staff members. She has become so independent and has learnt so many new things that she loves coming home and showing off. We look forward to seeing how she progresses through the rooms and fledge’s the nest room so
to speak. Handovers are always thorough and the staff are always so happy to answer any questions we may have. Thank you to everyone at Colourbox.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your fantastic review. We are so pleased your daughter is having an amazing time at Colourbox.


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Review from Jacek B (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Safe place, spacious garden far away from the busy road.
A warm and comforting environment, passionate and friendly staff, active learning and child-friendly facilities.
A lot of outside area helps kids grow natural environment.
Thanks.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your lovely review. You've mentioned all the great things about Colourbox, Newmarket that we are sure your child enjoys every aspect thereof.


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Review from L J (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since attending this nursery, my daughter has developed in leaps and bounds regarding her communication and interactive skills. She can now communicate with basic sign language and it is clear how well the nursery and staff help to facilitate these skills. My daughter absolutely loves attending this
nursery!

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your review. Babies who go through our Nest (baby room) all have opportunities to learn basic Makaton signs, and especially love to sign 'please' and 'more' when presented with the juicy fruit selections at snack times. We are so pleased to read how happy your little one is at Colourbox, Newmarket.


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Review from Xander R (Father of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughters both absolutely love going to Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School Newmarket. They especially enjoy going to 'country club' and exploring nature and the outdoors. The staff are all very friendly and develop fantastic positive relationships with the children. We are extremely happy
with the care they receive.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for this lovely review. Country Club is an amazing space that every child is excited to be in! We are so grateful to be able to offer such a fantastic outdoor space for children to explore in.


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Review from Diana K (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at the age of 1 and she absolutely loves it, she has developed so nicely. The staff are so friendly and kind and you can see their skills to interact and care about the babies are so developed. My daughter is absolutely in love with one particular member of staff! I am so happy I
made this choice!

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for this lovely review. It is so sweet to hear about the strong bond your daughter has with her key person. We are so pleased to hear how happy you are at Colourbox.


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Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our two children absolutely love their days at Colourbox Newmarket.
The staff are friendly, committed and approachable. They appear to be well supported by the management team and put their heart into the job.
We are so happy with the care and attention that is given to our children. Staff are creative
and are able to nurture our children’s learning and development through encouraging their natural interests.
We could not recommend Colourbox Newmarket more highly!

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for this amazing review. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of your children's learning journeys, beginning with one, welcoming another and having the opportunity to watch them both thrive in the Montessori and outdoor environments.


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Review from Deepa M (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great staff who let children express themselves with careful moderation and sensitivity. The importance given to outdoor time and ensuring it is child led is the best part of the nursery. Their communication is excellent.

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for this great review. Communication is very important and I am so happy you have highlighted your happiness with it, as well as our outdoor provision.


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Review from Daniel E (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't ask for a better nursery. Our daughter is always excited to walk through the doors in the morning and comes home with big smiles too. Staff incredible and you can tell they genuinely care. Can't wait to see our girl grow up as she progresses at this amazing nursery. Thanks to all the hardworking
staff!

Reply from Simone Nel, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your wonderful words and for taking the time to leave a review.


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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

We loved the outside aspect of forest school and that the children are free to roam and explore. The facilities are excellent. Our daughter learned to be independent and confident doing things for herself. Sadly for us the lack of communication really let things down. There are no verbal handovers and
everything is done via email. We would often have to ask repeatedly for the same things and no one ever quite knew what was going on. There is a lack of organisation and things often felt chaotic. Our daughter's key person left and this wasn't communicated to us and a new key person was not introduced. We really struggled with potty training - we would ask at pick up if she had accidents, etc and we would be told to check the app but the information wouldn't be on there either. We sadly decided to move nurseries. I know the staff are working really hard under a lot of pressure and it isn't all negative there are just some issues that need to be smoothed out.

Reply from Sandra Copping, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

Thank you for your review. It is sad that you decided to leave as the issues you raised have been smoothed out and the two new staff leading this room are fantastic. The facilities, philosophy, and learning environments at Colourbox are fabulous and it is a shame that your child will no longer benefit from these. The levels of independence and confidence achieved by children at Colourbox are all down to the Montessori Method which runs throughout the company, from the Director to the Managers and all those who we train.


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Review from Taryn C (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sons absolutely loved the forest school, still talking about it months after leaving to go to big school. A fantastic, immersive educational experience with outstanding practitioners and leaders who really get to know each child upon their journey.

Reply from Sandra Copping, Operations Manager at Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket

The children really do thrive outside in our Montessori Forest School environment. Thank you for your fabulous review.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.677)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.677) out of 10 for Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 38 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.677 for Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket is calculated as follows: ( (367 Excellents x 5) + (50 Goods x 4) + (16 Satisfactorys x 3) + (12 Poors x 2) + (7 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 452 Ratings = 4.677

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Colourbox Montessori School & Forest School - Newmarket is based on 34 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 96 number of registered child places is 19.2, which has been reached with 34 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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