Jesters Nursery School Danbury

The Old School House, Main Road, Danbury, Chelmsford CM3 4NQ
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9.0 32 Reviews
  • Jesters Nursery School Danbury, Chelmsford
Jesters Nursery School in the heart of Danbury village is a "Home of School Readiness'. Set in the historic, Victorian ‘Old School House’, steeped in children’s learning and education, and headed up by the qualified teaching team, children prepare for their next step to more formal education once at primary school through their unique and successful School Readiness Programme.

This exclusive Nursery School is part of a co-location set up with Jesters Bicknacre Nursery in the neighbouring village of Bicknacre. Once children at Bicknacre reach pre-school age they will naturally transition to Danbury and integrate with new pre-schoolers joining Jesters for the first time wanting to gain the best start to becoming 'School Ready'.

The light and airy classroom, carefully designed outdoor play spaces and playground offer endless opportunities for learning through play and independence. They are also lucky to have huge open playing fields and play park directly opposite the setting which they visit often, and the adjacent bus stop provides links to other local areas which the children thoroughly enjoy!

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Care Provided by Jesters Nursery School Danbury

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Hollie Russell (Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 6
  • Total Places for Children
  • 20
  • Age Range
    • from 3 years 0 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Jesters Nursery School Danbury

  • Fees are dependent on age of your child and the session times required. Please contact us for our pricing schedule.
  • Parking

  • On-site private car park, or neighbouring library and co-op parking area.


Jesters Nursery School Danbury Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20
9.0

Jesters Nursery School Danbury has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.017) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Jesters Nursery School Danbury has 32 reviews.

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Review from Lauren M (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since joining Jesters my son has changed and grown so much. He's become so much more outgoing, confident and really enjoys his nursery days and seeing all his friends. The school readiness programme has been brilliant for him and he is really enjoying learning new things and practising what he's learnt
at home. His vocabulary amazes me now and he always wants to do things himself or show me things he's learnt. He is getting very excited for school in September but it will be a sad time when he has to leave Jesters as he has formed lovely relationships with all the staff and other children.

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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter was at the Bickenacre setting since she was 10 months old which we were very happy with. Last September our daughter moved to Danbury to start the readiness program, since starting this she has thrived. Jesters have a very creative and fun way of teaching the children while preparing them
for school when they start in September. My daughter loves it at Jesters and I cannot recommend both Danbury highly enough.

Reply from Hollie Russell, Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

That's such wonderful feedback! We're so pleased to hear that your daughter has thrived since joining the School Readiness Programme at Jesters Danbury. It's fantastic to know she loves her time at Jesters and we truly appreciate your kind words about our creative and fun approach to learning. With school approaching, I cannot wait to see her develop even further.


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Review from Rachel P (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has absolutely flourished at Danbury doing the school readiness programme. He has just soaked up everything and is so ready for school in September. His independence and confidence have grown so much, with the help of the wonderful staff. The activities they do, and the learning opportunities
are so well thought out, always with the children and their learning in mind. He has made some lovely friendships and has thrived there. It will be a bittersweet moment the day we leave. We have been with Jesters for nearly 4 years and they have given him the best start he could possibly ask for. I love that it's a small nursery with a lovely character.

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Review from Ahmed N (Father of Child) published on 4 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My son has been with them for 1 year. Was good at the start but when one of the managers left everything was so bad. Three months ago they didn’t put my son's medicine in his bag and I had to call 111 for emergency medicine, they put wet clothes in his school bag without putting them first in a plastic
bag, they called me to pick up my son because they say he getting over-excited. It is just disgusting, if you love your child please don’t bring here.
Update, in the end I have to take my son out of this place for his best.

Reply from Madeline Barratt, Communications and Compliance Director at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

This reviewer is posting in all our settings in an undeserved attempt to damage our reputation. The well-being and welfare of the children in our care is our prime consideration at all times. It would be inappropriate to address the concerns raised here individually. The issues were fully addressed at the time and any necessary changes were implemented. We're the first to acknowledge any need for change and always work closely with parents to address concerns. Our approach is professional and considered but sadly this isn't always reciprocated by parents despite our best efforts. We acknowledge that not all children are suited to all settings; we simply ask that parents also recognise this and if there is a need to find a more appropriate setting they do so without attempting to damage the reputation of a good provider as this reviewer is trying to do. Our settings speak for themselves and we welcome visitors to come along to have a look and speak with our staff and form their own judgements.


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Review from N P (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has absolutely loved his time at Jesters in Danbury. The whole team have been amazing from the moment we contacted by email and communications have continued to be fantastic. My child absolutely adores the staff caring for him, so much so he has asked if he can attend more days. My son settled
in so quickly with the team, and I appreciate the time they take to update me on how his day has been when I collect him. He has had so many new and different experiences at the nursery, and we have all been delighted with all the different activities he has been doing at the nursery. I am so happy we were lucky enough to find a place here and I would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Emma Green, Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We have loved having your son in our care and welcoming you all to the Jesters family.
We are so pleased you have been happy with the care and education provided at our Danbury setting.


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Review from Jaclyn R (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Jesters Danbury more highly! We recently moved to the area; I toured 7 nurseries to find the right fit for our daughter. Jesters was the best choice by far -- everything we've experienced has confirmed this. We love the approaches and ethos. The setting is bright, open, spacious and
inviting, with free flow to the charming back garden (there's also a larger garden). But what truly makes Jesters stand out is its people. We received phenomenal support from the Business Manager, who goes above and beyond to assist and welcome parents. The Danbury team are also incredible. They're so lovely and warm, and clearly excellent practitioners. We're so happy with the high standard of care, the well-planned and engaging curriculum, and the terrific communication with parents (in person and via the app). Our daughter (who is naturally very shy) settled straight away. I've never seen her happier to go to nursery. We're so glad we found Jesters!

Reply from Emma Green, Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so pleased with how your daughter has settled in and love having you all as part of the Jesters family.


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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We received a very warm and friendly welcome from the staff. The way they teach their children to be independent is amazing. Very practical, educational, creative, indoor and outdoor learning. 100% recommendable.

Reply from Emma Green, Servicewide Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your lovely words. We love having you both as part of the Jesters family.


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Review from Kayleigh R (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Jesters Montessori Inspired Nursery School Danbury for a few weeks now and comes home telling me and her dad how much she has enjoyed it. She tells me how she gets there in the minibus and that she loves sitting in there and looking at where they are going. She talks about
it all the time and she loved having her tea there as well.

Reply from Emma Green, Servicewide Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your lovely review. We are sol pleased your daughter is loving our Danbury setting too. We love having you all as part of the Jesters family.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The school readiness sessions have been really helpful in getting her prepared for school. She enjoys her Wednesday's out in a new setting along with her friends. I think the change in environment is good and will support and ease the transition to the reception.

Reply from Emma Green, Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased your daughter is enjoying the school readiness session.


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Review from Nina W (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had over four years of experience with Jesters Montessori Inspired Nursery School Danbury and have returned this school year with our third child. I have always found the Jesters wider team to be so friendly and approachable with any questions. The team at their Danbury site are superb. Always
professional, caring and open to any feedback. Parents are constantly updated daily with your child's progress. They run lots of different tasks from painting, baking, and gardening and more recently have introduced a school readiness programme which I am sure will help my child in his transition to school in September. I have only praise and my happy child at the end of the day is thanks to the lovely ladies there. Thank you to the staff at Danbury for making this stage a memorable and lovely experience.

Reply from Emma Green, Servicewide Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your lovely review and kind words. We have loved watching all 3 of your boys flourish and develop over the years. It has been a pleasure to have you all as part of the Jesters family.


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Review from B J (Father of Child) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We hope to see a few more children join the nursery in the new year.
The staff are all very good and can't help enough.
Many thanks.

Reply from Emma Green, Servicewide Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your kind words. We love having you all as part of the Jesters family.


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Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child enjoys it very much in the setting and is able to keep stimulated through learning all day. The staff are helpful and friendly, and the environment is clean and inviting. I like that they encourage the children to be independent and involve them in preparing meals.

Reply from Emma Green, Servicewide Business Manager at Jesters Nursery School Danbury

Thank you for your review. We really enjoy having your child at Jesters and are glad he enjoys our Montessori-inspired setting.


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Review from Jane T (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending the pre-school for nearly a year now. She loves her time there, I’m really pleased with how happy she is and the progress she has made. The environment is welcoming, exciting and well looked after. The children take part if n a number of activities inside and outdoors.
The staff are very friendly, competent and try to bring out the best in each child, depending on their interests and needs. I would highly recommend Jesters.

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Review from Nick C (Father of Child) published on 24 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Jester pre and post-school clubs since he started at junior school nearby. The staff are always kind, helpful and give good feedback on how your child has been that day. My son really likes the staff here and they really do go out of their way to make sure that your child is
safe and has fun.

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Review from Julia O (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery. Great staff, honest, reliable and helpful. My son thrived at this nursery. Place is clean and secure. Would highly recommend it.

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Review from Leann G (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had both of my children attend Jesters Pre-School and they both loved it there and enjoyed every day. The staff are amazing with the children and it was sad to be leaving for my daughter to go up to primary school but, she was more than ready, all thanks to the staff preparing her for the change and
her new adventure. So a huge thank you to all the staff.

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Review from Bonnie T (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son thrived at The Jesters Pre-school setting in Danbury. He loved everything about it from the lovely friends he made to the themed crafts, planting vegetables and learning to swing in the outdoor area. I was always particularly impressed with the detailed handover which included all he had been
doing each day, including trips to the park and library.

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Review from Nicola B (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Happy to recommend this setting. My twins had a lovely time here and made some lovely friends with whom they continued their friendship at big school.

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Review from Elizabeth A (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended the pre-school after attending another nursery. She settled in immediately and was made to feel very welcome. The team are all very friendly and my daughter looked forward to going every day. She enjoyed all aspects of the play, including playing in the garden and going to the park
and library. I highly recommend this friendly, caring pre-school. My daughter loved it and it really helped her prepare for when she started school in September.

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Review from Y P (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Jester Pre-School is a great place for children. My daughter loves it. Every day is a new adventure full of different activities for her learning and development.
I can tell from how happy she is when she goes and when she comes back for the setting. I love how they record the activities on the online
journal so I can check on her.

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Current Review Score: 9.0 (9.017)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (9.017) out of 10 for Jesters Nursery School Danbury is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 6 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 4.417 for Jesters Nursery School Danbury is calculated as follows: ( (69 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) + (2 Poors x 2) + (10 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 84 Ratings = 4.417

  • 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 4.6 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Jesters Nursery School Danbury is based on 6 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 = 3.6

    • 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 20 number of registered child places is 4, which has been reached with 6 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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (2)

Hollie

Hollie Russell

Job Title: Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead

Joined: 2022

Hello, I am the Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead developing and nurturing our Jesters pre-schoolers. I have always had an immense passion for helping others and making a difference, and because of this, I always knew I wanted to work with children, positively impacting their lives and helping them thrive and learn.


Growing up, I always admired my teachers and couldn’t wait until I could inspire other young children too. I completed my University Degree in Early Years and Primary Education and QTS Qualifications, and have been working in childcare and education since 2014. I have loved every minute and continue to do so here at Jesters.


Rachel

Rachel Morris

Job Title: Head of Education

Joined: 2020

Hello, I’m Rachel, Head of Education at Jesters. I have over 12 years of experience in childcare and education and have taught in both nursery and school settings. I am passionate about child development and will always go above and beyond to ensure that all children are provided with exceptional learning and care opportunities.


I am part of the leadership teams at all Jester's settings. My role is to shape education and the curriculum across the service. I have Early Years Professional status.


I love helping children develop and grow and often seek inspiration from one of my favourite quotes “Do not compare your child to others, there’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it’s their time” – I look forward to helping the children shine.


Frequently Asked Questions about Jesters Nursery School Danbury

What is the Age Range of Children that Jesters Nursery School Danbury accepts?

Jesters Nursery School Danbury accepts Children aged from 3 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Jesters Nursery School Danbury Open?

Jesters Nursery School Danbury is open: 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.

How many Children does Jesters Nursery School Danbury have capacity for?

Jesters Nursery School Danbury has capacity for a total of 20 Children.

How far is Jesters Nursery School Danbury to the centre of Chelmsford?

4.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Jesters Nursery School Danbury to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Jesters Nursery School Danbury has an Enhanced Service – more info.