Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Horseshoe Farm, Main Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford CM3 4EX
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9.7 62 Reviews
  • Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre, Chelmsford
Jesters' beautiful, purpose-built, cedar wood Nursery and dedicated Baby Cottage specialise in nurturing under 3s with babies and children spending their formative years focusing on care, wellbeing and learning through play. The semi-rural, intimate setting overlooks the Essex countryside; and with nature on the doorstep, offers a truly 'home away from home' feel.

Jesters Bicknacre Nursery is part of the fully integrated co-location Nursery and Nursery School set up. Once children reach pre-school age, they transfer to the exclusive Nursery School located just 5 minutes up the road in the neighbouring village of Danbury. Jesters Danbury is the 'Home of School Readiness' and capitalises on and dedicates itself to preparing pre-schoolers for the transition to primary education, operating as a distinct and exceptional satellite Nursery School.

Once children graduate to primary School, the Jesters care does not end. Back at Bicknacre, the separate Jesters ‘Kids Club’ provides breakfast, after school and holiday care for children up to 12 years of age.

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Care Provided by Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jennie Gregory (Under 3’s Nursery Manager & Servicewide Designated Safeguarding Lead)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 10
  • Total Places for Children
  • 30
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 4 years 11 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 Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

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

Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre Reviews (62)

Total of 62, showing 41-60
9.7

Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.675) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre has 62 reviews.

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Review from Linda K (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't rate Jesters highly enough. My 3 year old went to a previous nursery where every day I was told she had been really emotional most of the day. But at Jesters she is a different child. She loves nursery now and loves telling me about everything she has done. My one year old has also settled in
beautifully. The staff are fantastic and always greet you with a smile. And always make time to tell you about their day afterwards. I'm so pleased we made the move. They also provide great updates with pictures about what the kids have been up to. Would highly recommend.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate and value your feedback! We have loved settling both of your little ones at nursery and seeing how well they are progressing. We are so pleased that you are happy and glad you made move too as they are a pleasure to look after.


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Review from Craig S (Father of Child) published on 17 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Jesters @ Bicknacre are quite simply the most accommodating, kind and friendly people that I know. Not only have they dealt with our little one fantastically, they have been amazingly patient and flexible with us at a particularly testing time. I can't recommend this nursery enough, you
simply won't be disappointed.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Nursery Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your very kind words. We really appreciate your feedback, we will always do all we can to be accommodating. We have really enjoyed settling your little one into our new baby nook and are so pleased you are happy with how he is getting on.


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Review from Rosie L (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so happy so far with this course of nursery especially with Covid 19. We are so well informed with what is going on and the nursery feels like a home from home when dropping our son off. We would definitely recommend this setting for anyone who needs childcare.

Reply from Caroline Boorman, Manager at Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Thank you so much for your lovely and kind feedback. We really value and appreciate this and are so thrilled you are happy about how your little one has settled in our baby nook. We love looking after him!


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Review from Michelle G (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy with this nursery. It has a really cosy/family feel about it and my one-year-old jumps out of my arms on a morning into the nursery nurses arms and comes home happy every evening. The safeguarding measures are exceptional and it is a vibrant, clean and welcoming space for the children.
Communication is great and the staff listen to your needs for your child and ensure they are met (ie nap times). I get the feeling the staff just want to do everything possible to make the experience the best for you and your child. There's a wonderful outdoor space for the children and it seems the outdoor play is encouraged at all times/seasons which is fantastic for my little boy. I cannot recommend this nursery enough. A huge relief for me working full time knowing he is being well looked after.

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Review from Andrew L (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our three-year-old daughter moved here from another pre-school. She has settled in really well and looks forward to attending. The staff are friendly and professional. The curriculum that is followed is varied and stimulating. Overall very satisfied!

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Review from Kerri H (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has just joined Jesters Nursery and has settled wonderfully. The staff are amazing and worked so hard to make sure our nervous and shy little boy was happy and relaxed. This made settling easier for all of us. Within days of being at Jesters, he was full of beans and excited to go back. He loves
Jesters and is always keen to tell us what he has been up to. They provide a safe and caring environment that allows children to feel free to explore, the resources are clean and engaging, especially the garden area. We are really impressed with Jesters and would certainly recommend them to anyone looking for childcare in the area.

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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Jesters in July and we’ve been over the moon with how well she’s settled in here. It’s such a lovely nursery with a great outdoor area too. She wakes up in the morning happy to go and when I pick her up she’s full of stories of things she’s done that day. The staff are amazing
and you can see how caring they are towards the children. I would highly recommend Jesters.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has just started here and has settled in fantastically. The staff are very polite and kind and have helped her settle in. She goes in each day happy and contented, which is such a relief now I am back at work.

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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 2 years 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 garden is a particularly fantastic resource. The children take part
in 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. They have also always been very flexible and accommodating (with change of days/hours etc) where possible, which is extremely rare with nurseries. I would highly recommend Jesters Nursery.

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Review from Karen H (Grandmother of Child) published on 23 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandson was born prematurely and had some needs that had to be considered when he entered Nursery.
The Staff at Jesters are Professional, considerate and very kind.
From when our Grandson entered Nursery to the time that he has now left, we have seen such a considerable change him. He has grown
in confidence. The help from all the staff and the regular updates that they have given us have been delightful and a real joy. Thank you to all at Jesters!!!

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Review from Rebecca C (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Jesters is a lovely little nursery. It is clean and safe and the staff are very friendly. My daughter absolutely loves going there! The garden is amazing and it’s really handy being next door to the after school club! Definitely recommend.

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Review from Charlotte S (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love Jesters. It has a homely feel which instantly makes children feel relaxed. Our son loves all the key workers, and regards them as his own 'friends'. They have a fantastic outside area - they will always ensure lots of outdoor activities which is perfect for outdoor loving children.

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Review from Rebecca H (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter had a fabulous year at the pre-school before she started school and now my son is loving his time at the Bicknacre Nursery. The staff are always friendly and the garden is a great addition. He loves his time there and the communication with Tapestry is really useful. He is looking forward
to moving up to the preschool in September!

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Review from Mark S (Father of Child) published on 6 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is such a lovely little Nursery, my daughter has been attending here for almost a year now and is so happy and excited to go every day. Having previously attended a big chain nursery where she was more of a number than a name, it is so refreshing to see how happy she is here. The Nursery itself
is in lovely surroundings with the garden backing onto farmland, the whole place looks very clean and fun for little legs. The staff are always very friendly and helpful and take great care of my daughter, cannot recommend this place highly enough.

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Review from Clair (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

So pleased with Jesters Nursery, all the staff are friendly and welcoming.
My daughter has been going since April and is thriving. She does so many different activities every day.

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Review from Amy B (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff at Jesters are so friendly and welcoming and I can drop my son off with no worries every morning...even on the days, he reaches out for me not to go, because I know that within seconds he is having a wonderful time. All the activities are so varied, there is a wonderful outdoor space that
is utilised to its full potential and I get regular updates on his online journal as to what he does in the day and how it is helping his development.
My little boy isn’t always the easiest but at Jesters, they embrace his “quirky” ways and allow him to stick to his routine and not a set one which I think is so important.
On a practical note, the opening times really benefit parents who have longer working days or a commute which makes the work-life balance that much easier to juggle.

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Review from Natasha S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a lovely nursery. My daughter loves attending and has made lots of new friends since starting in January.

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Review from Christina B (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at the nursery for a year and has thrived. Every single teacher has had a positive impact on her learning and we have loved it. The setting is small allowing each child to get 1:1 time as well as fun through multiple activities of baking, colouring, science experiments and even
boot camp.
The garden is a great asset too.

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Review from Sophie A (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter only started Jesters in January due to us moving to the area, but in those 6 months, she had an amazing time. They're like a little family there, she loved playing with children her own age but also getting to help with the little ones. She grew more than I ever imagined she would in 6 months.
She broke up for the summer to start school in September and every day asks when she can go back. We are due baby number 2 in January and Jesters is first on my list for a nursery.

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Review from Lauren R (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Jesters from when he was 15 months. I particularly wanted a smaller setting where he could grow and develop and have the attention he required. He has flourished in the setting and has developed so much confidence. His language skills are amazing and I feel this is down to Jesters.
All the staff at the setting are highly qualified and have such a love for their profession. The mixed age grouping really creates a family feel and how the setting is dressed creates a calm atmosphere for children to feel calm and relaxed. I can not recommend this nursery enough.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.675)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.675) out of 10 for Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 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 4.875 for Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre is calculated as follows: ( (84 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.875

  • 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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre is based on 8 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 = 3.8

    • 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 30 number of registered child places is 6, which has been reached with 8 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (7)

Festival Leisure Awards

Recipient: Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Date: Friday 21 Jul 2023 More details

Nursery World Award

Recipient: Jesters Day Nursery & Pre-School Bicknacre

Date: Monday 10 Jul 2023 More details

Nursery World Award

Recipient: Jesters

Date: Monday 10 Jul 2023 More details

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Meet the Team (4)

Jennie

Jennie Gregory

Job Title: Under 3’s Nursery Manager & Servicewide Designated Safeguarding Lead

Joined: 2017

My name is Jennie and I am the Under 3’s Nursery Manager at Bicknacre and the Servicewide Designated Safeguarding Lead. I have over 20 years of experience in the early years sector and most of this has been in a leadership role. I have a Level 4 Early Years qualification and a Level 3 qualification in Management.


I originally started at Jesters when we first opened our early years service at Bicknacre and Danbury in 2017. I launched the service with the Directors and have been instrumental in its development since then. I also then went on to open our Beaulieu Nursery & Pre-School setting in 2018 before transitioning into a role to support the whole Jesters service, working with, and supporting our setting Managers until 2023. I am really excited to come back ‘home’ to our beautiful Bicknacre setting as the Under 3’s Nursery Manager and have the opportunity to shape this new targeted offer for Jesters.


80% of a brain is developed by the time a child is 3 years old. This is the best opportunity for a child’s brain to develop the connections they need to be healthy, capable, successful adults. The connections needed for many important higher-level abilities like motivation, self-regulation, problem-solving and communication are formed in these early years. It’s much harder for these essential brain connections to be formed in later life. This really shows the importance of these early years and getting those foundations right for our babies and toddlers.


Charlotte

Charlotte Palmer

Job Title: Deputy Nursery & Pre-School Manager

Joined: 2021

Hello, I’m Charlotte and I returned to Jesters after having some time out to pursue other interests. I am looking forward to progressing here at Jesters and fulfilling my passion for working with children.


I have progressed my career within Jesters from Early Years Assistant to Deputy Manager here at Bicknacre Nursery & Pre-School and Fawns Room Leader working in the lovely Baby Cottage.


Working at Jesters gives me a very homely feel and a sense of family which I wouldn’t change for the world.


Rachel

Rachel Morris

Job Title: Head of Education

Joined: 2019

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.


Hollie

Hollie Russell

Job Title: Servicewide Nursery School & Curriculum Lead

Joined: 2022

Hello, I am Hollie, 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.


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