Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Hawthorne Avenue, Via Acacia Avenue, Colchester CO4 3JN
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9.9 22 Reviews
  • Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester, Colchester
Just Imagine Colchester Day Nursery, rated Outstanding by Ofsted (November 2022) is a beautiful, converted house nursery which offers a familiar home from home environment at the heart of the community.

Caring for children aged 3 months to 5 years, staff provide the best opportunities and experiences for children to learn and develop from the very start of their nursery journey.

A broad range of activities are on offer each day, with resources for children to explore and expand their natural curiosity and learn through play.

The team strive for all children and families to flourish, and pride themselves on establishing unique parent partnerships, ensuring every child’s individual needs are met and support is given families on a day-to-day basis.

Care Provided by Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Abbie Smith (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 5
  • Total Places for Children
  • 34
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

  • Nursery fees are dependent on the age of your child and your specific childcare requirements. Funding options are available, including the government’s 30 hours funded childcare, for working families with 3-4-year-old children and we also accept the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme and childcare vouchers.
    Please call us to request pricing and availability.


  • Parking
  • Parking bays are located at the back of the nursery.
    There is access to on-site parking for easy drop-off/pick-up, and a buggy park is also available.


Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester Reviews (22)

Total of 22, showing 1-20
9.9

Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.883) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester has 22 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A lovely nursery!
My little boy has been going since November 2023 and loves his days there.
They provide a lovely environment, and you can tell all staff take their time to learn the children's personalities.
They are also good at creating exciting activities indoors and out.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your little one loves coming to the nursery and enjoys the activities planned for them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All three of my children have gone to this nursery, and I couldn’t be prouder of the choice I made! All the lovely staff have helped my children massively! If you think about sending your children, please do, they are outstanding.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery has been perfect for my little boy; he always enjoys going and always has the best day. Their menu for the children is always great, and they do a lot of activities with the children, including little trips that he enjoys. Every day he attends, the staff lets me know how he’s got on and
what he’s been up to. I’m so glad I picked this nursery for him, his development is coming on perfectly.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear that your little one loves coming to the nursery and enjoys the activities planned for them.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two boys who go to Just Imagine Nursery Colchester, and the joy they get from being there is heartwarming. The staff are so dedicated to making their time spent there fun and varied every day, from baby room to pre-school. My boys have made treasured friendships at the nursery and even consider
the staff as their best friends! Both of my boys are advancing really well with all their learning and social skills, and love taking part in the activities, from baking to space adventures! The garden at Just Imagine is fantastic with many varying activities for the children to do in all weather. I couldn't praise all the staff at Just Imagine enough, as a working mum, it makes it so much easier when I know how well cared for and looked after my boys are.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that your boys enjoy attending Just Imagine Nursery Colchester so much. It's heartwarming to know that they have formed treasured friendships and see the staff as their best friends. We're glad we can make your life easier as a working mum by providing excellent care for your boys.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with Just Image Nursery Colchester. My grandson has had difficulties to accommodate with other nurseries before, but here he has integrated very well, and he is feeling happy and confident now. Many thanks to one lady who was very caring with him (when he was in the beginning baby room)
she helped him to feel safe and loved as at home. Many thanks to all of the staff.

Reply from Sidonega Subashan, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you're happy with Just Imagine Nursery Colchester. It's wonderful to know that your grandson has integrated well and is feeling happy and confident with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery!
My daughter is thriving attending Just imagine Colchester. The staff are truly wonderful. They always provide us with information regarding her day at nursery, and update us on her learning via parent meetings, observations or daily reports. The staff are warm and welcoming aswell
as the nursery setting itself being a homily environment. I would highly recommend it to any family or friend.
Thank you for everything you do.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter is thriving at Just Imagine Colchester. We appreciate your kind words about our staff, and we're glad you find our nursery setting welcoming and homely.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't thank this amazing nursery enough for all their help, support and guidance with my little one. Absolutely amazing team - outstanding nursery. The outside space is perfect - my little boy's favourite area.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We appreciate your kind words about the nursery and the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Before putting my daughter in Just Imagine, we tried multiple childminders and nurseries, but she wouldn’t settle. Upon the first settling-in session, I knew this would be the nursery for her; she loved the atmosphere and the staff immediately. She’s gone from nonverbal to speaking sentences and finally
playing with other children, making friends and memories. She can’t wait to get through the door at drop-off, and all she does is talk about going to see two particular members of staff when she is off! Lovely nursery, thank you.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that Just Imagine Nursery has been the perfect fit for your daughter. It's heartwarming to know that she loves coming to nursery and has made such wonderful progress.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love the nursery. They have proper bought out my child’s creative side, and seeing her make so many friends is amazing. The staff are fantastic, and the rooms are always clean. My child always loves to come to nursery.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that your little one is having a lovely experience at our nursery and appreciate your kind words about the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ever since I put my daughter in this nursery, the team and manager have made her feel very welcome and also me very welcome. They have given me so much support regarding my situation over the last couple of months, and I couldn’t thank them enough. Highly recommend the nursery, and the best one, without
a doubt.

Reply from Sid, Senior Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that your little one is having a lovely experience at our nursery and appreciate your kind words about the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are happy with the overall nursery performance. I am glad to see the development in my child with respect to her socialising skills and learning skills. I am happy to send my child every day to nursery now.

Reply from Natalie Hunt, Head of Marketing at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for your review. We are pleased you are happy with our nursery and have seen your child's social skills and learning develop during her time here.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at the nursery since he was 10-months-old (he’s now 3-years-old), and I have never had any problems with the nursery or staff. The staff are so happy and welcoming. I always feel my son is happy and safe with them. Having seen the new changes to the nursery design, I am very grateful
that my son goes there; it feels very homely and there are lots to do. The garden is amazing, so much for little ones to explore and learn. The sensory room is fantastic; I can understand why my son enjoys being in there. I always know my son is well cared for, and I couldn’t wish for a better place for him to be looked after and start his journey in his early year's education. The team are just fantastic!

Reply from Gemma Craig, PLT Manager at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

So great to hear your son is so settled and enjoying this time at nursery. Thank you for sending over your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The whole team are wonderful and feels like extended family, who really have the best interest and tailored care for all children under their care. I do not worry about leaving my child in their care; they have helped my child to develop more emotionally and socially than in the previous care setting
that was attended. Staff are attentive, have good communication amongst each other, key persons are chosen by who the child naturally goes to, and it's so nice to see my child have a bond with someone who gives them the care they need and professional love and support whilst in their care. Staff truly take time to know each child in their care.

Reply from Gemma Craig, PLT Manager at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

So lovely to hear that your family feel so welcomed by the manager and the team and that your little one is settled and thriving in the setting. Thanks for your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just Imagine is the best nursery that I've come across.
My son is 16-months old and absolutely loves going to the nursery; he is so excited when I tell him in the morning that he's going to nursery.
The changes they have made just recently are amazing; the garden has a lovely sized outside area where
they've done it up with a mud kitchen, musical instruments, sand and water play as welll as a construction site for the children to build and explore.
My recent experience with parent's meeting was lovely; it was the first time of being able to go in and look around properly since Covid-19 happened.
It was lovely to meet my son's key person and see how he's getting on; he's developed so much physically and verbally.
She is such a lovely lady, she explained everything to me in much more detail than I even knew.
I'm so happy with the nursery as a whole and the other children and staff members that work there looking after our children.
Thank you for making childcare a breeze.

Reply from Gemma Craig, PLT Manager at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

It's great to hear that your son loves going to nursery and we're pleased to hear you're happy with all the recent changes. Thanks for sending us your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Recently had a parents meeting at the nursery, and the staff were kind enough to provide a tour as well as an update on my child's development. The attitudes of the guys here are amazing. They're accommodating, friendly and cheerful. My child has developed at incredible speed since attending the nursery
and absolutely loves being there. The facilities are brilliant, as are the people, who really strive to provide a nurturing and generally lovely environment. Couldn't recommend them enough!

Reply from Gemma Craig, PLT Manager at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

So great to hear your little one is thriving with the manager and her team. Thank you for your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Had to move my children for financial reasons from another nursery. Not only does this nursery cost less, but the staff are lovely.
My daughter can be shy and apprehensive, and I really worried about moving her; however, she has started to settle already after just six 2-hour sessions.
It was my
son's first time at nursery following maternity leave, and he loves it; he’s so content.
I most love that the nursery is child-led; they do what they feel like doing rather than being forced to do activities they aren’t in the mood for. I feel children learn better this way when they are enjoying the art of learning through play.


Can’t wait to see what my children achieve and how they grow being here.


Reply from Paige, Parent Liaison Team at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Hi, thank you for your review. It's lovely to hear that your daughter has started to settle after only a few sessions of joining our nursery. I'm glad your son is also enjoying nursery and is content when being there. Thank you for understanding our approach to learning through play and for saying how our staff are lovely.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Choosing a nursery amongst an active pandemic was not easy, especially as a first time Mum, but the staff at Just Imagine made me feel so comfortable and allowed me to take the time in asking all the questions I needed, so I knew from the early stages it was going to be the right nursery for us. It
was one of the few nurseries local to us as well that offered a large unoverlooked outside garden, which the team take full advantage of in all reasonable weather, meaning the kids get plenty of fresh air and exercise through play. My daughter also suffers from a milk allergy, which the team have all been so alert with. The policies and procedures they have in place put my daughter's safety first but also ensures she isn’t separated when eating and isn’t made to feel excluded. But best of all, my daughter loves to go; she talks about her friends and her teachers all the time and has never been upset when I’ve dropped her at the door and is always smiling when I collect her to go home!

Reply from Harjit, Digital Marketing Executive at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Thank you for the review; it's great to hear your daughter loves the nursery and is happy here.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is in the potty training stage, and I must say, she’s improved greatly, and I know part of the reason is the patience and care given at the nursery.
Also, being able to now view some of the activities that go on at the nursery via the log is very encouraging as it gives a sense of being
there and a knowledge of what can be replicated at home.

Reply from Paige, Parent Liaison Team at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Hello. Thank you for leaving a review. It's lovely to hear that our staff are able to help your daughter in this stage of potty training and to know you see the patience and care they give at this stage in a child's life. I'm happy to hear that you approve of the app and you feel like you were with her at the setting through the photos.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been attending this nursery since she was crawling and is now two and a half. The staff are fantastic and always go the extra mile. The facilities are perfect in both the baby and older downstairs room with a variety of different engaging activities and areas set up. It is a small nursery
with a real homely feel, and my daughter always eats extra food too!

Reply from Paige, Parent Liaison Team at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Hi. Thank you for leaving a review. It's lovely to hear that your child has been attending the setting since she was a baby and is still at the Just Imagine nursery. I'm glad that you think our staff always go the extra mile and are fantastic! It's lovely to hear that you think our facilities throughout the nursery are perfect and we use a variety of different engaging activities for the children to take part in.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy and friendly environment
Staff are lovely and caring. Nothing is ever too much and are so helpful when I have questions about my child.
My child comes home from nursery in such a good mood, he can’t wait to go back!

Reply from Paige, Parent Liaison Team at Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

Hi. Thank you for leaving a review. I'm glad you find our staff caring and helpful. It's lovely to hear that your child is enjoying his time at nursery and is always happy at pick up times.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.883)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.883) out of 10 for Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.883 for Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester is calculated as follows: ( (108 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.883

  • 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 Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester is based on 10 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 34 number of registered child places is 6.8, which has been reached with 10 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 (4)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Abbie Smith

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2015

Hi, I’m Abbie, the Manager of Just Imagine Day Nursery – Colchester. I have been in childcare for over 18 years, working my way up from an Apprentice to Manager. Along the way, I have gained a Level 3 qualification in Childcare & Education, as well as a Level 6 BA Degree in Childcare Studies. I have worked in a range of settings and have found my niche in my Early Years.


I want to make a difference in childcare. The early years of a child’s life are pivotal to who they will become as an adult. Early interaction and intervention make all the difference in learning outcomes through the school years and beyond. I work tirelessly to improve outcomes for children through activities, resources, environments, and staff training.


My ambitions for the future are to carry on growing and developing the nursery to continually provide outstanding childcare.


I am always here to lend a listening ear to parents and to point them in the right direction if they need support. I am passionate about supporting all of our families in whatever capacity is needed.


Frequently Asked Questions about Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester

What is the Age Range of Children that Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester accepts?

Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester Open?

Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester have capacity for?

Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester has capacity for a total of 34 Children.

How far is Just Imagine Day Nursery - Colchester to the centre of Colchester?

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