Dedicated to excellence in early childhood education
Welcome from Vicki Shreeve, Nursery and Preschool Manager
At Holmwood House, we believe the early years of a child’s education are some of the most important—and we’re proud to offer an incredibly enriching environment where your child can begin their learning journey with confidence, joy, and curiosity. We know and nurture each child as an individual, ensuring as we help them progress, they feel secure and supported every step of the way.
Set across two beautiful rural locations just outside Colchester in Essex, our Nursery in Great Horkesley welcomes children from 6 months old, while our Preschool in Chitts Hill offers a vibrant setting for children from 2 years of age. Though based on two separate sites, they offer one seamless and connected journey—designed to prepare children with the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive as they move into Reception and beyond.
Our approach is grounded in care, nurture, and consideration. We believe that strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of a happy and successful early experience. That’s why we place as much importance on building genuine partnerships with parents as we do on knowing each child. Through open communication, careful listening, and ongoing reflection, we ensure that every child’s needs, interests, and progress are fully understood and supported in our setting.
At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to inspiring a life-long love of learning. Our environment is designed to be both exciting and purposeful—encouraging children to be curious, resilient, and independent. As they grow, they are gently introduced to key early skills in communication, language, literacy, numeracy, and social development, helping to ensure they are confident, well-rounded, and “school-ready” when the time comes, so they thrive in Reception and beyond.
We’re also fortunate to draw on the outstanding facilities and specialist teaching available at Holmwood House School, offering our youngest learners a truly unique and enriched experience. Whether through music, outdoor exploration, physical activity, or creative play, your child will benefit from an education that balances structure with freedom, and challenge with support.
We actively celebrate each child’s family culture, background, and identity, promoting a spirit of inclusion, kindness, and respect for others. By encouraging children to express themselves, listen to one another, and understand the wider world, we help them become confident members of the diverse communities that shape our lives.
With spacious outdoor areas across both sites, our children enjoy daily opportunities for exploration and discovery in the natural world. Come rain or shine, they thrive in an environment where they can run, climb, investigate and connect with nature—developing their confidence, creativity, and wellbeing in the process.
We would be delighted to welcome you and your child into our Holmwood House family and to show you first-hand how our nurturing, dynamic approach can offer the very best start to their educational journey.
Vicki Shreeve
Nursery and Preschool Manager
Holmwood House Nursery – 6 months to 4 years
The Nursery is located in Great Horkesley, just a few miles from Holmwood House’s main campus. It is set within an idyllic 3-acre woodland, complete with paddock and gardens. Open year-round, the Nursery provides a nurturing environment for children from 6 months old through to Reception, preparing them for a smooth transition to school life. Many of the children will move up to Holmwood House School.
