Childcare at Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery is now open to everyone (staff, students and the general public).

Cost of living discount

To support staff during the cost-of-living crisis Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery fees will be reduced by 10%.

The discounted rates can only be applied to one child per employee at any one time.

The scheme will be introduced on a temporary basis to support with the cost of living for the period 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for discounted rates under this scheme you must:

  1. Be a current employee of Wivenhoe House Hotel, UECS Ltd or the University of Essex for the full duration that the fees are applicable (payable to the nursery on a monthly basis).
  2. Have a child under the age of 3 at the nursery

How to apply

The normal procedures of the Day Nursery must be followed to secure a place. Once the place(s) has been granted, the discount can be applied. The People and Culture team (staffing@essex.ac.uk) will check eligibility and confirm that the further discounted rates can be applied for the employee.

For eligible employees who are already making use of the nursery, the discounted fees will be applied automatically. 

FAQs

  • Number of children that can be claimed for if both parents are employees at the university or its subsidiaries

If more than one child under the age of 3 is at the nursery, each parent can claim for one child subject to eligibility.

  • Claiming for a second child for the discount to apply to if one of your children ages out of the discount

This is subject to eligibility. Please speak with the nursery to ensure that the discount is switched over. 

  • When your child reaches their 3rd birthday

The discount will cease at the beginning of the term after your child turns 3, at which point your child will become eligible for government funding and the nursery will be in touch to issue you with further information about how to apply for funding. 

  • Changes to childcare fees until 31 July 2024

Prices may vary in line with inflation as normal. The scheme is to introduce a 10% discount on the full fee rather than a guarantee of what the monetary price will be.

  • Childcare fees beyond 31 July 2024

At present, there are no plans to extend the scheme so the full nursery fees (at staff rates) will be payable from 1st August 2024. 

Opening hours

  • Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm

About the nursery

Childcare is offered throughout the year by our Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery located at our Colchester Campus. We aim to support the working parent and our nursery is open to staff, students and the public.

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Get in touch
Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery
Telephone: 01206 873224