Fees and Funding

Nursery fees and funding in Colchester can be quite daunting and hard to understand. We’re here to make it easier for you.

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery is an approved childcare setting, which means that we are registered to accept government funded childcare spaces.

We have no top up/additional costs added on to session fees. We believe in removing barriers to accessing funded hours, so there are no hidden fees or unnecessary costs that you can expect in our invoice. All children can benefit from rich early educational experiences and government funded sessions can be used for any session, subject to availability.

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery fees are reduced for University of Essex students and staff and are very competitive. If you work at our partner sites (Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway) you may also benefit from a staff discount, however proof of work may be required. Term-time-only contracts are available exclusively to University of Essex students and families who qualify for additional support.

Check entitlement here. Best Start In Life is an incredibly useful website which details all the help available to parents and student parents. This enables a range of circumstances to be entered, to check entitlement to the different types of financial support available to you, through free funded hours, grants, allowances, and tax relief.

The Day Nursery administrators are also on hand to offer further advice, just call us on 01206 873224 or email nursery@essex.ac.uk.

For more information, explore our funding policy

Nursery Fees 1st August 2026- 31st July 2027 : Fees Table

fees-table-for-the-website-2026-2027

Nursery Fees 1st August 2026- 31st July 2027 : Fees Calculator (Without Funding)

Estimate your fees

2026/27 fees. Build your child's weekly pattern below to see an estimated cost.

2. Fee rate

Staff and Student rates apply to Essex University staff and students — please contact the nursery to confirm eligibility.

3. Weekly pattern
Full days / week
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Half sessions / week
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A half session is a single AM or PM slot (same price either way). Max 5 full days or 10 half sessions a week.

Your estimated fee will appear here once you've answered all three questions above.
  • Fees shown are before any childcare funding — funded hours will reduce this estimate. Full funding details to follow shortly; in the meantime please contact the nursery to check your eligibility.
  • There is a £50 non-refundable registration fee for all new children, payable on acceptance of a place.
  • All children are eligible for 15 hours universal funding for 38 weeks from the term after they turn 3.
  • Fees and rates are subject to change. Rates shown apply 1 August 2026 – 31 July 2027.
Please note: This calculator does not take into account the 30 hours of funded childcare that some families may be entitled to. Your actual fees may therefore differ depending on your individual circumstances.