Best nurseries in Mersea
5 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools in Colchester, best Ofsted result first: the latest report card or overall grade, then the most recent inspection. Childminders are not listed (Ofsted does not publish their addresses).
| # | Nursery | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterpillars Pre-School Full day care · 16 places · CO2 0LZ | Outstanding (2022) |
| 2 | The Mulberry Bush Montessori Nursery Ltd Full day care · 30 places · CO5 8JB | Report card: 5 strong (Feb 2026) |
| 3 | Roman River Pre-School Sessional day care · 25 places · CO5 7BH | Report card: 2 strong, 3 expected (Dec 2025) |
| 4 | Layer Preschool Sessional day care · 32 places · CO2 0JU | Good (2025) |
| 5 | Little Doves Day Nursery Full day care · 50 places · CO5 7PR | Not yet inspected |
How much does nursery cost in Mersea?
Typical weekly nursery prices for a child under two in East of England, from the Coram Childcare Survey 2026. A guide only: ask each nursery for its own fees.
Working parents in England can get 30 funded hours a week in term time from when their child is 9 months old, so a 25-hour place can cost little or nothing in term time. Every 3 and 4 year old gets at least 15 funded hours. Funded hours cover 38 weeks a year; nurseries can charge for extra hours, meals and activities. Check what you can get at Childcare Choices.
Questions
What are the best nurseries in Mersea?
Of 5 nurseries and pre-schools in Mersea, 2 have Ofsted's top results (Outstanding, or mostly strong or exceptional on the new report card). Listed first: Caterpillars Pre-School, The Mulberry Bush Montessori Nursery Ltd, Roman River Pre-School.
How much does nursery cost in Mersea?
In East of England, a part-time place (25 hours a week) for a child under two typically costs £192 a week without funded hours (Coram Childcare Survey 2026). Working parents can get 30 funded hours a week in term time from 9 months.
How many nurseries are there in Mersea?
5 Ofsted-registered nurseries and pre-schools, 4 of them inspected so far.
Nurseries nearby
Colchester · Mile End · Braiswick · Greenstead · Highwoods · Marks Tey
Neighbourhoods
Source: Ofsted early years inspections. Ofsted's report card (from November 2025) grades curriculum, achievement, behaviour, children's welfare and leadership as exceptional, strong, expected, needs attention or urgent improvement; earlier inspections gave one overall grade.