Business Details
15 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Experts in Chelmsford
Established in 2011, Camelot Day Nursery is a family-run childcare provider in Chelmsford, Essex, dedicated to creating a home-from-home environment for children aged 3 months to 11 years. Our OFSTED-registered nursery offers tailored care across baby rooms, pre-school, and after-school clubs, with a focus on individual development through play and structured learning. The leadership team, comprising Victoria, Jim, and Geoff Hawkins, brings decades of combined experience in early years education and operations management. Our staff hold advanced qualifications in childcare, safeguarding, and special educational needs, ensuring children receive both nurturing care and educational stimulation.We maintain strong partnerships with parents through regular communication, forums, and collaborative events, while our facilities include sensory rooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a 5-star rated kitchen providing nutritious meals. The nurserys historic St Johns Court location combines modern amenities with character, offering a safe, engaging space where children thrive under the guidance of our dedicated team.
Services
Nursery Care
Pre-School Education
After-School Club
Holiday Club
Breakfast Club
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Family-run nursery established in 2011 with OFSTED-recognised standards
- Personalised care led by Level 5 and Level 6 qualified practitioners
- Secure outdoor spaces and sensory rooms designed for child development
- Strong parent partnerships through regular communication and forums
- Nutritious 9-day rolling menus with 5-star food hygiene ratings
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Friendly staff
Excellent care
Engaging activities
Strong parent involvement
Safe environment
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides full-day care for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with dedicated baby rooms and toddler spaces. Staff follow individual routines while encouraging developmental milestones through structured play and sensory activities. Each child receives a keyperson for consistent emotional support and progress tracking.
Pre-School Education
Tailored pre-school programs prepare children for formal education through phonics, numeracy, and social skills development. Activities include storytelling with props, creative mark-making, and outdoor exploration. Staff hold specialist qualifications in early years education and special educational needs support.
After-School Club
Lancelot's After-School Club serves ages 4-11 with homework support, crafts, sports, and cooking activities. Children receive meals and are collected from local schools in high-visibility jackets. Staff maintain a family atmosphere while facilitating peer interaction and structured play.
Holiday Club
Holiday and breakfast clubs operate term-time with themed activities, educational trips, and flexible hours from 7:30am. Recent excursions include Barleylands Farm and Southend Sealife Centre, combining learning with fun in a safe, supervised environment.
Parent Partnerships
We offer parent forums, stay-and-play sessions, and regular feedback meetings to involve families in their child's development. Newsletters and daily updates keep parents informed, while policy consultations ensure their voices shape nursery improvements.
People
Victoria Hawkins
Managing Director
With 14 years of nursery management experience and a Level 5 qualification in Early Years Management, Victoria leads Camelot's strategic direction. She oversees safeguarding, staff training, and quality assurance while maintaining OFSTED compliance.
Jim Hawkins
Director
A qualified teacher with 30 years' education experience, Jim focuses on nursery development and operational standards. He ensures educational quality across all rooms while supporting staff professional growth through regular training.
Geoff
Operations Director
Bringing 20 years of project management expertise, Geoff oversees daily operations and facility improvements. His background in logistics ensures efficient nursery management while maintaining the family-focused ethos that benefits children and families.
Amy
Nursery Manager
As manager since 2013, Amy implements care standards across all rooms. Qualified to Level 3 in childcare with SENCO accreditation, she specialises in messy play activities and staff mentoring while managing daily nursery operations.
Amanda
Head of Early Years Education
Amanda leads educational programming in Merlin's Room with a Level 6 early childhood qualification. She develops curriculum activities that combine baking, gardening, and outdoor learning to support holistic child development.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 3 months to 11 years across nursery, pre-school, and after-school clubs.
Are funded spaces available?
Yes, we offer government-funded places for eligible children – please contact us with your funding code.
What are your operating hours?
Monday to Friday 8:00am–6:00pm, with early drop-off at 7:30am and late collection until 6:30pm.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCO-qualified staff implement individualised programmes in collaboration with external professionals and parents.
What food hygiene standards do you maintain?
Both kitchens hold 5-star hygiene ratings with freshly prepared meals following a 9-day nutritious menu.
How can parents get involved?
Through forums, stay-and-play sessions, parent evenings, and policy consultation opportunities with our leadership team.
