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What Parents Say About Us

Hear from parents who have entrusted their children to our care at Mulberry Bush Mersea Day Nursery.

Blossom Parent App

Our primary tool for connection! Receive real-time updates, photos, and videos of your child's day (both indoors and out), access their learning journey, receive newsletters and messages, and communicate easily with staff.

Why Choose Us

At Mulberry Bush Mersea Day Nursery, we provide an exceptional environment where your child's early years education flourishes through play, care, and individual attention.

Ofsted Outstanding Provider
Member of Early Years Alliance

Experienced Staff

Our qualified team brings years of early years expertise and continuous professional development.

Beautiful Outdoor Space

Engaging natural play areas that stimulate exploration and connect children with nature.

Nutritious Meals

Healthy, balanced meals and snacks prepared fresh daily, catering to all dietary requirements.

Focus on Wellbeing

A nurturing approach that supports emotional development and builds a foundation for lifelong learning.

Building on Excellence, Embracing the Future

We honour the outstanding legacy built over two decades, preserving the values and vision that define our nurturing approach. Under new ownership since Spring 2025, we are excited to:

Deepen Our Unique Blend

Further integrating Montessori principles (fostering independence and cognitive skills indoors) with our Forest & Coastal School ethos (building resilience, creativity, and nature connection outdoors).

Expand Our Care

Responding to community needs, we are thrilled to be opening a dedicated baby room in September 2025, allowing us to welcome infants from 9 months old.

Support Families

Offering extended opening hours (7 am - 6 pm, 50 weeks) to better suit busy working parents.

A Place Rooted in Community

More Than Just a Nursery: The Mulberry Bush is woven into the fabric of West Mersea's history. Since 1921, our site on Melrose Road has served the community - first as 'The Gables' private home, then as the much-remembered St Michael's Preparatory School (home of the famous 'Tin Lizzie' classroom!), later as the local Council Offices, and since 2000, as the beloved Mulberry Bush Nursery. We are proud custodians of this heritage, ensuring the laughter and learning continue for generations to come.

Historic photograph of St Michael's Preparatory School
Children playing at nursery
Child engaged in activities
Outdoor play at nursery

Welcome to The Mulberry Bush Mersea

a cherished local nursery with deep roots in the West Mersea community. Situated in a building with over a century of history - once a family home, a preparatory school, and even council offices - we are proud to continue a legacy of nurturing children on this historic site.

Now entering an exciting new chapter under the leadership of owner Emma Paramor, we are building upon our strong foundations. Inspired by the child-led discovery of Montessori and the adventurous spirit of Forest and Coastal School, we offer a unique environment where children from 9 months to 5 years old learn through exploration, play, and connection with the natural world right here on beautiful Mersea Island.

Emma Paramor
Nursery Manager

See Our Daily Life

Discover the enriching activities, nurturing routines, and joyful learning that fill a typical day at Mulberry Bush Mersea. Peek into our world of exploration and fun.

Explore Our Day

Nursery Admissions Form

Child 1
Dietary Requirements/Allergies
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Recent News & Events

Graduation ceremony
Preschool Graduation Ceremony
July 20, 2023

A special celebration for our preschoolers who are moving on to primary school, featuring performances, certificate presentations, and refreshments.

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Summer Fair
Summer Fair
June 15, 2023

Join us for a day of fun with games, activities, food stalls, and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

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Parent Workshop
Parent Workshop: Early Literacy
May 12, 2023

Join our educational experts for an interactive workshop on supporting your child's early literacy development at home.

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Holiday Program
Holiday Program: Ocean Adventures
August 1-12, 2023

Enroll your child in our exciting summer holiday program featuring ocean-themed activities, beach trips, and marine conservation projects.

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Opportunities at The Mulberry Bush Mersea - Grow with Us

Following the exciting news of our expansion and continued commitment to exceptional early years education on Mersea Island, The Mulberry Bush is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our wonderful team.

Inspired by Montessori principles and the adventure of Forest & Coastal School, we offer a unique, nurturing environment where both children and staff thrive. If you have a passion for helping children learn through exploration and play and want to work in a supportive setting that values its team, we want to hear from you!

We currently have opportunities for individuals seeking:
  • Full-Time Roles
  • Part-Time Roles
  • Flexible Bank Staff Positions
  • Apprenticeships (Earn while you learn!)

Whether you are experienced, newly qualified, or looking to start your career in this rewarding sector, we offer a fantastic place to grow.

Interested in learning more about joining our team?

Apply Today

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our experienced and caring staff are committed to providing your child with a nurturing, stimulating environment that supports their development.

Emma Paramor

Nursery Manager / SENCo

Oversees the daily running of the nursery, ensuring high standards of care and education, and is the main point of contact for parents.

Leander Trunks

Deputy Manager - Curriculum Manager and SENCo

Supports the Manager and leads on Speech & Language development and SEND.

Elouise Etches

Early Years Practitioner

Jades Aves

Early Years Practitioner

Kelly Chitty

Early Years Practitioner