Business Details
28 Years
experience
Award-Winning Nursery Care in Gillingham
I am Lesley Dartnell, the manager of The Gillingham Nursery in Gillingham. Our nursery provides high-quality childcare services for children aged 2-5 years. With over 10 years of experience in Gillingham, we pride ourselves on creating a home-from-home environment where children feel safe, nurtured and excited to learn. Our dedicated team of early years educators focuses on developing each child's unique abilities through fun, engaging activities that promote learning through real-life experiences. Originally established in 1998, our nursery has built a strong reputation for excellence in early childhood education.We believe every child deserves individual attention and care that extends beyond basic childcare. Our purpose-built facility on Gillingham Business Park features themed rooms and outdoor learning spaces designed to stimulate children's curiosity and creativity. We maintain close partnerships with parents, recognizing that open communication is essential for a child's development. Through our structured programs tailored to specific age groups, we prepare children for their transition to formal schooling while ensuring they enjoy every step of their learning journey.
Services
Daycare Services
Early Childhood Education
Nursery Programs
Child Development
Flexible Hours
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 10 years of experience in childcare.
- Our nursery is rated 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.
- We provide 5-star food hygiene standards.
- Our team consists of certified early educators with extensive experience.
- We believe in developing each child's unique abilities through fun, engaging activities.
Associations and certifications
- NDNA
- Ofsted
- Food Hygiene Award Scheme
What people say
Loves it here
Staff are lovely
Loves learning
Confidence has grown
Excellent development
Services
Daycare Services
Our daycare services provide comprehensive care for children aged 2-5 years. We offer flexible hours from 8am to 6pm, five days a week, with options for full-time or part-time attendance. Our experienced staff provides personalized attention to support each child's development in a safe, nurturing environment.
Early Childhood Education
Our early childhood education program follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage standards, focusing on learning through play and real-life experiences. Our curriculum encourages cognitive, social, and emotional development through engaging activities tailored to each child's interests and abilities.
Child Development
We provide specialized child development support that tracks each child's progress against key milestones. Our educators work closely with parents to identify individual needs and create personalized learning plans that promote growth in all developmental areas.
Flexible Hours
Our flexible scheduling options accommodate various family needs, offering care from 8am to 6pm, five days a week. Parents can choose between 1 to 5 days per week, with options for full-day or half-day sessions to suit their lifestyle.
Settling-in Period
We understand transitions can be challenging, which is why we offer an extended settling-in period for new children. This approach helps them adjust comfortably to the new environment, with personalized support from our caring staff to ensure a smooth transition.
People
Lesley Dartnell
Nursery Manager
Lesley Dartnell has extensive childcare experience, transitioning to the field in 2002 after working in legal and secretarial roles. As Manager of The Gillingham Nursery, she supervises staff, creates relationships with parents and children, and implements quality early years education programs. Her focus is on nurturing each child's potential through personalized development planning.
Jenni Bearfoot
Assistant Manager
Jenni Bearfoot has been with The Gillingham Nursery since its opening in Gillingham in 2011. As Assistant Manager, she plays a key role in delivering high-quality childcare services and supporting the nursery's operations and educational programs.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 2 to 5 years, with specific programs tailored to different developmental stages.
What are your operating hours?
We operate from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with options for full-day or half-day sessions.
What makes The Gillingham Nursery unique?
Our purpose-built facility features themed rooms and outdoor spaces designed to stimulate learning through play in a home-like environment.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use a dedicated app for communication, allowing us to share updates, milestones, and photos of your child's daily activities.
What qualifications do your staff have?
Our team consists of certified early educators with extensive experience in childcare and early years education.
How do you handle transitions and settling-in periods?
We offer flexible settling-in periods to help children adjust comfortably to our nursery environment, with personalized support from our caring staff.
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