Ickle Pickles Nursery School

1 School Mews, School Lane, Iwade, Sittingbourne ME9 8UW
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9.4 38 Reviews
  • Ickle Pickles Nursery School, Sittingbourne
Ickle Pickles Nursery School is a much-loved nursey school in Iwade, Sittingbourne providing children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old a premium standard of early years care and education.

At Ickle Pickles, their passionate team of educators are committed to creating learning environments that allow children to be inquisitive, imaginative and develop a real love of learning.

Babies at Ickle Pickles can explore sensory discovery and gentle play, particularly enjoying treasure boxes where they explore different textures, shapes, sizes and colours.

Educators encourage toddlers to develop language and social skills through group activities and large-scale floor-based games. Parents are updated on their child’s progress during the two-year progress check which identifies any developmental needs.

Preschool aged children continue to learn and prepare for school. Meals at Ickle Pickles are freshly prepared in the open-plan kitchen by their onsite chef, and preschool aged children have opportunities to help in the kitchen.

Ickle Pickles Nursery School has close community ties and prides itself on developing great relationships with parents. Their dedicated Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator works alongside their team and parents to identify and provide additional support for children.

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Care Provided by Ickle Pickles Nursery School

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jodie Brownlow (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 22
  • Total Places for Children
  • 61
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:15-18:30
    Tuesday 07:15-18:30
    Wednesday 07:15-18:30
    Thursday 07:15-18:30
    Friday 07:15-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Ickle Pickles Nursery School

  • Full day (7:15 am to 6:30 pm) from £69.50

  • We want to make life simple, so our fees include infant formula, milk, freshly prepared snacks, and meals. We also provide nappies, wipes, and sun cream, or parents can bring their own if they prefer

Ickle Pickles Nursery School Reviews (38)

Total of 38, showing 21-38
9.4

Ickle Pickles Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.425) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Ickle Pickles Nursery School has 38 reviews.

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Review from Laura B (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son was meant to of joined the nursery during the lockdown, but this couldn't happen because of the situation at the time. When the nursery reopened, they were very understanding of each person's position, and I had to delay my son joining due to being off work and not earning money etc. However,
in August, we were in a position to be able to send our son.
We have had a few tears when I drop him off, however, as soon as he is in his room with his key worker and the other children he loves it. He is loving being able to be social and interacting with others.
It's very worrying and stressful as a parent to choose the right nursery for your child, but I would highly recommend Ickle Pickles to everyone, once I have dropped my son off, I know he will be very well looked after, well-fed and have lots of fun.

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Review from Samantha C (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ickle Pickles is a wonderful nursery. The staff are always smiling, enthusiastic and welcoming to all. I feel so happy that my daughter is in their care, and I always know she will be safe and have fun with them. Even though my daughter has been attending for just a short time, I couldn’t recommend
this nursery highly enough, and I am so grateful to them for their kindness and support they have given us whilst settling in.

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Review from Emma P (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If I could give this nursery more than excellent I wouldn't hesitate to! My daughter has been with the nursery since the age of 1 in their youngest room and is now preparing to go into their pre-school room. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, and no question or request is too big. My daughter
has a variety of medical complications, and the nursery has been faultless and always treat her with the utmost care. My daughter has formed incredible bonds with all of the staff there and talks about how wonderful her day is every time she comes home.
I absolutely love this nursery.

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Review from James R (Father of Child) published on 15 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn’t fault this nursery at all. So quick and helpful, providing my son with a space at nursery at short notice. My son is always happy to go to the nursery and always comes out happy and smiling informing me of how good his day has been. The online system of learning journals and daily diaries has
been great, and it’s lovely to see updates on how he’s been throughout the day. I highly recommend this nursery!

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Review from Jade (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been going to Ickle Pickles since October 2018 and I have been very impressed with how well they have settled in. This is down to the brilliant staff who know just what to do when a new child starts. I love the key person system and this has been great for my child who has found it comforting
being able to go to a specific person.
They are thorough and efficient and I am very happy that my child, and soon to be second child, go there. Every time I collect my child they are happy and don’t want to leave!

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Review from Katie H (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are fantastic, and that is what makes the nursery spectacular; they go above and beyond.

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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We viewed a lot of nurseries before making our decision, and I’m really glad we were able to get a place at Ickle Pickles. From the start, it’s been a warm and welcoming environment. The staff are caring and friendly, a great variety of activities and a good selection of food.

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Review from Rehanna C (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience over the last 6 years at Ickle Pickles has been amazing. The staff always make us and our children feel very special and it is clear they all have a passion and commitment to help the children develop into well-rounded individuals.

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Review from Fiona E (Mother of Child) published on 1 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It’s a big deal choosing a nursery for your little one. From the moment I made contact via email, then the phone calls were very friendly and when visiting I felt my son would be happy there and I felt at ease seeing the quality of the nursery and the staff.
As a mum and dad with no family around us,
my son hadn’t really spent a lot of time away from me.
His key worker was fantastic and respected my wishes around food choices and put me at ease during his settling in sessions. He took a few weeks to adjust but the team assured me it was all normal and he would get into the routine. A few months on and he loves it. Being away from my little boy is so so hard but having him at this nursery makes it that bit easier knowing he’s happy. The staff have his well-being at the centre and they are so friendly. The best choice I’ve made having him there - thank you girls.

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Review from Jevon M (Father of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing, very supportive. The staff in preschool and reception have been very helpful with our daughter.
Loads of activities each day and our daughter always comes home having enjoyed her day.

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Review from Liz S (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been part of the Ickle Pickles environment for 10 years with two children attending, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery. The staff are exceptional - welcoming, achieving high standards of personalised care, attention to detail and always striving to improve things. The staff have
high levels of trust, honesty and integrity. They are obviously motivated by achieving the best for the children and put the extra energy and effort in to build a personal connection, especially in Pink Room and Pre-School. Whilst constrained in terms of physical space, the staff do their best to switch up themes to make the space as dynamic as possible. There is a real commitment to healthy eating and encouraging the children to try new things. A real bonus is the effort placed on messy and child-led play. The debrief is always informative and tailored to the child, despite the busy drop off/pick up. I feel the staff take the extra time to remember personal details about my child's day.

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Review from A L R (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children have been very happy throughout their time at Ickle pickles. The standard of care is excellent and staff are very friendly.

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Review from Lauren F (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been fantastic in the care of my child. I’m extremely impressed with the staff and management and my child enjoys every second he attends.

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Review from Carey (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Ickle Pickles now for about six months and she has loved every moment of it since day one.
She is so happy and content and looks forward to going which is a testimony to the nursery and its staff. They are extremely informative every step of the way and try to accommodate
our routine and wishes. I couldn’t ask for a better nursery and it gives me peace of mind that she is well cared for.

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Review from Lauren W (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely welcoming nursery, run by very caring helpful staff. A lot of thought has been put into this nursery to give children the best care and a wide range of activities to help them develop.

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Review from Louisa N (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have used Ickle Pickles for both of my children and they are absolutely brilliant. The care provided is of a high standard and everyone who works there is lovely and always happy to assist with anything raised. Leaving your children in the care of someone else is the hardest thing to do but I know
the staff look after them like I would and enjoy attending.

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Review from Gemma W (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The eldest of my two sons attended this nursery and when our youngest was born there was no question about where he would go. The setting is currently having a bit of a refurbishment so the rooms are getting new bits in them pretty much daily. My son is in the baby room and I am so pleased with his
care. He has a wonderful bond with his key person who goes above and beyond to make sure his individual needs are met. The nursery has a system called tapestry where they upload observations and are ready to view instantly. It’s great because we can add bits too.
The food is great. Home cooked healthy meals with lots of fruit and veggies provided. Plus the odd home cooked cake. I love that even in the winter they can go outside as the garden area is particularly under cover.

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Review from Emma E (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and work ethic of this nursery has always been excellent and after my son going through this nursery, it was a no-brainer to put my daughter through.
It has been good to see changes on the business side and the updates to the building and look forward to watching the nursery evolve further
in the future.

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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.425)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.425) out of 10 for Ickle Pickles Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.969 for Ickle Pickles Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (93 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.969

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.456 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Ickle Pickles Nursery School is based on 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 3.8

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 61 number of registered child places is 12.2. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.2 = 0.656

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Grace Gibson

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2008

Grace holds a Level 3 NVQ in Childcare and has been at Ickle Pickles for 15 years. She started as an apprentice before becoming Senior of the Preschool room.


Grace later become 3rd in charge for a short period of time before progressing to Deputy Manager and in 2019 Nursery Manager. During this time, Grace has had her son and returned part-time.


Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Ickle Pickles Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Ickle Pickles Nursery School has a Platinum Service – more info.