Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH
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9.8 162 Reviews
The company is named after its founder – Penny Scotton – and continues to adhere to her vision of offering; ‘the very best in childcare, learning and fun’

Purpose-built to their own specification and opened in 2005 between Maidstone and Bearsted this site hosts nursery services and a home for Breakfast, After School and Holiday clubs. Air-conditioned and equipped with under-floor heating and two fully fitted kitchens; parents describe Newnham Court as ‘welcoming.’ It is bright and lively with extensive gardens and outdoor play facilities. Newnham Court was graded as good by Ofsted (March 2022).

Fully air-conditioned and equipped throughout with underfloor heating and two fully fitted kitchens, parents describe Newnham Court as 'welcoming'. It is bright, colourful and echoing with the happy sound of children. Developments in Pennies’ provision have gone hand-in-hand with the ethos of the ‘Pennies Family’ within which all children and parents feel involved and have the chance to discuss and shape the care provided

The main features of Newnham Court include

•        Catering for children from three months to five-years-old
•        Separate rooms, arranged by age for nursery age children
•        Separate term time only pre-school room
•        Extensive garden with grassed areas, large sandpit, play equipment and sheltered areas which support all areas of a child's development
•        Meals prepared daily by a trained chef and made with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers
•        Annual social calendar of events for children and parents
•        Popular Kids club catering for children from four to eleven years of age
•        There is a large, secluded garden area with a number of designated areas including a story-telling mound and adventure playground
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Care Provided by Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Claire Williams and Jo Cass (Nursery Managers)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 75
  • Total Places for Children
  • 131
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

  • Per day:
    0-2 yrs £114.25
    2-3 yrs £112.25
    3+ yrs £111.25

Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone Reviews (162)

Total of 162, showing 141-160
9.8

Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.778) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone has 162 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 151
  • 10
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Date Published

162
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134

Review from Sophie V (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two-year-old daughter comes to Pennies 5 days a week and loves it. It's a really friendly setting and the nursery staff are all smiley, helpful and engaged. The fact that it is purpose built means the rooms are well sized with good natural light and there is a great outdoor play area. My only criticism
is that it's not possible to free-flow out to the garden from all the rooms. Also, although the food seems to be very good quality, I would prefer if it were slightly healthier (eg no cheerios for breakfast and only fruit or plain yoghurt for pudding). In the grand scheme of things these are minor complaints and overall I am delighted that we found such a great nursery.

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Review from Ben C (Father of Child) published on 8 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is now 3 and has been going to Pennies since he turned 1, for 2 days per week. He has his moments of not wanting to go sometimes (not very often) but we know once we get him there he changes his mind very quickly. He loves the staff, and there are a few really special members of staff that
really set this nursery above all others.


The setting is great for learning and fun activities and the staff genuinely seem to care about our son and I'm sure all the other children there.


We travel a fair distance to keep him at this nursery since moving recently but its worth it. We have also already signed up for our little princess to start when she's 1!


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Review from Rebecca N (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highly recommend Pennies to anyone looking for a nursery for their children. We visited lots of nurseries in the area when deciding on childcare for our daughter and Pennies was by far our first choice- brilliant, engaging, highly qualified staff, lovely spacious, bright, clean environment with great
outdoor space with a huge variety of fun and educational activities on offer. Our daughter started at Pennies at 9 months and after a home visit and settling in sessions I felt comfortable and confident that she was in brilliant hands and felt fully supported during the first few weeks of settling her in. She has flourished enormously during her time there and absolutely loves it, as does our youngest who now also attends. Cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you

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Review from Katie S (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at Pennies Nursery and have used the nursery for 6 years now, my son has been there from 9 months old and now attends PKC the after school club.
My daughter has been attending since she was 5 months and has now joined the Term Time Only room which she loves.
The staff are very
caring, the food that is provided is very healthy and there is a wide variety so the children do not keep having the same dinners every week.

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Review from JJ N (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both myself and my husband love Pennies Nursery, so much so that we have requested extra sessions.


Our Son has always had separation issues but the nursery made me and him feel at ease. Within a few weeks, our son was quite happy to watch us leave whole eating his breakfast. He has been attending

for about 6 months and does still occasionally get upset but the staff at Pennies are quick to distract him.


Our son is so much more confident for attending Pennies. The staff communication is excellent and I hope Pennies will see him through until he goes to School!


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Review from Angela D (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Before my daughter started at Pennies (Newnham Court) I looked at a number of nurseries in both Maidstone and Kings Hill, however, Pennies stood out above the rest. My babysitter used to work for Pennies and she spoke very highly of them, as do other parents that I have met who have children there.


My

daughter attends four mornings a week. She thoroughly enjoys it, has made friends and her social skills have come on enormously.
Staff are patient, friendly and supportive. They were wonderful about settling her in and were always available if I had any questions. Drop off is easy, there is plenty of parking outside the main door and an electronic key to get through into the foyer. The buzzer is answered quickly and it helps ensure that I have a stress free start to the day.


I have total confidence in Pennies and I feel very lucky to have such a good child care provider who I completely trust to look after my daughter. I will be very sad when she leaves for school in September.


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Review from Tricia F (Mother of Child) published on 27 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been attending this nursery some time now and my husband and I are extremely happy with his development.
The staff and especially his key worker are so helpful, always available to chat and are working with us on a plan for our child.


I am very happy and grateful to Pennies!


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Review from Sarah R (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An outstanding nursery with staff who are genuinely passionate and enthusiastic wanting to offer the best care. I've experienced other nurseries and can say Pennies Newnham Court are ahead of their competition.


There is great communication with parents both in terms of day to day care but longer

term development and initiatives.


The management and team are very collaborative and supportive to one another. I wouldn't think twice to recommend.


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Review from Becky N (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pennies is a fantastic nursery, I am very pleased with the care that is given to both my children. They have both thrived with the care and guidance they have been given with their development. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Pennies to others.

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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children go to Pennies Newnham Court and have done since they were about 9 months old. My daughter is now 3 years old and my son is 19 months. I cannot fault the team at Pennies and have always been 100% happy with the care my children receive. They both love going to nursery and gain so much
from their time there.

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Review from Gemma G (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends this nursery and we couldn't be happier with the care and love he receives every day. My husband and I feel that the nursery has a wonderful mixture of structure and yet all of our views and requests as parents are accommodated in every aspect of our child's care.


The nursery is purpose

built which means that every room is perfectly suited to looking after the little ones, appropriate to the age of the room. I am always surprised at well how clean the nursery is kept considering that the kids are often taken outside to the gardens or engaged in messy play (which our son adores!).


The pick up and drop off area is spacious and hassle free although security is tight (as you would expect) with personally answered intercom access for every parent or visitor entry.


I wish it were cheaper but for the facilities and service provided we can't fault this nursery.


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Review from Sylwia O (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son has been in nursery since 6 months old. Only recently from 2.5 till now is full time. He has gained confidence and skills that will help him at school. Fantastic ladies at pre-school has helped him a lot with his speech which was delayed due to different languages used at home. From a frustrated
boy now I have a happy child. It will be difficult to say goodbye end of August. We do appreciate all the help and care that was provided through those years.

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Review from Claire (Mother of Child) published on 13 July 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Felt Pennies offered a clean, safe, secure environment for my little one year old when first returning to work. She is now 6 and we now use the kidz club in the holidays as it still provides a fun safe environment, so we have peace of mind at work.

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Review from Lani W (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started here at 8 months old and left at 3 as we moved out of the area. She absolutely loved her time with Pennies and watching her grow and develop was fantastic, some of the routines like making her own breakfast she still does everyday now at home. The staff were always incredibly supportive
and positive and took a keen interest in their development though play. Starting her here stood her in good stead for when she moved nursery to a preschool environment. We loved the outside space and how they could all enjoy it without a rota system a lot of nurseries have, this was important for us as our daughter spends most of her day outside. Even now she still talks about pennies (mainly the messy fun, painting her feet and body and running on the paper with her friends!) and still has fond memories of the fun she had with her key person before she left!

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Review from Chloe D (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After having a bad experience and needing to take my daughter out of her first nursery it was really hard for me to put my trust into another nursery but i'm so glad I did with Pennies. I looked around a couple of nursery's and Pennies was by far the best. Its clean, safe (which is of a huge importance
to me), purpose built with a lovely garden and plenty of space and toys. The rooms are divided into smaller age gaps which I liked. You can see how well cared for the children are. The meals are good and well balanced as are the activities. I love the tea parties and the themed weeks for Christmas, Easter and Halloween. I think the Tapestry is great so I can log on and see all the observations and photos. The staff are friendly.


Most importantly my daughter is happy, safe, fed and cared for which is all any parent wants.


The only downside is that they wont be able to do the school drop off/pick up/after school club when my daughter goes to school as we are not local to the nursery.


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Review from Nick S (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pennies at Newnham Court provide an amazing service for our 14 month old for day care and our 5 year old at Holiday Club. The children love going and we have utmost confidence in the care they receive. We can't recommend them enough.

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Review from Sarah D (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Pennies 3 days a week since he was 10 months old, he's now 2 1/2 and still loves it! For us the main appeal has been the room structure, children regularly move environments when developmentally ready, the comprehensive provision (all meals prepared on site, nappies etc) and
the commitment of the staff, most of whom know my little boys name even if they haven't directly cared for him. The detailed information I get at handover every night is brilliant and provides me with plenty of reassurance, there's also never too much trouble and staff have been supportive of every decision we've made from weaning to potty training which has helped make some potentially tricky phases much easier. The new online record system is lovely to be able to access on a regular basis and see photos and updates. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Pennies.

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Review from Lynsey J (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Like many parents out there choosing a nursery for your baby can prove difficult. Especially when your returning to work after a year off. The Manager showed us around and we were overwhelmed with the facilities here compared to other nurseries we visited. My partner particularly liked the door protectors
on all doors to stop little fingers getting caught and as we work in health and safety this is key for us. My daughter has come on leaps and bounds and I am amazed of the brilliant little toddler she has become. I owe Pennies for the assistance during those tough times and yes it's expensive compared to some but I wouldn't hesitate to go and see for yourself. There are little things which can annoy a parent about a nursery such as old looking toys, snotty noses but it's a nursery and a good one which I would recommend.

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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Pennies 3/2 days a week since she was 6 months old and she is now 3 1/2. She has absolutely thrived in the environment they provide. She looks forward to going to nursery and always comes home happy. She has had numerous key workers over the years and all off them have helped
her development. Pennies is a quality nursery and I would have no quibble recommending them to any parent.

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Review from Louise (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having used other nurseries and childcare options in the past, Pennies is by far the best nursery I have been to. My children have the most amazing time there each day (so much so that they sometimes want to go at the weekend too!) and they have made some really good friends. The nursery staff are
fantastic - and always have a smile on their faces! A couple of things in particular have always stood out for me about Pennies. First, the way that the management know all of the children's names, stopping to talk to them in the corridors etc and will often be in the rooms helping out. Second, they are very quick to deal with any issues that you raise and never make you feel as though you are causing problems. Even the smallest things are taken very seriously. Third, I get more information about my children from Pennies (daily handovers and regular updates) than I have ever had in other settings. It is clear that the staff spend time getting to know the children's likes and dislikes and that they really try to encourage them to progress in areas where they are struggling. For me this is the sign of a really excellent nursery and I would recommend Pennies without any hesitation. And I am very confident that my little monsters would too!

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.778)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.778) out of 10 for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.778 for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone is calculated as follows: ( (293 Excellents x 5) + (27 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 334 Ratings = 4.778

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone is based on 27 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 131 number of registered child places is 26.2, which has been reached with 27 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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 (8)

Eco Schools 2024

Recipient: Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

Date: Sunday 01 Sep 2024 More details

Wilder Kent Gold Award 2024

Recipient: Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

Date: Sunday 01 Sep 2024 More details

Wilder Kent Gold Award 2023

Recipient: Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

Date: Thursday 01 Jun 2023 More details

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Meet the Team (5)

Michaela

Michaela Stone

Job Title: Head of Operations

Joined: 2004

Hi, My Name is Michaela and I hold a CACHE Level 3 and Level 4 in Childcare and Management.

My journey in the Early Years started 25 Years ago; 20 of these years have been in a Management position. I have worked with all age groups from 3 months through to 11 years. I strongly believe in the best for every child, and that every child should be acknowledged as a unique individual and given the opportunity to flourish to their full potential.

I believe myself to be level-headed in all aspects of the business and operations, and I enjoy focusing on the development of my team, casting vision, and giving the team the education and tools they need to create a rich environment for the children to thrive within.

... Read more
Claire

Claire Williams

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2004

Hi, my name is Claire and I have worked at Pennies since 2004. I hold a diploma in child studies and CACHE NVQ level 3 and 4 in children’s care, learning and development. I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at Pennies working my way up to a management position where I am able to help and support staff with their professional journey.

Over the years I have looked after children right from babies up to 11 years but I particularly enjoy the older children in our out-of-school club. My position as nursery manager is one I enjoy the challenge of. Being part of a child’s start in life is a rewarding career and I believe it is important that children can develop and flourish in a safe and secure environment.

... Read more
Jo

Jo Cass

Job Title: Joint Nursery Manager

Joined: 2010

Hello, I’m Jo and I've been part of the Pennies team since 2010. I hold a level 3 NVQ certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. I have enjoyed being part of the teams in different age groups around the nursery before taking on Senior and Head of Unit positions, leading onto Third in Charge and then to my current position of Deputy Manager. I enjoy being part of a vibrant Management team, working together to get the best outcomes for the nursery, our fantastic team of staff, and of course, the children we care for.

I take pride in knowing that families choose our Nursery to care for their children, where we can help them to thrive and give them the very best start in their early education. When I’m not at the nursery, I have two young sons who keep me busy. We enjoy park visits, picnics and chips at the beach.

... Read more
Amy

Amy Mallett

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2018

Hello, I’m Amy and I have been part of the Pennies team since 2018.

Claire

Claire Lucas

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

Hello, I’m Claire and I have been part of the Pennies team since 2024. I have worked in childcare for 15+ years in a variety of roles with all ages of children.

... Read more

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