Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

22-23 Overcliffe, Gravesend DA11 0EH
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9.9 47 Reviews
  • Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start), Gravesend
Windmill Nursery School (previously Smart Start Nursery School) is located inside two Victorian townhouses in Gravesend, Kent. Their team of educators are experienced and passionate about providing premium education and care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old.

At Windmill you’ll find a home-from-home environment with tailored spaces to suit children at every age of their time at the nursery. Babies enjoy sensory discovery and gentle play, with free access to resources and the large garden area. Toddlers also enjoy time outdoors as well as caring for the nursery budgies, Jelly and Olaf. Preschool children focus on developing an understanding of phonics, numbers and their social skills.

The nursery’s learning-approach is tailored to allow children to develop at their own pace in their own time, combining the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with their own learning programmes.

At mealtimes, children enjoy freshly prepared food by the onsite chef using local and seasonal produce where possible. Older children help with food preparation in the kitchen.

Windmill prides itself on developing close relationships with parents, working with them to create a partnership that enhances children’s learning and development.

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Care Provided by Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Roisin O'Connell (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 84
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 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 Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

  • Full day (7:30 am to 6:30 pm) from £67.50

  • 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.

Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) Reviews (47)

Total of 47, showing 1-20
9.9

Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.870) out of 10, based on 37 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) has 47 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Charlotte D (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Windmills since the start of the year, when she started we wasn't mobile nor verbal. In the past three months the nursery staff have supported us in giving our girl the confidence to crawl and be vocal. We've seen such an incredibly positive impact on our child's development
since being in the care of the fabulous staff in the baby room and we couldn't be happier with how accommodating the staff have been with our needs around extra sessions etc, the staff have also taken into consideration the wants and needs of my daughter, she's not one who wants to be held or touched and the ladies have really taken on board how to work around that, an really do understand what works best for us all, I'll be lost if it wasn't for the staff and windmills they truly are pure Angels and always smiling. THANK YOU LADIES

Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for your feedback! It's wonderful to hear how much progress your daughter has made in such a short time. We're so pleased that our team has been able to support her development while respecting her individual needs. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we're grateful to be a part of her journey. Thank you for your support!


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Review from R W (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter gets the best care and experience from all the staff at Windmill Nursery. We're happy to send our child there every day with no concerns. Thank you.

Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear that you feel confident sending your daughter to Windmill Nursery each day. Our team truly appreciates your support, and we are proud to be part of her journey!


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Review from Simone T (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic child led nursery, brilliant staff and a very welcomong home like feel for the children. My daughter never ate her food but has recently been supported and encouraged to try new foods by the amazing staff! The staff try their best to make you feel at ease leaving your child away from home.
I couldn't recommend enough, this nursery is amazing!

Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you very much for your kind feedback! We are delighted to learn about your daughter's progress, particularly in her willingness to try new foods-it's such an important achievement! It truly means a lot to us that you feel comfortable and supported. We greatly appreciate your recommendation.


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Review from C F (Father of Child) published on 1 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is currently in the pre-school class at Windmill Nursery. We have been particularly impressed with her teachers, who go above and beyond. The teachers recently explained how they have introduced Montessori methods of teaching into the classroom. I believe this style of teaching has benefitted
our daughter's development. As a result she enjoys the independence of making her own breakfast and getting ready for the day at home. There are structured activities such as learning Makaton and Yoga which our daughter has enjoyed and shows us at home. Our daughter regularly tells us how much she loves nursery and her friends. I believe the nursery/teachers have created a lovely learning environment as well as preparing her for primary school next year.

Reply from Windmill Nursery School, Central support at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear how much your daughter is thriving with us and enjoying her time with friends and new activities. It's wonderful to know the Montessori approach and our structured programs are benefiting her independence and development.


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Review from Aisosa E (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm totally overwhelmed. I really appreciate Smart Start for the impact they made in my son's life. Thank you so much. We really appreciate it. Smart Start I give you 100/100. Thank you guys for the job well done.

Reply from Storal, Central Support at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and provide feedback. We're so happy to hear you appreciate our team and that your son has had a positive impact by attending Windmill Nursery School (previously Smart Start). Thank you for choosing us.


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Review from Dayo O (Father of Child) published on 5 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have seen the tremendous leap of improvement my child has made since she's been in the nursery.
Impressed by a mile. Her social skills and vocabulary has come on leaps and bounds.
I will have no hesitation recommending to family and friends.

Reply from Storal, Central Support at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and provide feedback. It's great to hear that your child has benefited from the care and education given at Windmill (previously Smart Start) and thank you for recommending us.


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Review from Roselyn U (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter is at this nursery, and she's thriving. I'm impressed with the comprehensively broad curriculum as well as the enthusiasm of the staff. They encourage independence in the children and give them the tools to learn.
My only gripe when I first started was with one of the staff who appeared
uninspired, but that was dealt with very very quickly.

Reply from Storal, Central Support at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and provide feedback. It's great to hear that you're impressed with the Storal Curriculum and thank you for recognising that we take your concerns seriously and always aim to deal with these quickly.


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Review from Antony S (Stepfather of Child) published on 14 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff have been so accommodating and friendly to my family and helping my child settle into the nursery. We can't thank them enough.
My child is very fussy with food and the staff have helped us to overcome this and cater our needs.

Reply from Storal, Central support at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear that our staff has been accommodating and friendly, helping your child settle in. It's wonderful to know they've also supported you with your child's food preferences. We appreciate your trust and are here to help every step of the way!


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Review from Alex A (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so grateful to the staff at Smart Start for everything they've done for us and our daughter. She's come on so much in the 18 months she's been there and we honestly couldn't have found anywhere more suited to both her needs as a toddler and ours as parents. We have a great relationship with the
staff who are always thorough in their handovers, supportive of key milestones, will take our thoughts and feedback on board while swiftly putting them into practice and clearly love their job. Our daughter feels so at home at Smart Start and we can't wait for our secondborn to start later this year. Communication with management is better than it's ever been and we're proud of the role all of the room leaders are playing in our daughter's development.

Reply from Storal, Central Support at Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear that you feel our team is meeting both her needs and yours as parents. It's wonderful to know that our staff's dedication, communication, and responsiveness have made such a positive impact. We're excited to welcome your second child later this year and continue supporting your family's journey!


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Review from K D (Godmother of Child) published on 12 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care provided by the Nursery to my godson. I can’t think of anything bad to say but I know if I did I could tell the nursery and they will take it into consideration and support. My godson has come on leaps and bounds and he enjoys his time at the nursery. I would recommend
it to a friend.

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Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Smart Start is a wonderful nursery.
My son is flourishing in his speech development, motor skills and socialising.
The staff are warm and welcoming and clearly care deeply about the children they look after.

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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my daughters have attended this nursery over the course of approximately three years. I have had so many supportive and helpful interactions with staff and management. Any concerns I’ve had have been quickly dealt with, and I’ve always felt reassured. I can honestly say the staff have gone above
and beyond to support me and my family, especially one lady in pre-school as well as the deputy manager and manager.

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Review from A S (Uncle of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since starting at the nursery, the progress I have seen in my nephew, both educationally and emotionally, has been fantastic! He is always eager to tell me about his day and what he has learnt, which is so great to hear. There are lots of events that are extended out to family members which means we
get to join in on those special occasions.

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Review from Zoe P (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Smart Start Nursery School for the past two years. He has come along leaps and bounds. The girls have been absolutely amazing towards my son, caring, supportive, encouraging, understanding and very informative when he is there with daily updates. He adores the ladies in his
class. Would highly recommend.

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Review from Cosima R (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highly recommend the nursery, they have great facilities, a lovely garden, really make an effort with activities with the children and the system of uploading photos of what my daughter has been up to is reassuring when I’m away. The nursery is also open to suggestions and genuinely wants a positive
parent partnership.

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Review from R A (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always friendly and welcoming. Know all the children like their own and give great handovers. Great homemade food, freshly prepped. Children even have opportunities to learn to dish themselves food and try a range of different things. Allergy awareness and learning opportunities for every child even
from the youngest stage.

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Review from Toyin A (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very warm nursery with professional staff who have made my son settle in very well. Very happy with the nursery services.
The daily feedback regarding feeding, daily activities and diaper changes is very comforting in knowing my son is well taken care of. Thank you very much.

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Review from A P (Father of Child) published on 26 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best decision was sending my little boy to Smart Start Gravesend! The development has been amazing to see over the two years he’s been there! The amount he’s learned has been great, and has also made great connections and relationships with his key carer.
Overall, a great, friendly, family-oriented
nursery!

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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest daughter joined in 2019 and my youngest daughter joined in 2022, and both have really blossomed under the care of Smart Start. I have always really liked the staff in all the rooms, they're so caring and I feel like they really know my children. The garden is a lovely space for them to enjoy
too.

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Review from James G (Father of Child) published on 15 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent nursery. The staff are amazing and really helped our child to learn and grow. They often came back home telling us what they did and how much fun they had. Always there when we wanted to talk or had any concerns.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.870)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.870) out of 10 for Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 37 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 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 4.870 for Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) is calculated as follows: ( (387 Excellents x 5) + (48 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 439 Ratings = 4.87

  • 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 Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) is based on 36 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 84 number of registered child places is 16.8, which has been reached with 36 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.

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Meet the Team (1)

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Jessica

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2024

Hello and welcome to Windmill Nursery School in Gravesend.
Every day at Windmill we encourage children to be inquisitive and creative in our stimulating learning environment. In doing so, they soon develop a real love of learning and a curious mind.


Our experienced team come with a wealth of early years learning insight. We know that every child is different with their own story to tell, so we make sure that your child learns in a way and at a pace that’s right for them.


Our happy nursery allows children to imagine, wonder and learn, both indoors and outside, whether it’s our creative play and sensory rooms or our large garden that’s ready for adventures. We work collaboratively with parents, a partnership that truly enhances children's learning and development.


We’d love you to come and visit us and look forward to meeting you and your family.


Frequently Asked Questions about Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start)

What is the Age Range of Children that Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) accepts?

Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) Open?

Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) is open: 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.

How many Children does Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) have capacity for?

Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) has capacity for a total of 84 Children.

How far is Windmill Nursery School (Smart Start) to the centre of Gravesend?

0.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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