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 21-40
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.

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Review from Bozhura S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are really happy with the nursery. People who work here are great at what they do. My child has learned so much and I honestly recommend this nursery to everyone. Every morning we are running on our way there because she loves it so much.

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Review from Jackie B (Mother of Child) published on 21 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I absolutely love Smart Start Nursery. I feel confident my child is having all her needs met and more. I was very anxious to leave my two-year-old, but now she smiles when we get to the door and is absolutely loving her friends and the staff.
I love the way it's set out, like being at home, but with
plenty of space and different rooms set up for different activities and play. The chef must be doing something right because she seems to love the freshly prepared dinners and goes back for seconds.
The staff are very friendly and have really helped me relax and update me on everything my daughter has done that day. Regular updates on what they are learning and doing at the nursery are put on the app for me to see, which is great. I really feel they have exceeded my expectations.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child changed nursery and I was really worried about her settling into a new setting. I think she felt at home as soon as she started. The nursery has been fantastic in facilitating the transition to a new nursery. The staff members are great at communicating and support my child and also myself
as a parent. Lots of learning through playing. My child enjoys the fresh meals. The nursery ticks all the boxes for me.

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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest has been going to Smart Start since February 2021 and my youngest since January 2023. They both love it!
I can’t fault the staff, they are all great at what they do. The nursery also now has good staff retention which gives good continuity to the kids.
The building and grounds are good,
especially the garden which is huge and they use it whenever they can.
Each day is filled with loads of activities and play. They serve a varied menu for meals and snacks and my kids have tried foods there that they will regularly refuse at home.

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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Days at this nursery are very well structured and planned. Rooms are set up, ready for the morning breakfast and activities on arrival. The staff are all amazing, you can tell they enjoy working there and always have time to speak to each individual child and get to know them and their interests. Parents
are also well-considered with events and quick pick-up breakfast items. The children get a lot of outdoor time doing various activities or picnics. The menu is always well-balanced, healthy meals and cooked on-site.

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Review from Tara W (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at Smart Start since September 2022, he has made huge progress since he started in the 2 year old room, he is now in the pre-school room, he loves his teachers and loves nursery. The staff are so friendly and helpful especially when my child was very clingy. I would defiantly recommend
the nursery to anyone who is looking for a nursery. My son loves the food the on site chef cooks and eats a wide variety of food even having allergies they catered for everything.

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Review from Philip J (Father of Child) published on 2 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at Smart Start since 9 months old. She is developing a lot there and very fast too. My wife and I were not born in Britain and the staff accommodates the fact our daughter will sometimes ask for things in our native language. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Our daughter
loves attending Smart Start.

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Review from B C (Grandfather of Child) published on 26 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson has been at this nursery for nearly a year, and he absolutely loves it. He has learnt so much and enjoys coming home with new skills! The staff are really nice and always share what he’s learnt and what new words he says. He loves the large garden space! The on-site chef always makes such
healthy meals and gets him to eat his vegetables!

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Review from T F (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at Smart Start since he was 11 months, and he is now three years old. He always goes in with the biggest smile on his face, and he is always happy when we pick him up to tell us what a great day he has had. The staff are brilliant and have always been so helpful and friendly. We are
so happy with everything they do there and would highly recommend it.

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Review from I M (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good nursery. My son loves it. Staff are very caring and loving towards him. My son always goes in with a smile and leaves with a smile. The nursery is very good, encouraging my son’s development. Overall very supportive, safe and organised.

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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Smart Start Nursery has been a great learning place for my two children.
They have provided such a brilliant learning foundation to the kids; my younger child is in preschool and absolutely enjoys her time at nursery.
The new management team have been great and has always accommodated with us and
my children. They take time out to listen to any concerns we have as a parent and have always kept us informed with any updates/events happening within the nursery. Such as Mother’s Day tea party/Father’s Day party/Christmas carol singing.
The staff are amazing and have been doing a great job, always providing us with updates on what our child has been doing throughout the day.
Overall, it’s a safe, fun, enjoyable, learning environment for any child looking to start nursery.

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Review from Ana S (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The new management has significantly improved the nursery’s activity and quality of care; they have also always been very understanding and helpful on every occasion. Moreover, my daughter is very happy there, and the staff are great, especially one lady, to whom I cannot thank enough for all her dedication
and involvement in the kids’ development; she has 100% made a difference. They have also been very accommodating with my daughter’s food allergies. Thank you!

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Review from R K (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is hands down the best I have ever seen. I can't even begin to describe how much the staff have helped both me and my son. He is come leaps and bounds in confidence, making friends, learning, eating healthier, creatively and just generally a well-rounded little boy.
The nursery is so caring,
attentive and child-focused and gives its all to each child, especially emotionally, and I can't be thankful enough.
Even with me as a parent, they have helped accommodate my needs, been very flexible with extra dates and times and also kept me informed of Veterans Day.
I feel this nursery provides an excellent foundation for children's learning and development, and we will miss them all so much.
I love their learning styles through play and how much they emphasise kindness, sharing and making sure everyone's differences are included.
Honestly, you have all helped us more than you know.

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Review from Filipa R (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Smart Start Nursery School has always been a safe and secure environment for my children and a place of joy and happiness. My oldest daughter, now in year one, still to this day, recalls the nursery staff and experiences, with a smile on her face, passing to her younger brother how good it is to be
at nursery and how lucky he is to be in there. My son being a different child, took him more time to feel completely secure at nursery, and regarding that, a huge thank you to all staff in all the different rooms for their patience and for always offering him the comfort he needed to become more confident.
Regarding the outside area, which is extremely good, just would like maybe to see in there more garden equipment such as slides and bigger climbing equipment for the children in pre-school.
To finalise, I would like to say, again thank you to all staff and management for your hard work and showing your support to the children, demonstrating to be caring and kind, and therefore, creating lasting memories.

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Review from Nicky A (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When my son joined the nursery in January, he wouldn't talk or interact with anyone. A few months down the line, he's very jovial and always looking forward to going, and on his off days, he would cry that he wants to go. The nursery teachers are all friendly and welcoming.

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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son absolutely loves going to the nursery, he really enjoys his teacher's company, and they make him feel safe and secure, which is the most important for me. Definitely recommend this nursery to anyone

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Review from Rashma A (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been great for my son in terms of social interaction with other kids. He's a fussy eater, so they also take the time to sit with him to encourage eating a different variety of foods. There is genuine care for the children; they oversee and always take the time to speak to you to reassure
you of his progress and development. The nursery offers a wide range of activities for the kids and is always happy to assist with any requests around his welfare. My son enjoys his time there. The times are flexible for working mothers. The staff there are always, always pleasant, which is a good environment for my son to be in. I love the pictures that are sent of some of the activities he undertakes during his session. Ultimately, I have no concerns when my son is left under their care.

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Review from Daniel O (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since joining Smart Start, I've noticed my son has become more outgoing and confident. His interaction with other children has greatly improved. The staff are always friendly and helpful. The seniors have been amazing, very flexible and accommodating. The staff also update a daily log, which I follow
on the app, which is reassuring and gives a great insight into his day. 10/10.

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Review from Shannon F (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can honestly say my son gained so much confidence being at Smart Start. All the staff were always so lovely and helpful, and I was never worried about him being in their care. I know my son loved his time at Smart Start and cried his eyes out when he realised it was his last day there.

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Review from G B (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one has been coming since March for 4 days a week and settled in really quickly - he doesn’t even want to go home at the end of the day as he’s having so much fun. He’s so happy at nursery and all the staff are so lovely. I would recommend this nursery to anyone.

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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 37 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 37 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 37 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (4)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Storal

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2022

Recipient: Storal

Date: Friday 29 Apr 2022 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2020

Recipient: Storal

Date: Tuesday 31 Mar 2020 More details

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Meet the Team (1)

No image found

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.


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.