Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

The High Street, Mark Cross, Crowborough TN6 3PJ
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10 99 Reviews
  • Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross, Crowborough
Situated in the beautiful village of Mark Cross, East Sussex, this setting offers childcare close to Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough. Mark Cross is a well-established nursery, with pre-school and kids club facilities.

Mark Cross provides a welcoming home setting, with a very large garden designed to provide space and adventure for every child. This pre-school prepares children for starts in local schools and the bus runs to and from local schools for the kids’ club. Mark Cross was rated Good by Ofsted (August 2023).

Pennies At Mark Cross is situated in the village of Mark Cross in East Sussex and offers exceptional care for children from three months to five-years-old. The nursery offers a large outdoor facility and home-cooked food to support the healthy development of each child.

Pennies at Mark Cross has an excellent team and care facility for all children's needs.

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Care Provided by Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Victoria Atkins (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 64
  • 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

  • Per day:
    Under 2's £104.50
    2-3 yrs £102.50
    Over 3's £101.50

Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross Reviews (99)

Total of 99, showing 81-99
10

Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross has a Review Score of 10 (9.981) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross has 99 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 92
  • 6
  • 1
  • 0
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87

Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my sons have gone to this nursery and I can't recommend it highly enough. There is lots of outdoor play which they love and everyone working there are just so caring and supportive. My youngest is still there and absolutely loves it!

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Review from Jenny G (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been entirely impressed with Mark Cross overall since my child first started, The staff have been welcoming, friendly and professional but the thing that stands out the most is their passion and care for the children and you can see they are genuinely engaged and keen to make a difference to
the children's day ensuring a fun and safe space for them to learn, grow and explore.


I am 100% sure this is due to the dedication, attention, training and true care from the current manager who constantly advocates a fun environment for the children and staff and runs a very tight ship, She always makes time to listen to any queries and/or concerns and are acted on in a prompt, friendly and professional manner and this trust is worth its weight in gold and Mark Cross is I believe truly an exciting success because of her! What a lucky team and group of children they are, for this reason, my child has stayed at Mark Cross during the rebranding.


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Review from Helen (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is always very happy at nursery, he’s building great relationships with the carers and his peers. This seems to be a fantastic foundation for his development and learning. He surprises me each week with the milestones he’s making!

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Review from Thom B (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends five mornings a week. The staff are always friendly, polite and helpful and the facilities and activities are appropriate and fun! My daughter loves going in and gets on very well with all the staff. She has really grown as a child since attending nursery and the advances are truly
amazing. We are kept up to date with what she does through detailed regular checks and reports and often see the activities that the children have created which we can put up or have out at home! They also have wonderful homemade food which changes regularly. I would highly recommend Mark Cross Day Nursery to anyone and am extremely pleased with their attitude and service.

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Review from Alice B (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This Nursery has such a welcoming, home from home feel to it. The staff are all incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They put the needs of the children first and make a real effort to get to know your child and family. We have been very impressed with how the staff have worked with us in order to
support our daughter in settling in. Our daughter’s learning is being developed in a safe and stimulating environment both in and outdoors. The staff’s nurturing care is helping her personality to blossom as she grows in confidence. We are so pleased with our decision to send our daughter to this nursery. She is always so happy after her day of fun activities, cosy sleep and delicious home cooked food. Knowing that she is in safe and caring hands has made returning to work much easier.

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Review from Toby C (Father of Child) published on 28 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience of dealing with Pennies, Mark Cross has been nothing but lovely. I have 2 children that attend for 1 1/2 days a week and they love to go and spend thier days having fun, playing in the garden, doing puzzles and painting. The staff have always been extremely accommodating for my children's
dietary issues and have gone above and beyond what would be expected of them. The staff have always been frank and to the point and if the children have had their differences at times, they handle these issues very well. The children's report books are always a joy to read and the staff clearly spend the time to educate the kids because every week something new is learnt. I honestly couldn't recommend them enough, I'm so pleased we are able to have the kids attend such a brilliant place!

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Review from Louisa S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with Brandywell Day Nursery. Caring environment, nurturing and supporting the development of my daughter. Wonderful staff and lovely environment.

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Review from V S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been very happy with the care provided for my child. I receive daily updates from the nursery on my child's day. I feel my son has grown well under the guidance given; this has been shown by both his social skills and personal care (hygiene, eating and the beginning of potty training too). My
child's key worker and buddy know my child well and, they play with toys which interest him, his buddy has struck a balance between setting good boundaries and having fun. The outdoor learning space has been a huge positive impact on my son and was a decision in the choice of the nursery from the beginning. The assessment/reports have been fair and well-organised, as well as insightful of my child's day. the manager has been friendly and approachable; she has always clarified my queries.
Recommended ideas:
Use more outside clubs.
More art and craft to help fine motor skills.
Encourage parents to meet one another.
Occasional parent/toddler afternoon - a few times a year.
Share weekly timetable with parents.
It has been lovely to hear the many nursery rhymes my child sings at home of which many he has learnt at school.

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Review from Ella D (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Brandywell has a friendly staff team and all staff demonstrate knowledge and skills to support the development of each child.
They always provide positive feedback but are also willing to give constructive feedback where necessary - such as top tips for potty training which has worked for my child.
I really like the accessibility the children have to the big garden and selection of animals they have.
There are some good activities such as yoga and often the children help with baking.
I would recommend the nursery as somewhere which provides a personalised approach to care and demonstrates flexibility where they are able to.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Brandywell highly enough, my little boy (20 months) loves going to nursery. He was at a different nursery to start off (and I dreaded drop off, he hated going) and we moved area and found Brandywell, they are exceptional! They aren't too big so you don't feel as though your child
is just a number...they know all the little things about them and make a massive effort to bond with them. Also, they have an excellent range of different activities, my little boy has come so far since starting at Brandywell. All Excellent amazing staff!

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I sent my son here, who is now 11 years old. I didn't need to think twice about sending my daughter here. The staff are amazing, it is such a lovely friendly place. It's like having an extended family. I couldn't speak highly enough about this nursery. I feel that they have helped set up my children
up for the rest of their school life by starting off here.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our first daughter started at Brandywells 5 years ago - we had viewed so many different nurseries and we had thought we perhaps being silly that we didn't like any...then we discovered this lovely little gem of a nursery and have never looked back. Firstly, the staff absolutely make this place so special.
It has such a homely feel and now we have another daughter there and they are both so happy. Couldn't recommend this place highly enough.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Children have been attending Brandywell for the past year, it has been absolutely fantastic for the both of them. The staff are so friendly and have built fantastic relationships with the children, and they have come on in their development in leaps and bounds. I love the fact that the kids get to
play outdoors a lot and do lots of crafty things.

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Review from Helen E (Mother of Child) published on 31 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery where our daughter has thrived.
Caring, considerate staff who go the extra mile for the children in their care. Our daughter has grown and learnt from the day she joined the nursery and it is absolutely key to us as a family to have somewhere safe for her to blossom.
Working
life for us is made so much easier knowing the care and development she gets at Brandywell. Would recommend to everyone. Thank you to the fabulous staff!

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Review from Natalie M (Mother of Child) published on 31 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has blossomed since she started attending here. She loves going and is even reluctant to leave sometimes when I pick her up.
The staff are lovely and the range of activities is great and the lunch always sounds delicious.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Brandywell for 6 months now and I couldn't be happier. The staff are all so lovely and friendly. My little one was 8 months old when she started and knowing she was happy at nursery made going back to work so much easier. One very happy small person and a very happy mummy
and daddy!

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Review from Katie R (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son joined Brandywell in September 2015 at age 2. The nursery staff were so flexible with settling him in and he has always been very happy there. The staff are all warm, friendly and approachable. There is a range of activities for the children and they have a good variety of food which my son really
enjoys. He has made so many friends and I feel totally confident that he is well looked after while he is there.

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Review from Nicola F (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is perfect, the location, premises and staff.
They have animals which always goes down well with little ones.
I love the flexibility and that they can have lunch there which is cooked on the premises, they sit at the table with the staff and are able to explore different meals which you
may not necessarily cook at home!!
For me it is a great way for my lively little girl to mix with her own age group and explore different activities away from home and me which can get boring!!!
She always comes out happy and they regularly keep you updated on progress and any changes.
There is a sleep room which has been brilliant in helping toward her going into a big girls bed at home.
I thoroughly recommend this nursery and it's not even local to me!!!! :)

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Review from Zoe C (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Brandywell is one of a kind - it's home from home. The staff really do care for the children and get to know them as individuals. The outside space is amazing and they play out in the huge garden at every opportunity amongst the chickens, mud kitchen, and play areas. My two youngest sons have really
loved their time at Brandywell - they create an excellent balance of nurturing and structure to prepare them for school.
Brandywell is now under new management but I'm hopeful they retain the Brandywell ethos and the fabulous staff.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.981)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.981) out of 10 for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.981 for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross is calculated as follows: ( (153 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 156 Ratings = 4.981

  • 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 - Mark Cross is based on 13 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 64 number of registered child places is 12.8, which has been reached with 13 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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Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (2)

Victoria

Victoria Atkins

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2016

My childcare career began 10 years ago when I started working in the Mark Cross setting. There, I gained my Level 3 qualification in 2010, in which I developed my experience in becoming the Under Two’s Supervisor before being promoted as the Deputy Manager of this nursery.


When Pennies took over the company, I received the great privilege to be able to lead such a good team of childcare practitioners. In continuing my personal aspirations and being an active learner, I keep up to date with all childcare issues and have, since being Manager, completed a variety of management training courses.


Rebekah

Rebekah Waterhouse

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2016

I began my childcare journey in 2007, leading to completing my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, learning and development in 2009 whilst working with young children. I have worked in a variety of roles during my career, therefore developing my role as a leader. I joined Pennies in July 2017 and I love being within a positive and inspiring team!


I work in the office but still on the nursery floor to support staff, children and parents. I completed my Foundation Degree in July 2019, and remain to be a consistent active learner throughout my childcare career, in addition to being one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads.


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