KatieB Kids Nursery

The Chapel of St Luke, Chapel Drive, Stone, Dartford DA2 6FF
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32 Reviews
KatieB Kids Nursery and School of Early Childhood is passionate about giving young children the best possible foundation for life – emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Their mission is to create a daytime family, rooted in happiness, where childhood is just as it should be. This is done by creating a unique day-time family, filled with love, care and fun, partnered with academic expertise, all together in an inspiring and nurturing environment.

Their approach is completely child-centred. The foundation of the progressive curriculum is the internationally acclaimed educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, drawing on aspects of Montessori, Forest School and Heuristic play.

Harnessing children’s natural curiosity and creativity, the nursery uses innovative activities, projects and hands-on play to explore, investigate and experiment and spend lots of quality time enjoying nature and the great outdoors every day.

Every child is listened to and given time to explore their feelings, ideas and theories. The nursery values respect, empathy, freedom and democracy to support children’s mental, moral and social development - a great base for academic learning in primary school.

From babies and toddlers through to 3 and 4-year-olds, the contemporary learning programme is bespoke to each child.

The outstanding early years educators build on individual strengths and passions, allowing children to learn at their own pace and enjoy a range of experiences from reading, science, maths and geography to yoga, art, nature and woodwork.

From getting to know you and your child through home visits, to creating a space for families to come together for events and festivals, they are there to make your child’s childhood full of happiness, and to support you in your journey as a parent.
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Care Provided by KatieB Kids Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • KTB Kids
  • Person in charge
  • Katie Ballard (Owner)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 19
  • Total Places for Children
  • 77
  • 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 KatieB Kids Nursery

  • Our website has full details of our fees.

  • Fees are subject to an annual fee increase in April. Visit our website for further fee information.
    We have a limited number of fully funded spaces including FF2 and 30 hours.

KatieB Kids Nursery Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20

Over all time KatieB Kids Nursery has 32 reviews.

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Review from J N (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall excellent, a place of care, love, nurturing, kindness, understanding and a home from home. A place that has great ethics, family values, fresh home-cooked food by a passionate caring check and staff that bring their own experience to the role and pass to the children - learning a new language,
woodwork, baking, arts and crafts, role play and so much more. A place to grow in all areas of physical, mental and emotional development from day one. A healthy safe environment to let your child flourish. Courses are held for parents to learn about children's feelings and how to handle any situation. All round care not just for children but for parents and the whole family.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for sharing your lovely review. We are so pleased that our passion and nursery values have enabled you to enjoy such a positive experience.
Our best wishes.


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Review from Billie H (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm so pleased with my child's progress since being with the nursery. She was very shy and didn't speak much at all since being with the nursery her speech has come on leaps and bounds she's becoming more independent and social.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for your positive feedback. Seeing your daughters confidence grow has been an absolute pleasure.


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Review from Yen L (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is a typical active boy with lots of energy. As a full-time working mother, I find this place an absolute gem. He loves going there and you find yourself and your child building a little bond with the staff there. You really feel like they're good, kind and caring people.
This is the only nursery
I've come across that feed the children amazingly healthy fresh food - their chef is lovely. The other nurseries feed the children nuggets and chips, you won't find any of that here.
At KatieB, the children would always have lots of fulfilling activities to do and look forward to coming back the next day.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Dear Yen


Thank you for these kind words, it was our pleasure to care for your son and to see him happily engage with all we offered.


Best wishes,


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Review from Imelda M (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined KatieB Kids in April this year. We have found the staff are so caring and patient with the children. Our child looks forward to going to nursery every time.
We have seen so many improvements in our child.
Thank you KatieB.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. It is our pleasure to take care of your daughter and to see her so happy in nursery.


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Review from Nicola J (Aunt of Child) published on 15 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely magical! The care and attention to every detail here is really breathtaking - and most importantly for me is full of really happy children that love being there and have lots of fun learning new things. Amazing to see young children learning woodwork and cookery and having so much time in
the outdoors exploring and really being part of a community.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you Nicola for your lovely comments about our nursery. A magical learning environment for young children is something that is central to our ethos, and we are so glad that you have recognised this.


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Review from J G (Father of Child) published on 27 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a brilliant nursery. Both of my children have attended KatieB and not only have they loved going they have learned so much too. My daughter is now at school and often talks about nursery and loves coming to drop off or pick up her brother whenever she gets the chance. The focus the nursery has
on care and well-being was a big selling point to us when choosing the nursery, and we have seen the positive impact this has had on our children. The teachers at my daughter's school often comment on her high levels of resilience a trait we attribute to her time at KatieB. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable and have excellent relationships with the children and this is evident through their interactions and how keen all the children are to go in. We couldn’t have asked for more from a nursery, we only wish our children didn’t have to leave to go to school!

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for your lovely feedback. It has been our pleasure looking after your children at KatieB Kids.


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Review from Nargiza M (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our toddler has been attending this nursery for about a year now and we are signing our second baby up soon too.
Before selecting the nursery for our little one, we have searched meticulously, asking tons of questions and visiting a few, and I’m so happy we signed up with KatieB Kids.
Since the
very beginning, we could see how they put an extraordinary amount of effort into the well-being of the children that attend. Their values of following the child, respectful attitude and play-based activities (with lots and lots of messy play and outdoor games) have been exactly what we were looking for and it’s such a joy to see how our 2 and a half years old has been jumping and skipping on the way to the nursery every morning.
They also hold regular educator training days and workshops for parents, and their on-site chef is brilliant. Our kid eats things there that we’d never be able to feed her at home so a massive bonus!

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for your kind words, we are so pleased that you chose to be part of our KatieB Kids family and that you are experiencing everything that we strive to deliver.


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Review from Charlotte L (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to KatieB Kids for a couple of months now and has settled in really well. He’s eating more and is a lot more adventurous with different foods. He is a big personality anyway but has managed to become an even bigger personality. He is so happy at the end of his day at nursery and
is extremely comfortable with his nursery teachers. I feel comfortable leaving him in their care as they tend to his every need. They really do understand children.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for your lovely feedback. It is our pleasure to look after your son.


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Review from Joanna K (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An absolutely delightful setting for your child to thrive and grow. I was extremely nervous about my child going to nursery but since him starting, there has not been a moment's doubt that this was the right place for him. He has come on leaps and bounds and learnt skills he would never have gained
at home.
A wonderful team of people who I trust 110%.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for sharing such wonderful positive thoughts. It has been an absolute pleasure to care for your son.


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Review from Alaa I (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Most supportive nursery and staff. Outstanding care for all my children. All 3 of my children have been going to this nursery. During this pandemic, they have continued to show understanding and support to parents. I am looking forward to them returning to normality.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Dear Alaa, thank you for your kind words, we too are looking forward to welcoming your children back to the nursery.


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Review from Sacha-Marie D (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't recommend this nursery enough - the child takes centre stage and even to the point where they get to choose how their day goes, which park they visit and what activities they do, there is a structure but if they find the children are really enjoying something they won't stop to move onto something
else, this adaption and fluidity suits children so well at this stage. My son has attended now since he was 20 months and has just turned 4 and heading off to school in September. He is confident and has been nurtured to be nothing other than who he is which is the best grounding I could ask for. The food is amazing as well, he eats so much better there than at home the little monkey! Don't let the lack of garden put you off, this has absolutely no impact, my son has better road sense, control when out and loves the outdoors due to the parks they get to visit and the opportunities to play and discover the world outside. Staff are amazing too - they love the children.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you Sacha-Marie for these kind words, it has been an absolute pleasure to spend the last few years with your son and to meet your family.


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Review from Gillian (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending KTB kids since I returned to work after maternity leave. She only attends one day per week but she enjoys it and looks forward to going each week. The staff are amazing and very supportive. All members of the team know her by name and even greet her if they bump into
her on their park trips on days she doesn't attend. We have attended a free workshop provided by the nursery on emotion coaching and feel the tips we have received are carried out day-to-day within the setting. She gets on very well with her key worker and we are given regular updates about her activities and development. We have definitely seen improvements in her confidence and social skills since attending the nursery. We would definitely recommend this nursery.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Dear Gillian, thank you for your kind words, it is our pleasure to care for your daughter each week.


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Review from Lynsey H (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really great nursery. My child has been going to KTB since 2018 and loves it. My child’s development has come on so vast. The teachers are really great. The activities are imaginative and good fun. My child loves the daily (sometimes twice) walks around the local area. My child has made many friends
here and has built some great relationships. This is an amazing nursery.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you, Lynsey, for such a lovely review. It is a pleasure to look after your child.


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Review from Jayadeepa W (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Son is going to the nursery since he was 8 months old and we are extremely happy with the nursery and its service. KTB has very friendly staff and every child has a key person who is looking after the children‘s development. My Son is now about to turn 3 years old and he loves to go to nursery. Also,
KTB is providing the kids with tasty organic food cooked by a very friendly staff member of the nursery. I highly recommend KTB.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for these kind words, it is a pleasure to care for your son.


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Review from Ayten I (Mother of Child) published on 30 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After originally being slightly concerned about sending my daughter to nursery, I looked around a number of nurseries and wasn't happy with the large business like the structure of them.
As soon as I walked into KTB, I knew I wanted to send my daughter there. It is a small intimate nursery with the
most amazing staff. The food provided is an amazing standard and got my fussy daughter trying new food.
The sleep room was also a big seller with all the children having cots or cot beds rather than a sheet on the floor like others.
My child is extremely happy there. I think the fact that there is no outside space benefits the children as they go out on visits to the park or library every day and get to experience new things.
I do recommend KTB to families because they are brilliant with all kids and always helpful.
My little one can't wait to go back to the nursery when they reopen. Stay safe.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for these kind words Ayten. It is a pleasure to look after your daughter.


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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at KTB Kids when she was 10-months-old and settled in right away. The whole team are great from the management to the cook. They regularly communicate daily activities and progress at pick up, but also via a learning book app which can be a welcome distraction whilst at work as it
has lots of videos of your little one! You have been warned.


They have a great range of activities and staff who really seem to enjoy helping the children to explore their learning. I feel they look after the whole child, and my daughter has made enormous leaps in her development under their care. I often say that their hard work enables my hard work in my job because I can be confident knowing she too happy and well cared for all day. That's all anyone really wants as a parent.


I would absolutely recommend them.


Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you Emma for these lovely words. It's so nice to hear your comments.


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Review from Nikola H (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been attending this nursery since they were a year old. They are now in pre-school, and I can see how much they have grown. The staff at KTB have helped my child from counting, writing, going out for daily walks and potty training. They have done more than I thought they would. Highly recommend
this nursery.

Reply from Katie Ballard, Owner at KatieB Kids Nursery

Thank you for your kind words Nikola. It has been a pleasure to look after your daughter.


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Review from T S (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had the best care possible for our son at KTB. They do lots of activities every day to keep the kids busy and make them learn all about crafting and much more.
The staff at KTB are always helpful, kind and cheerful. The nursery is always clean (spot on really) and my son really enjoyed the food.
My
son learnt a lot at KTB, we have seen improvements day by day as when he started he had only just been diagnosed with a speech delay.
I would recommend this nursery to everyone, they supported my son in everything he needed and sometimes even me, his mom.

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Review from Jo B (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son has been in the nursery's care from 18 months old.


He's now starting school and we'll miss KTB Kids very much. The staff are very welcoming, yet professional and the food is of a very high standard. Fees are extremely reasonable and the care and resources available are outstanding.


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Review from Bushra A (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one started going to KTB since she was 10 months; she has grown from a waddling baby to a chatty little girl; all thanks to the lovely staff in KTB kids. They are very helpful, accommodating and mindful of all the children’s need. The daily activities are very thoughtfully planned - my little
one took interest in cooking, arts and crafts, outdoor play and even learned her numbers and letters in the nursery setting. Finally, the quality of the food they serve is excellent and it is freshly cooked every day. I am very grateful to everyone in KTB kids for all the love and support they have given to my little girl.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (3)

Katie

Katie Ballard

Job Title: Owner

Joined: 2014

With a passion for imaginative, active and outdoor play Katie understands the importance of investing in a child’s emotional, physical and cognitive development.

With this in mind, Katie launched the project of an independent day nursery in 2014. Katie strongly believes in the values of the nursery and that these are central to the happiness and fulfilment of the children attending.

Quality care is paramount, and understanding that this is an industry you enter to make a difference; Katie takes her responsibility to her staff, the families and the children seriously with a genuine effort to do the right thing by all.

Her own 3 children have all been through the nursery, her youngest from 6 months old. With a strong interest in supporting children in the 21st century, Katie’s particular enthusiasm is for protecting childhood with the increase of electronic devices and pressures from modern society and she regularly attends conferences and seminars on this topic.

Katie’s eldest son was born with a genetic syndrome and a serious complex heart condition. In January 2021 Katie took the chair position for the Noonan syndrome association, after being an active trustee since 2014.

Katie and her husband enjoy travelling, and the family have spent recent summers in America where they are exploring the national parks from Yellowstone to the Smoky Mountains.

... Read more
Hayley

Hayley

Job Title: Early Years Professional

Joined: 2014

Hayley always knew that she wanted a career in care, but it was completing her A-levels in Health & Social Care and Sociology and her interest in Child Psychology that led her to specialise in education. Hayley loved her degree in Child Development and was particularly interested in the early years, understanding what a crucial time this is for building a secure foundation for later childhood and adulthood.

After graduating with a BA Hons degree Hayley specialised further in early years completing a master’s degree and gaining Early Years Professional Status. Hayley was offered her first nursery position as an early year’s manager in 2009 with the responsibility for curriculum planning and assessments in an outstanding independent preschool.

This term time position provided Hayley with an opportunity to also work with older children as a manager for holiday camps gaining valuable experience with children 4 to 8 years old. Hayley joined KTB Kids at the beginning, back in 2014. With a belief in the nursery ethos, Hayley wanted a practical management position where she would have the opportunity to make a positive difference to the children and to be able to support educators to fulfil their potential as early years educators.

In her role at KTB Kids Hayley thrives with the freedom she has to implement a curriculum that puts the children first. Hayley takes the time to really understand every child in the nursery and puts them at the centre of planning. Hayley has respect and passion for the genuine values that the nursery holds and is invested in spending time with every member of the team, listening to their ideas, and discussing ways to extend their teaching to ensure that adults recognise and capture every opportunity that enables a child to progress and be happy.

At home, Hayley loves DIY and craft activities and she enjoys creating handmade gifts for special celebrations.

Hayley and her husband love spending quality time with their daughter and appreciate the importance of ‘experiences’, such as day trips to the seaside or the zoo exploration at the park or woodlands and just being outdoors and active.

... Read more
Louise

Louise

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2017

An article reporting the 5 first years of a child’s life to be the most important in development was the catalyst for Louise to embark upon a career in her early years.

With a good education- 10 GCSE grades A*/A, 3 A-levels at grade A- Louise chose a vocational route into Early Years Education at KTB Kids, joining as an apprentice preschool educator in April 2017. She then returned to University level study in September 2019 (following 2 years of a Modern Languages degree at the University of Nottingham) and studied Childhood and Youth Studies at the Open University alongside working as bank staff at KTB Kids.

Louise uses the child-centred approach at KTB Kids to ensure that the child is at the heart of their learning opportunities.

She loves her role as the facilitator, taking the thoughts and ideas of the children and creating opportunities from these that keep the children engaged and learning; all through play.

Louise has a passion for languages, is fluent in Spanish and French with conversational Portuguese, and would love to extend her travelling ambition in the future.

She has been working in her new role as Deputy Manager and Curriculum Lead since July 2020.

... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about KatieB Kids Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that KatieB Kids Nursery accepts?

KatieB Kids Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is KatieB Kids Nursery Open?

KatieB Kids Nursery 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 KatieB Kids Nursery have capacity for?

KatieB Kids Nursery has capacity for a total of 77 Children.

How far is KatieB Kids Nursery to the centre of Dartford?

1.3 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 KatieB Kids Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. KatieB Kids Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.