The Cottage Nursery

The Cottage, Lower Station Road, Crayford, Dartford DA1 3PY
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8.8 24 Reviews
  • The Cottage Nursery, Dartford
The Cottage Nursery is located in Crayford in Kent. The nursery is a converted large Victorian house, situated in an acre of open space with its four gardens including a forest school and is located next to the Braeburn Nature Reserve.

The Cottage Nursery & Pre-school uses a web-based system to communicate a detailed daily account of each child's day to their parents, enabling them to track and learn about their child's development. The nursery also has full CCTV monitoring installed throughout.

Providing care for children aged from three months old to four-years-old. Children have access to separate rooms with age-appropriate toys and activities, including reading, building blocks, arts and crafts and role play. In addition, children are able to participate in a range of activities, specially planned by a team of skilled staff.

The Cottage Nursery has three rooms, a baby room, toddler room and preschool room.

Staff at the nursery pride themselves on providing high quality learning and development opportunities for children. The nursery follows an in-depth awareness calendar which provides different themes of learning, special events and celebrations which they take part in every morning and afternoon.

The nursery boasts fantastic outdoor facilities and spacious open plan rooms which benefit from CCTV mentoring. The reception area offers a space where parents can take a look at the footage to make sure their child is settled and happy.

The nursery also benefits from:

Online software and system access
Ofsted registered, graded “Good” (March 2019)
Forest School onsite
Fresh food prepared onsite with Excellent Food Hygiene Rating of "5" (September 2023)
Millie Mark Accredited
Healthy Catering Mark Award

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Care Provided by The Cottage Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Katie Davies (Acting Nursery Manager/DSL)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 14
  • Total Places for Children
  • 65
  • 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, 3 staff training days & 1 week between Christmas Eve & New Year Day

Funding & Fees Guide for The Cottage Nursery

  • Session Charges – used for your planned weekly attendance -


    Full Day from 7:30am till 6:30pm:
    Under 2 year olds - £82
    2 to 3 year olds - £80
    Over 3 Year Olds - £ 76

  • Extra childcare sessions are £90 for extra full days and £55 for Half days.
    Full time all week attendance below attracts a discount of 5%.


    We are an all year nursery and closed only for Christmas and New Year Holidays and Bank Holidays & up to 4 staff training days each year. Fees are charged on a monthly equivalent of weekly planned attendance for all year through 51 weeks of the year.


    We accept funding, using it towards the fees. Stretching it to ensure Parents / Carers have access to it all year through.
  • Parking

  • There is plenty of parking at the nursery when visiting, for bringing children to nursery and when collecting children.


The Cottage Nursery Reviews (24)

Total of 24, showing 1-20
8.8

The Cottage Nursery has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.837) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Cottage Nursery has 24 reviews.

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Review from J D (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has started September 2023 and so far he has been slowly making progress. He has adapted to the environment very quickly and really enjoys spending his days in nursery. So far, the staff have been amazing and have been attentive to my child’s needs. Their daily updates are amazing and provide
amazing care to my son.

Reply from Carley Gerard, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. he has settled so well, and we love having him with us!


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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Have just moved my 2-year-old here from another nursery and I thought it was only right to leave a glowing review because I have been so impressed. The team have been amazing in welcoming my little one into their space, the communication between them and us has been incredible and I am seeing such a
happier difference in my child since attending there. He genuinely seems to love attending nursery now, which was something we never experienced in his previous setting. Really recommend.

Reply from Carley Gerard, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

What lovely comments! We are so glad your little one is happy and settled, he is a joy to have!


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Review from Jessey C (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend The Cottage Nursery enough! The staff truly are amazing and really care about the children and their futures. My child who attends the nursery was very shy, barely spoke any words and enjoyed playing alone. After attending the nursery for a month, we have seen a huge change. More
words are being spoken, my child is happy to play with friends and engage in activities and is settling in really well. I’m so grateful to all the staff for their time, encouragement and support they have given my child. I would highly recommend this nursery!

Reply from Marie Clark, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

What a great review! We have all enjoyed seeing your child grow and develop! He is a pleasure to have at nursery!
Thank you


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Review from S Q (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I love the staff at the nursery they have made my baby feel at ease and she has been able to get along with them just fine. My main feedback back to them would be to prioritise nappy changes especially since my little one can't stand being in a wet nappy. There was also a small incidence where my baby
came home with some unexplained bruise on her tummy and the staff in her class had noticed it however they didn't seem to know how it got there and it wasn't mentioned to me when I collected her up at the end of the day. I would advise more attention and care to be provided to the little ones when they are amongst other children older than them.

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Review from Holly P (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both my sons have enjoyed their time at The Cottage Nursery. The staff are lovely and very approachable. Their curriculum is great and we get lots of updates via the app and lovely photos to look at each day. My youngest son has gone from being super clingy to being really sociable with everyone. The
food is good and healthy but could do with a tiny bit more variation.

Reply from Carley Gerard, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Thank you for this review, both boys are a pleasure to have! We thank you for your continued support.


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Review from Ioana A (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with the nursery. All the staff are friendly and kind. My child enjoys the time there. We get regular updates of the observations and daily photos that make us happy.
10 stars.

Reply from Carley Gerard, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Thank you for the review! We love seeing him develop!
We appreciate your continued support!


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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good.
Highly recommended.
My child loves it here.

Reply from Anna Croasdell, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Thank you for the kind review. We are very happy that your child loves attending the nursery.


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Review from Amisha D (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with the nursery. All the staff are friendly and kind. My child enjoys the time there. We get regular updates of the observations and daily photos that make us happy.

Reply from Anna Croasdell, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

We are very pleased you are happy with the nursery. Thank you for your kind review.


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Review from Hailey C (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son started at The Cottage in September and I'm so pleased with my choice.
The staff are super friendly and clearly, my son loves his days when he's at nursery. They are really good at keeping parents up to date and are very active on the app that the nursery use. I get updates, including pictures
every day, which is a real bonus.

Reply from Danielle Meade, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Dear Mum, thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased to know that your son is happy here.


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Review from Matilda G (Mother of Child) published on 25 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My partner and I are so pleased that we enrolled our daughter at The Cottage Nursery. Since she started there at 9 months old (now 14 months old), she has absolutely adored it and loves all the staff and other children. It is very easy to communicate with the staff in person and via the app. We are
also kept up to date with 'play plans', upcoming events and any updates to care, within plenty of time if applicable. The daily recaps are great and we're regularly updated on developmental progress through the app. They also encourage lots of participation and feedback from parents regarding food, play and development, which is also very reassuring. Honestly, a great nursery all round.

Reply from Anna Croasdell, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

We are so pleased to hear you are happy with the nursery. Thank you for your review.


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Review from Georgia J (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves his afternoons at the nursery, he's coming out with new words every day thanks to the help of the wonderful team, it's a beautiful nursery filled with everything a child needs to play and learn!

Reply from Anna Croasdell, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Thank you for your kind review. We are very pleased you are happy with the nursery.


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Review from Gosia M (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot fault this nursery - Nice open space, 2 gardens for children to spend time in, lots of space inside. My son loves the staff and is happy to go there every day. A lot of activities which are fun but teach kids at the same time. Bonus is the location - a few minutes walk from the train station,
so amazing for travelling to work. Competitive price as well. The staff are always very kind and keen to talk to us.

Reply from Danielle Meade, Nursery Manager at The Cottage Nursery

Thank you so much for your feedback! We are very lucky to have your support!


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Review from Poonam N (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our family have had a good experience with Gaggle - friendly and helpful staff, they always make helpful suggestions if my child is fussy or if times for milk or sleep should be adjusted. The fact that the location is 5 minutes from Crayford Station is great for me as a commuter. Updates and communications
are clear via email and on the nursery notice board. The foods are varied and I am happy with that.

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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are approachable and friendly. My son comes in happily every morning and when I pick him up he appears to have had a good day. He has been singing songs which suggest that he is learning.

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Review from Denise O (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter is speech delayed and we were getting very worried about her comprehension. Gaggle were fully aware of this and are working with her to bring her speech on. We have seen a massive difference in her over the past two months.

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Review from Angela H (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All the staff are friendly and helpful and we really feel that our child's needs are put first. They work very closely with us to help with our child's progression. They do a wide range of activities that my son enjoys. My son runs in every morning with a smile that makes leaving him much easier.

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Review from Inetu Z (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The nursery offers great childcare. My daughter started this nursery when she was six months old. She was very well loved and looked after. She is now 17 months old and loving her time at the nursery. She is very forward for her age and this is down to great staff. I would definitely recommend this
nursery.

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Review from Jameit F (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Nursery is very good and my child is happy and progressing well.

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Review from Clare M (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two year old twins are very happy at Gaggle and continuously learn and improve on what they already know. I am very happy with their progress here.

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Review from Jenna D (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son really enjoys his time at the nursery, has lots of fun playing, learning new things as the nursery provides different activities each month. Food is of a high standard and made with fresh ingredients which is great. The staff are brilliant and very good with my child.

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Current Review Score: 8.8 (8.837)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.8 (8.837) out of 10 for The Cottage Nursery 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 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 6 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 4.775 for The Cottage Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (57 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 71 Ratings = 4.775

  • 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 4.062 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Cottage Nursery is based on 6 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 = 3.6

    • 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 65 number of registered child places is 13. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 13 = 0.462

  • 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 (0)

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Meet the Team (10)

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Katie Davies

Job Title: Acting Manager

Joined: 2023

Acting Manager


Magda

Magda Miscoir

Job Title: Early Years Teacher

Joined: 2020

Working in the Preschool room


Karen

Karen Taylor

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator/DSL/SENCO (Acting Deputy Manager)

Joined: 2019

Working in the Preschool room.


Kelsey

Kelsey Tiller

Job Title: Level 3 Practitioner

Joined: 2022

Working in the toddler and preschool room


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Emma Lilley

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator

Joined: 2024

Senior Early Years Educator


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Lily-Bo Couchman

Job Title: Apprentice

Joined: 2024

Apprentice


No image found

Sidonie Ewen

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator

Joined: 2024

Senior Early Years Educator


No image found

Kayleigh Mabey

Job Title: Apprentice

Joined: 2023

Apprentice


No image found

Delcee-Rose Coshall

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2024

Early Years Educator


No image found

Rachel Power

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator

Joined: 2022

Senior Early Years Educator


Frequently Asked Questions about The Cottage Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Cottage Nursery accepts?

The Cottage Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Cottage Nursery Open?

The Cottage 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 The Cottage Nursery have capacity for?

The Cottage Nursery has capacity for a total of 65 Children.

How far is The Cottage Nursery to the centre of Dartford?

1.6 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 The Cottage Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Cottage Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.