Gad's Hill School

Gravesend Road, Higham, Rochester ME3 7PA
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9.9 18 Reviews
  • Gad's Hill School, Rochester
At Gad’s Hill School they know that your child’s early years are crucial to their development and they hope to be a part of this by working closely with you to support and plan the next steps on your child’s learning journey.

The nursery has an abundance of outdoor space, the children are able to explore and play freely but safely. It is located in Charles Dickens orchard making them a part of history.

The small class sizes enable each child to have an engaging and individual experience and their lovingly thought out classrooms will invite and entice them to do this.

The children will have a variety of fun activities to partake in such as the on-site forest school which enables them to learn about the environment while still keeping it fun with mud pies and puddles led by a specialist subject leader. They will also get them active and moving with their music and movement programme run by their specialist performing arts teacher.

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Care Provided by Gad's Hill School

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Gad's Hill School
  • Person in charge
  • Paul Savage (Headmaster)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 6
  • Total Places for Children
  • 32
  • Age Range
    • from 3 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays although we do operate a holiday club on selected dates

Funding & Fees Guide for Gad's Hill School

  • Morning session 8.30am - 12.10pm (including lunch), 08.30am - 11.30am (excluding lunch).
    Afternoon session 12.10pm - 3.10pm.
    If your child is aged between three and four and meets the date of birth criteria set by Kent County Council they will be entitled to up to 15 hours per week (five 3 hour sessions) free Early Years Funded education in term time during the relevant period. Charges apply for children attending for more than 5 sessions, or those who are ineligible for the EYFS.
    For the most up to date information regarding fees, please visit our website.

Gad's Hill School Reviews (18)

9.9

Gad's Hill School has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Gad's Hill School has 18 reviews.

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Review from Saud S (Father of Child) published on 17 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Gad's Hill School Nursery has been an incredible experience for our daughter. A particularly memorable moment was the recent cross-country event in December 2024. Her excitement and pride were so evident, and it was truly heartwarming to see her nursery teacher holding her hand as she crossed the finish
line, ensuring she felt supported and accomplished.
The warmth and compassion of the nursery staff are truly unparalleled. One moment that stood out to us as parents was when our daughter's hands were cold and dirty, and her nursery teacher kindly let her rub them on their jacket. These small but meaningful gestures of care reassure us that she's in the best possible environment.
The staff not only provide unwavering support to the children but also maintain thoughtful and open communication with parents. Our daughter is thriving, learning, and growing every day and we are deeply grateful for the love and encouragement she receives.

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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has thrived at Gad's Hill. He has come on so much. The staff are amazing and he has progressed in all aspects of his development. I feel fully supported as a parent and can bring any issues I have to the staff. Not only is my child part of Gad's he feels a part of the wider school. There is
so much on offer; forest school, music and movement sessions, weekly show and tell as well as differing activities each day. My child absolutely loves it and runs in every morning with a huge smile on his face. The children are part of a loving and supportive environment that really shows.

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Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our daughters have been in Kinder Nursery at Gad's Hill and I cannot praise it enough. It's such a happy environment where the children always look forward to going in. There are always many different activities for them to learn and engage in. They particularly love forest school and there are
opportunities for parents to participate in this also. My daughters have picked up some Italian, become confident in their phonics and number activities. I believe it's given them an opportunity to flourish, increased their confidence and set them up for school. All the teaching staff and all the teaching assistants are just amazing and I can't thank them enough for the positive influence they have had on my girls.

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Review from Paolo S (Father of Child) published on 23 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment we set foot at Gad's Hill and were greeted by so many happy, smiling children and young adults, we immediately sensed the positive culture and environment. This was further confirmed after speaking with the manager, whose hands-on approach and leadership by example were evident. The
nursery team, where our daughter has recently started, instantly inspired confidence. The fact that our daughter runs into nursery every day without a second glance is a true testament to the nurturing and supportive environment in which she is thriving.

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Review from H W (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one absolutely loves attending the Kindergarten at Gad’s. He chats to me about what he has learnt through play and storytelling, with such excitement in his voice! The staff communication through the app is fantastic. I can see a window into how the kind and helpful staff guide the pupils
through enriching learning. The main difference for me, between Gad’s and another nursery is the quality of teaching staff. They are skilled and diligent in how they nurture the children that they care for. kindergarten at Gad’s is not just a day care service , it is the start of an education and opportunity to be a part of a wonderful community.

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Review from Deborah I (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son goes to Gads Hill School (Nursery). He absolutely loves it. The staff are warm, knowledgeable and patient with him. When we drop him to the nursery, my husband and I have full confidence in the staff to look after his wellbeing.
The nursery has a lovely, pleasant and inviting environment which
was something really important to us when choosing a nursery. He loves the playground and forest school activities.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We chose to send our two children to Gad’s Hill Nursery in preparation for full-time school. It is such a milestone from registering an interest, through to taster sessions and finally arriving at their first day at Nursery.
Gad’s Hill provided an incredible level of communication and support to provide
the most positive and personal experience possible.
We were able to meet Admissions Manager, Lower School Leader, Nursery Leader and teaching staff before taster sessions commenced and are approachable and available daily. The staff really set the tone of what to expect at Gads Hill, going over and above to welcome the children and the parents too. The Nursery setting within Charles Dickens’ Orchard is beautiful, allowing plenty of opportunities to learn/play outside. The Nursery offers new and exciting stations daily and also spaces to settle down for some quiet time.
The teaching staff are exceptional and I will forever and whole-heartedly recommend Gad’s Hill Nursery. Thank you!

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Review from Jade T (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been thrilled with Gads Hill School as our choice of nursery. Our daughter has skipped in and out every day since she started her journey there. We really enjoy how positively the teachers and all school staff communicate with the children. All of the teachers are so approachable and very caring.
It’s a wonderful, safe, happy environment for our daughter to thrive in.

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Review from Kelly C (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being an ex-student it was only natural to explore the opportunities Gad’s Hill had to offer for my 3-year-old daughter. I had attended an open day and knew from this moment it was the place I wanted her to start her education chapter. From the initial enquiry, the communication I have received has
been amazing. I was kept up to date throughout the whole process before starting. Now we are a term in and I receive regular school updates, photos and daily updates through the app. My daughter loves going into “big school” and is becoming more confident as the weeks go on. The staff are great, from the admin team that work hard behind the scenes, to the front desk and then to the teachers themselves. I would always recommend Gad's Hill to be everyone’s first choice.

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Review from Charlotte J (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attended the nursery at Gad’s in 2018 and my daughter attends now. We are so happy with the warm, safe and friendly atmosphere, the activities provided for the children are amazing and varied. Both of my children love going in and often don’t want to come home because they are having so much
fun! They have both made fantastic progress while at the nursery and my son is flourishing in the kindergarten now. They have both made friends for life and we couldn’t be happier with the provision.

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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter thoroughly enjoys her time at Gad's Hill. Her teachers have been brilliant and really helped her to excel during her early years period. She has become a confident, enthusiastic little girl and certainly wouldn't have the charismatic, bubbly personality that she has without the guidance
and structure that she receives here. The education is thorough and of high standards in all areas. I am truly thankful that my daughter can be a part of such a friendly and warm learning environment.

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Review from Andrea W (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has loved every second spent at Gad's Hill. Every morning he asks if he has school today! There are a wide range of activities available, my son's favourite being forest school. The teachers are always readily available for any queries.

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Review from Joanne T (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter was extremely well looked after and flourished at this nursery. The setting allows the children to learn in a bright, vibrant and comfortable setting and the communication with staff is outstanding.

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Review from Vicki H (Mother of Child) published on 8 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy and impressed with our daughter's progress since joining this nursery. She is extremely happy and content and loves each day she comes in. We would happily recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from Julie A (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this lovely nursery highly enough. My son attended from the age of 3 for three full days per week until he started in Reception. It was a wonderful start to his education and he enjoyed his time immensely. The setting is lovely and the choice of activities is great. The staff are
very professional, experienced and extremely caring. The structure of his day meant my son enjoyed all the various activities and quickly adapted to learning routines, wearing a uniform and listening to and bonding with staff and mixing with other children, playing and forming relationships. He made some lovely friends, most of which stayed on into the Reception class which made the transition seamless for him. I would not hesitate to recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from Katy A (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has settled so well into Gad's Hill School. The teachers are lovely. She has a small class which means lots of one to one attention and care. They have an amazing outdoor space with the nursery building in Charles Dickens orchard. I love watching my daughter grow and develop as part of the
Gad's family.

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Review from H A (Mother of Child) published on 2 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very friendly and approachable. Our child really seems to enjoy activities, lots of variety. Very good outside space and forest school.
Could do with more regular and detailed insight on progress and planned actions as this would provide more clarity for parents on what they and the school
could do to help development.

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Review from Modupe M (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are friendly, approachable and helpful. Through Tapestry you get to know what your children get up to during the day. My son who passed through the nursery still loves going back to say hello and my daughter who is currently there simply adores her teachers. They have a fun way of learning which
is often documented in Tapestry for parents to view.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.881)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10 for Gad's Hill School 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 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 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 Gad's Hill School is calculated as follows: ( (106 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 108 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 4.9 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Gad's Hill School is based on 9 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 = 3.9

    • 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 32 number of registered child places is 6.4, which has been reached with 9 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 (6)

Victoria

Victoria Grant

Job Title: Head of Kindergarten

Joined: 2015

I studied Early Childhood Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University. After a year working in a nursery, I went on to obtain a PGCE in Primary Education.
I have taught in several Early Years settings and across the primary range.
I believe that a solid educational and behavioural foundation, and a love of learning are some of the most valuable things we can provide for our children. My aim is to ensure this happens against a background of happiness in a safe and encouraging environment. I recognise the importance of staff members working in conjunction with parents to develop well-rounded confident children who are able to achieve a wide range of educational, social and wider goals with notable success.


Debbie

Debbie Mills

Job Title: Early Years Foundations Stage Manager

Joined: 2004

I studied Education at Canterbury Christ Church University and went on to obtain QTS specialising in ages 3-7 years. I have also gained a Diploma in Nursery Management and have trained to teach Yoga to children.


I have worked at Gad's Hill for fifteen years and have taught across the primary age range.


I feel it is important to develop positive relationships with parents with effective communication to ensure smooth settling-in to our setting and transitions through the school. I am passionate about supporting each individual child to allow them to become confident independent learners in a caring and nurturing environment.


Stephanie

Stephanie Edmonds

Job Title: Nursery Teacher

Joined: 2005

I have worked with children for many years, initially as a Teaching Assistant gaining experience in Reception through to Year 3, and going on to be the Nursery teacher after gaining a BA (HONS) Degree in Childhood Studies. Although I found working in the primary school to be invaluable, my passion lies with Early Years. I strongly believe that every child is unique and, learning through play creates the solid foundations needed for all children to succeed.
The nursery itself is nestled in the beautiful orchard of Charles Dickens house, providing children with the opportunity to flourish in all areas of learning but most importantly, for children to be independent, confident and happy.


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Claire Shove

Job Title: Key Teaching Person

Joined: 2001

I studied Nursery Nursing at Norland Training College, initially working as a Nanny in private households. I had my first job as a Teaching Assistant at Underhill Prep School ( now Sutton Valence Pre-Prep) before having my own children; Ben, now 28 and Emma, 25.


I started working in the Nursery at Gad’s Hill in January 2001. I love being part of a team; including other staff members, parents and the children themselves. I believe by working together we can provide our children with a solid foundation on which to build their future experiences and education.


I feel very lucky to be a part of a child’s early school life and believe if you can make learning fun and engaging, the children will flourish and grow into confident, independent individuals


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Lisa Marshall

Job Title: Forest School Specialist

Joined: 2005

I am a trained childcare practitioner with a Forest School leadership qualification.
I have worked in childcare across various settings including day nurseries, private nanny and schools.
I have two children of my own and also volunteer weekly with Girlguiding.
I enjoy providing creative environments, both indoors and out that help children reach their full potential through play and exploration.
I have worked at Gads Hill School for 16 years, enjoying the warm family environment that puts children first through learning and extra-curricular activities that develop the whole child.


Caroline

Caroline O'Keefe

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Joined: 2019

I am a Mum of two boys aged 16 and 13 both of whom attend Gad's Hill School.
I have worked at another playgroup and in multiple classes in the Kindergarten at Gad’s Hill.
I absolutely love working with the staff and children and being a part of the Gad's family.


Frequently Asked Questions about Gad's Hill School

What is the Age Range of Children that Gad's Hill School accepts?

Gad's Hill School accepts Children aged from 3 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Gad's Hill School Open?

Gad's Hill School is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Gad's Hill School have capacity for?

Gad's Hill School has capacity for a total of 32 Children.

How far is Gad's Hill School to the centre of Rochester?

2.6 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 Gad's Hill School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Gad's Hill School has a Premium Service – more info.