--- title: "1st Friends day nursery and creche — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "1st Friends day nursery and creche, a nursery in Gillingham — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by#nursery", "name": "1st Friends day nursery and creche", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "C/O Roko Health Club", "addressLocality": "Off Will Adams Way", "postalCode": "ME8 6BY" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by#webpage" }, "telephone": "01634 382330", "email": "_1st@yahoo.com", "sameAs": [ "https://www.1stfriends.net" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.369107, "longitude": 0.57003 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Gillingham" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 4.3, "reviewCount": 7, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "1st Friends day nursery and creche", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What qualifications does the staff team have at 1st Friends day nursery and creche?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "All staff are qualified to NVQ Level 3 childcare standard. The team is also fully DBS checked, trained in paediatric first aid, and receives ongoing training on a regular basis." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are meals handled at 1st Friends day nursery and creche?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Breakfast is served from 7am to 8am, followed by a mid-morning snack, lunch at midday, and a light tea at 4pm. The fees include breakfast, lunch, tea, drinks, snacks, and special activities." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is 1st Friends day nursery and creche Ofsted registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The nursery is registered with Ofsted and holds a Good overall grade from the inspection dated 03/03/2023." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many children are on roll at 1st Friends day nursery and creche?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are 34 children on roll." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the fees at 1st Friends day nursery and creche?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Fees are paid monthly in advance. Published charges include £205 a week for full-time children aged birth to 3, £200 a week for full-time children aged 3 to 5, and a £50 registration fee. A late collection fine of £1 per minute also applies." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is 1st Friends day nursery and creche a private nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting is classed as childcare on non-domestic premises and provides full day care. It operates as a day nursery, pre-school, and crèche for children from birth to 5 years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded hours does 1st Friends day nursery and creche accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15 hours for disadvantaged two-year-olds and 15 universal hours for three- and four-year-olds." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South East](/search?region=South+East) 4. 1st Friends day nursery and creche # 1st Friends day nursery and creche Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Mar 2023) · 4.3 (7 parent reviews) · C/O Roko Health Club, Off Will Adams Way, Gillingham, ME8 6BY · Medway Number of places 24 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Mar 2023 Local authority Medway About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery 1st Friends Day Nursery provides childcare for children from birth to 5 years old, operating from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, 51 weeks a year. Established in 2002 by two mothers seeking high-quality childcare, the nursery strives to create a safe, stimulating, and effective environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential. They emphasise a holistic approach to learning, encouraging exploration, imagination, creativity, and social interaction within a multicultural atmosphere. The curriculum is designed to make learning enjoyable through various activities, preparing older children for formal schooling with a focus on early years foundation stage development, covering communication, language, physical development, personal, social, emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts. The nursery also caters to babies with a dedicated area and flexible routines, and provides freshly cooked, nutritious meals and snacks, accommodating special dietary needs. All staff are highly qualified, DBS checked, and paediatric first aid trained, ensuring a professional and caring environment for all children. Our ethos 1st Friends Day Nursery aims to create a safe, stimulating, and effective environment where children thrive. They emphasise a holistic approach to learning that encourages exploration, imagination, creativity, and social interaction within a multicultural setting. Their curriculum focuses on enjoyable learning experiences and preparing children for school through the Early Years Foundation Stage development framework. What it's like Children and babies receive a warm welcome and settle quickly in a calm, nurturing environment where staff know them extremely well and help them feel safe and secure. Children are confident to explore, show a positive attitude to learning, and enjoy books and nursery rhymes both at the setting and through borrowing books to read at home. Staff support physical development outdoors and provide activities that build balance and coordination. Established by two mothers Holistic learning approach Focus on early years foundation stage development ## Pricing & funding Fees are payable monthly in advance and include all meals, snacks, and special activities. Full fees remain payable for child absences due to sickness or holidays, and during bank holiday closures. Government funding can be stretched across the year to assist with budgeting. Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) - Monster Club Before School Care (includes breakfast and escort to St Mary's or Napier school) £8.00 / day - Monster Club After School Care (includes escort from St Mary's or Napier school and after school snack) £9.00 / day - Monster Club Both Services Daily Rate £17.00 / day - Monster Club Holiday Club with before and after school care £100.00 / week - Monster Club Holiday Club only £100.00 / week See 12 more Good to know - Non-refundable £50 registration fee due upon starting. - Fees are payable monthly in advance via bank transfer, direct debit, cash, or card. - Full fees apply for sickness, holidays, and bank holidays. - Fees include breakfast, lunch, tea, drinks, snacks, and special activities. - Withdrawal without notice requires one month's fees in lieu of notice. - Late collection is charged at £1.00 per minute. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of 1st Friends day nursery and creche Inspection date Mar 2023 Inspection no. 10276706 Lead inspector Kimberley Luckham Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50213620)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY423311) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://www.1stfriends.net) C/O Roko Health Club, Off Will Adams Way, Gillingham, ME8 6BY [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/0.57003/51.36911/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Gillingham - [Day nurseries in Gillingham](/search?q=Gillingham) - [Day nurseries in South East](/search?q=South+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=1st-friends-day-nursery-and-creche-ltd-me8-6by) ## Key facts Food Breakfast, mid-morning snack, nutritious lunch, and light tea provided. Special dietary needs accommodated. Drinks and snacks also included in fees. Opening hours Monday to Friday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Age range Birth to 5 years Term time / All Year All Year Established 2011 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for 1st Friends day nursery and creche Last inspected 3 March 2023 · Kimberley Luckham Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Good Quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good What it's like to attend Children and babies receive a warm welcome and settle quickly in a calm, nurturing environment where staff know them extremely well and help them feel safe and secure. Children are confident to explore, show a positive attitude to learning, and enjoy books and nursery rhymes both at the setting and through borrowing books to read at home. Staff support physical development outdoors and provide activities that build balance and coordination. Inspector highlights - Warm, nurturing environment where children form strong bonds with staff - Good outdoor provision with opportunities to exercise in the fresh air and develop physical skills - Children develop a love of reading; books are used well in the setting and at home - Staff plan a broad curriculum and use observations to plan interesting activities - Parents are complimentary and say their children have improved in language and confidence Areas to develop - 1 consider the organisation of group activities to ensure staff maximise all learning opportunities - 2 support staff to consistently develop children's listening and turn-taking skills. Inspection #10276706 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50213620) Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child Outdoor space Children enjoy their time outside in the garden and have good opportunities to exercise in the fresh air; staff are highly vigilant and teach children the importance of managing risks, for example, by safely manoeuvring across balance beams. Babies are effectively challenged to stand, enhancing their core skills and leg muscles ready for walking. Inspection history Date: August 2011 - March 2023 Good - July 2017 Good - September 2014 Good - October 2013 Inadequate - August 2011 Good ## Frequently asked about 1st Friends day nursery and creche ### What qualifications does the staff team have at 1st Friends day nursery and creche? ### How are meals handled at 1st Friends day nursery and creche? ### Is 1st Friends day nursery and creche Ofsted registered? ### How many children are on roll at 1st Friends day nursery and creche? ### What are the fees at 1st Friends day nursery and creche? ### Is 1st Friends day nursery and creche a private nursery? ### Which funded hours does 1st Friends day nursery and creche accept? ## Nearby day nurseries in Gillingham Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to 1st Friends day nursery and creche. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### The Gillingham Nursery Gillingham · ME8 0RR 4.8(49 reviews) ](/nursery/the-gillingham-nursery-me8-0rr-ey421060) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.8 mi ### Play A Way Day Nursery Gillingham · ME7 4AD ](/nursery/play-a-way-day-nursery-me7-4ad-2687131) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.9 mi ### Busy Bees Day Nursery at Gillingham Gillingham · ME8 6AD 4.7(17 reviews) ](/nursery/busy-bees-day-nursery-at-gillingham-me8-6ad-ey221307) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.0 mi ### Sprites Woodland Nursery Chatham · ME5 7NH ](/nursery/sprites-woodland-nursery-ltd-me5-7nh-ey477439) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.1 mi ### Bluebells Childcare Services Chatham · ME5 0AA 5.0(7 reviews) ](/nursery/bluebells-childcare-services-me5-0aa-2716946) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 1.2 mi ### Scallywags (Medway) Gillingham · ME8 7RJ 4.8(17 reviews) ](/nursery/scallywags-medway-limited-me8-7rj-ey459674) [See all nurseries in Gillingham →](/search?q=Gillingham) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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