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Hemsley House Nursery School in Maidstone (ME16 8HU)

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2024)
·
4.0(4 parent reviews) ·7 Terrace Road, Maidstone, ME16 8HU · Kent
Number of places
34 places
Age range
0–2 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2024
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Hemsley House Nursery School, part of the Storal family of nurseries, caters to children from six weeks old until they are ready for school, typically after their fourth birthday. The nursery prioritises continuity of care, encouraging children to attend at least three days a week to foster a strong sense of security and motivation.

They offer flexibility for children under two, allowing families to start with fewer sessions and gradually increase attendance. Admissions are carefully managed, considering staff-to-child ratios and available space, in strict adherence to Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines.

The nursery also provides support for families navigating early years funding, with experts available to guide them through eligibility checks, application processes, and understanding their individual costs. They actively participate in government funding schemes, including stretched funding options, to make childcare more accessible and manageable for working families.

Storal nurseries also offer term-time places, with priority given to children of teachers and school-based employees, and ensure an inclusive environment for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

What it's like

Leaders have implemented very secure settling-in procedures. Staff work closely with parents, providing a nurturing and homely environment for babies and toddlers to build strong bonds. This helps children gain a sense of security and belonging as they settle and progress.

Accepts children from 6 weeks to 4 yearsEmphasises continuity of care with 3+ days attendanceOffers flexible sessions for under 2sParticipates in government funding schemesProvides term-time places

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 6.30pm

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Hemsley House Nursery School

Last inspected 17 October 2024 · Sara Garrity

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Leaders have implemented very secure settling-in procedures. Staff work closely with parents, providing a nurturing and homely environment for babies and toddlers to build strong bonds. This helps children gain a sense of security and belonging as they settle and progress.

Inspector highlights

  • The curriculum for babies and toddlers has a focused intent for learning, developing physical and fine motor skills.
  • Staff make good use of spontaneous events to introduce new vocabulary and reinforce words with actions.
  • Staff have a clear focus on helping children learn independence and self-care skills.
  • Children are kind to their friends, learning to share and take turns, with staff acting as good role models.
  • Leaders are passionate about providing high-quality service, with strong links to professionals and supporting staff well-being through training.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to strengthen their interactions with children to help consistently extend learning and further develop children's language skills.
Inspection #10363684 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on how friendly and approachable leaders and staff are.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders have a wealth of knowledge to ensure that they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff make effective use of sign language and 'now and next' boards to help communicate with children, resulting in good progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Staff encourage children to look for the squirrel in the garden. Staff encourage them to have a go at putting on wellington boots and coats in preparation for going outside to play. The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on the babies' and toddlers' learning.

Parent Reviews of Hemsley House Nursery School

4.0
(4)
Amanda Coppard
3 years ago

We secured a place at Hemsley House (baby room) when our daughter was born due to a very long waiting list, and now we can see why. When first looking round we loved the home from home feel and the way the staff interact with the children. When the time came for our daughter to start nursery at 10 months old, I was extremely anxious but the staff were very reassuring and the settle days really helped. Although there were tears at drop-off for the first week or so, she quickly adapted to nursery life and is always happy and thriving when we pick her up. The menu is varied and she eats extremely well trying lots of new textures and flavours each week (fresh food prepared on site) Communication is good with regular emails from management and I always get a speedy response with any questions or queries that I may have. They do a variety of engaging activities working on the children's development and make use of the outside space as much as possible. We get daily updates both verbally and on the app. The staff are energetic, engaging and always smiling. Our daughter loves her key worker, who is amazing with her, making sure she is happy and safe whilst building her confidence and encouraging her to reach new milestones. She’s great at communicating, working with us at all times. It really makes the whole nursery/working full time experience easier! We have had a positive experience so far and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Hemsley House (in particular, the baby room)

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Carlos Garcia de los Rios
3 years ago

Not a very good experience, not very good with the hygiene or the clothes of my girl, her face and hands always dirty, they didn't bother feeding her or letting us know by the time we pick her up that she did not eat anything at all. Of course she is not going there any more.

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Hannah Tranah
a year ago

Our daughter attended here from 8 months old and was so happy. The team are so nurturing and caring and she loved attending!

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Charlotte Reveley
a year ago

Such a lovely nursery! Cant fault the staff they are amazing and so passionate at what they do. Highly recommend

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Reviews from Google for Hemsley House Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

17 October 2024

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

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