--- title: "St Nicholas Playgroup — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "St Nicholas Playgroup, a nursery in Rochester — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews 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, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434#nursery", "name": "St Nicholas Playgroup", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "St Nicholas Church", "addressLocality": "Rochester", "postalCode": "ME2 4TR" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434#webpage" }, "telephone": "01491 836408", "email": "office@st-nicholas.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "http://st-nicholas.co.uk/nursery/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.3961, "longitude": 0.493305 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Rochester" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 2, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 2, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Elmaz Kiani" }, "reviewBody": "My son has been attending St nicholas playgroup for 2 months now and I can't fault it. My son is always so happy and excited to go into his playgroup every morning. He always comes out at the end of the day with an amazing smile and always says he has had so much fun. The staff members are so friendly and just amazing 👏 I'm so happy my son attends st nicholas playgroup and wish I put him in sooner.", "datePublished": "2023-05-24T15:13:37.227241Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Renata Karacson" }, "reviewBody": "The playgroup absolutely fantastic, recommended to all the parents, my daughter love to go to the playgroup, she surprise me every day with something new what she learnt there. Management 100%,they are really flexible, helpful.", "datePublished": "2019-01-17T20:58:15.080697741Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434#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": "St Nicholas Playgroup", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does St Nicholas Playgroup offer holiday or wraparound care?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting runs term-time provision only, so holiday club or wraparound care is not part of the listed arrangement. Sessions are organised around nursery attendance during the school term." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are meals handled at St Nicholas Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Parents provide a healthy packed lunch for children attending the lunch session. Fruit or vegetables are offered as a free snack during morning and afternoon sessions, and the lunch session has its own separate charge." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the capacity at St Nicholas Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ofsted records list 20 children on roll." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the staff team like at St Nicholas Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff are described as well trained to recognise individual needs and provide support for children with SEND. The team also supports children’s emotional development and helps them stay involved in learning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does St Nicholas Playgroup take babies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting accepts children aged 2 to 4 years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is St Nicholas Playgroup Ofsted registered?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Good. The latest inspection date recorded is 07/10/2024." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who owns St Nicholas Playgroup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is part of St Nicholas School Nursery and appears on the school’s nursery provision pages, with registration dated 25 August 2017." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. St Nicholas Playgroup # St Nicholas Playgroup Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Oct 2024) · 5.0 (2 parent reviews) · St Nicholas Church, Rochester, ME2 4TR · Medway Number of places 35 places Age range 2–4 yrs Last inspected Oct 2024 Local authority Medway About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery St Nicholas Playgroup, located in Rochester, aims to create a welcoming and engaging environment for young learners. The playgroup, known as Mallards, offers a well-established nursery class led by an experienced and qualified teacher who is passionate about early years education. It emphasises its integration within the wider school community, allowing children to participate in various school events and celebrations throughout the year. With 42 available places and a maximum of 21 children per session, St Nicholas Playgroup provides both morning and afternoon sessions, with a dedicated lunch session in between. The playgroup offers flexible options for families utilising government funding entitlements, such as the Universal Entitlement of 15 funded hours and the Working Parent Entitlement of 30 hours, ensuring accessibility for eligible families. Parents are encouraged to provide healthy packed lunches for their children, while the playgroup supplies healthy snacks like fruit or vegetables during sessions. Admissions are handled directly through the school office, and application deadlines are set for September, January, and April intake periods, with specific dates for offer letters. The playgroup stresses that the nursery application process is distinct from the primary school reception year application, guiding parents to separate resources for each. This detailed approach reflects the playgroup's commitment to clear communication and seamless integration into the broader school system. What it's like Families are warmly welcomed. Staff offer regular cuddles and comfort to support children's emotional well-being. Children excitedly explore the activities set up for them, based on their needs and interests. Integrated with school Experienced early years teacher Flexible funding options ## Pricing & funding Charges apply for sessions not covered by government funding entitlements. The nursery offers three-hour sessions alongside separate lunch sessions. Families booking five full days per week will incur an additional weekly charge for hours exceeding the 30-hour funding limit. Funding accepted 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Good to know - Charges apply for additional sessions not covered by Universal or Working Parent Entitlements. - Attending five full days a week equates to 32.5 hours, exceeding the 30-hour funding limit. - An additional weekly charge is payable for hours exceeding the 30-hour entitlement. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of St Nicholas Playgroup Inspection date Oct 2024 Inspection no. 10352158 [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50260266)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY551434) 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 ](http://st-nicholas.co.uk/nursery/) St Nicholas Church, Rochester, ME2 4TR [© 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#/0.4933/51.3961/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Rochester - [Day nurseries in Rochester](/search?q=Rochester) - [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=st-nicholas-playgroup-me2-4tr-ey551434) ## Key facts Session types Morning session, Afternoon session, Lunch session Age range Early years Term time / All Year Term Time Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for St Nicholas Playgroup Last inspected 7 October 2024 Overall effectiveness Good What it's like to attend Families are warmly welcomed. Staff offer regular cuddles and comfort to support children's emotional well-being. Children excitedly explore the activities set up for them, based on their needs and interests. Inspector highlights - Leaders and managers have worked hard since their last inspection to make significant improvements. - Children behave well. Staff help by providing cues and actions. - Staff support children's emotional development positively. - Children with SEND are supported effectively. - Staff ensure children are fully involved in learning. Areas to develop - 1 support staff to recognise when to offer children further encouragement to try to do things independently. Inspection #10352158 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50260266) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > They report that their children love attending and are very happy. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are provided with stimulating and engaging experiences to support their development. Staff are well trained to identify individual needs and provide tailored support. Outdoor space Children benefit from staff who encourage them to learn and develop. For example, staff support children to count when exploring items in the role-play area, supporting their mathematical understanding. Staff also provide a range of large play equipment, which children enjoy climbing on together, developing their physical skills. ## Parent Reviews of St Nicholas Playgroup 5.0 (2) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLzH6R56ad-h5kyEqP3mQSBkeqd76Tlq-RJDl8iEb0RosRzxQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Elmaz Kiani 2 years ago My son has been attending St nicholas playgroup for 2 months now and I can't fault it. My son is always so happy and excited to go into his playgroup every morning. He always comes out at the end of the day with an amazing smile and always says he has had so much fun. The staff members are so friendly and just amazing 👏 I'm so happy my son attends st nicholas playgroup and wish I put him in sooner. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN4Zy1mU0d3EAE!2m1!1s0x47d8cc5d7e4dd497:0x77fe9039b59bdba1) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVdoR9n7RyGicZhchmH_T1Zm_KNsBtAXXo1F18_DREyrw2HOWan=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2) Renata Karacson 7 years ago The playgroup absolutely fantastic, recommended to all the parents, my daughter love to go to the playgroup, she surprise me every day with something new what she learnt there. Management 100%,they are really flexible, helpful. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURJdmZXQkVBEAE!2m1!1s0x47d8cc5d7e4dd497:0x77fe9039b59bdba1) Reviews from Google for St Nicholas Playgroup. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8646506912132357025&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2024 Date: October 2019 - October 2024 Good - May 2024 Inadequate - October 2019 Good ## Frequently asked about St Nicholas Playgroup ### Does St Nicholas Playgroup offer holiday or wraparound care? ### How are meals handled at St Nicholas Playgroup? ### What is the capacity at St Nicholas Playgroup? ### What is the staff team like at St Nicholas Playgroup? ### Does St Nicholas Playgroup take babies? ### Is St Nicholas Playgroup Ofsted registered? ### Who owns St Nicholas Playgroup? ## About the setting St Nicholas Playgroup registered in 2017. It is situated in the high street, Rochester, Kent. The playgroup operates Monday to Thursday 9am until 2.45pm and Fridays 9am until 11am, term time only. The playgroup employs six members of staff, one of whom holds early years professional status. The setting is in receipt of funding to provide free early education for children aged two, three and four years. URN EY551434 Registered person Simmons, Charlene Evelyn Day care type Full day care Register Early Years Register Establishment type Childcare on non-domestic premises ## Nearby day nurseries in Rochester Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to St Nicholas Playgroup. - [ Awaiting first inspection <0.2 mi ### SENter Light Childcare Rochester · ME2 3EJ 5.0(13 reviews) ](/nursery/senter-light-childcare-me2-3ej-2835779) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### St Mary's Day Nursery Rochester · ME2 4DG 5.0(5 reviews) ](/nursery/st-mary-s-day-nursery-me2-4dg-103727) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 0.3 mi ### Castle View Day Nursery Rochester · ME2 3PP 3.9(8 reviews) ](/nursery/castle-view-day-nursery-ltd-me2-3pp-103711) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.3 mi ### Cherubs Montessori Day Nursery Rochester · ME2 3PP 4.4(13 reviews) ](/nursery/cherubs-montessori-day-nursery-me2-3pp-ey495639) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### Witty Kiddies Strood Rochester · ME2 3BA 4.6(28 reviews) ](/nursery/witty-kiddies-strood-me2-3ba-2659572) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.4 mi ### Rainbows Day Nursery Strood · ME2 4JA 4.9(17 reviews) ](/nursery/rainbows-day-nursery-me2-4ja-2647197) [See all nurseries in Rochester →](/search?q=Rochester) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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