Hemsley House Nursery School

137 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8JS
Review Us
8.7 73 Reviews
  • Hemsley House Nursery School, Maidstone
Hemsley House Nursery School is split between two beautifully converted, large Victorian homes in Maidstone, Kent.

Educators at Hemsley House Nursery School are experienced in providing premium care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old, achieving an Outstanding Ofsted rating (December 2022). They adopt a hybrid approach to education, combining the EYFS framework with their own Storal curriculum. This flexible, tailored approach provides children with opportunities to reach their full potential at their own pace.

The cosy, home-from-home learning environments provide opportunities for wonder and stimulation. Its calm and cosy sensory room is especially beneficial for children with learning difficulties.

At mealtimes, fresh and healthy food is cooked every day by their onsite chef. Educators use mealtimes as an opportunity to help children learn about nutrition, where their food comes from, and older children help with food preparation in the kitchen.

If you would like to find out more about this Ofsted Outstanding nursery school, please contact the nursery to arrange a time for you and your family to visit.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kerri Savage (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 28

Total Places for Children

  • 82

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full day (7:30 am to 6:30 pm) from £75.00

  • We want to make life simple, so our fees include infant formula, milk, freshly prepared snacks, and meals. We also provide nappies, wipes, and sun cream, or parents can bring their own if they prefer

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 & Christmas

Hemsley House Nursery School Reviews (73)

8.7

Hemsley House Nursery School has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.695) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hemsley House Nursery School has 73 reviews.

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Total of 73, showing 21-40
Review from Alex W (Father of Child) published on 12 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Hemsley House since she was 10 months old. She has settled in well, enjoys nursery, has developed and made friends. Staff at Hemsley House are caring and professional and always happy to work with us to help reinforce whatever we are doing at home. Our daughter enjoys the large
adventure garden and the freshly prepared food (which was a major draw for us). We would happily recommend Hemsley House to other parents/carers.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, General Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for your review, we are glad to hear that you would recommend Hemsley House to other parents.
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Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is perfect for my daughter. We were apprehensive about putting her in nursery when I went back to work, and had a bad experience at a different nursery after attending settling in sessions and not being happy with the setting. We were lucky to find space still at Hemsley House, who accommodated
us easily and put our minds at ease answering all the questions we had when enrolling our then 10 month old. They are happy to accommodate to our vegetarian diet, and the communication is great, always answering the phone if needed and giving us all the information on her day! More recently our daughter has been in a leg cast so cannot walk, the nursery staff have all been wonderful and sympathetic to how frustrated she must feel not being able to move around the way she wants, so have put in extra care to make sure she is happy and enjoying her time at nursery. Highly recommend the nursery, in particular the baby room.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, Nursery Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you for your lovely feedback, we are glad that you are happy with the nursery.
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Review from Caroline E (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been using both Hemsley House Day Nursery & Pre-school settings for nearly 10 years now. All of my children have enjoyed attending and the staff are very caring and lovely. They have also learned a great deal at the nursery. Thoroughly recommend.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, General Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you for your review, we are glad that you are pleased with Hemsley House.
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Review from O H (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has loved going to the nursery. He has settled in very well with his nursery workers and they always greet him with big smiles. We get reports of how he’s been through the day and what particular activities they’ve been doing through the day. I would highly recommend Hemsley House Day Nursery
& Pre-school.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, General Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are glad that your son enjoys coming to Hemsley House.
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Review from Katherine B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my girls have attended Hemsley House Day Nursery & Pre-school from 10 months old and have been extremely happy there, settling quickly and developing fast.
The teamwork together with parents to provide the best support they can for our children. I was particularly impressed with how staff approached
a severe nappy rash situation with my youngest leaving me in no doubt that my baby was being looked after in the same way as I would care for her at home. For my eldest, staff saw it as a personal objective to help my daughter with her transition to the early years unit after she had been unsettled by Covid. Within just 1 week my daughter had overcome issues using the toilet thanks to their kind and patient support.
Overall the team provide a loving, caring environment where the children thrive. My daughters are confident and reaching beyond their milestones thanks to Hemsley house.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, General Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really appreciate your honest feedback.
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Review from Hannah T (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hemsley House Day Nursery & Pre-school to anyone looking to put their baby into nursery. As a first time mum, anxious about leaving my little one for the first time, I could not have even made to feel more secure and welcome by the staff and management. It is so clear
that my daughter loves the ladies and nursery, and I have no doubts that, after visiting many nurseries to view, we made the right decision bringing her to Hemsley. She has a lot of fun, eats exceptionally well and even sleeps longer than she does at home because she’s had such a wonderful and stimulating time! Thank you so much to the amazing team for helping us all, as a family, adjust to this big change so smoothly.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, General Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are glad that your daughter enjoys coming to Hemsley House.
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Review from Luke T (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Hemsley House Day Nursery & Pre-school in January 2022 and has loved every second. The staff are second to none, so friendly and make us all feel very welcome and safe. My daughter gets to have lots of new experiences and meet new friends, and her development has come on in leaps
and bounds. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hemsley House to anybody looking for a nursery!
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, Nursery Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you for your kind and honest review. We are glad that your daughter has settled in well and is enjoying the new experiences offered here.
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Review from Bethan C (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Hemsley House Day Nursery & Pre-school since she was 1. I couldn’t have felt more confident leaving my baby with a more caring team of staff and the correspondence at the baby unit was excellent.
Now she is approaching school age and attends pre-school, she is absolutely thriving
and comes home every day having learnt something new. The team at the preschool are nurturing and my daughter runs through the door without looking back every morning. They are always so quick to respond to emails and even during the pandemic we have been made to feel so welcome. My daughter loves the kitchen and I’ve always been so impressed with the food offering.
I am so pleased I chose Hemsley House for our family and will be sad when my daughter leaves for school after attending for 3 years!
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, Nursery Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for your review. We are glad that your daughter enjoys her time at our setting. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with all aspects of our care, learning and development…read more
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Review from Emma G (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery brought my daughter on loads, she dosent stop talking singing and dancing. She loves the staff, so glad I chose this nursery. All staff try hard the children and do fun things with them every day.
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, Nursery Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for your kind review, We are pleased that your daughter has made good relationships with the staff team and is moving forward in her development.
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Review from Stacey M (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son (now 17 months old) attended Hemsley House for four months before we moved house in December 2021 and had to change to a more local provider. We were heartbroken that he had to leave as the staff have been so warm, friendly, and approachable since the first day we met them. They have been wonderful
and I’ve seen my son grow in confidence, and his skills and his talking have all come on greatly, in such a short amount of time.
The staff seemed to very naturally and quickly build strong relationships with our son and he delighted in going to nursery, squealing excitedly at drop off for cuddles with them. As both his, and my, first experience of a nursery, I couldn’t have asked for a better foundation. He loved the staff and they cared wonderfully for him.
Thank you for giving him a very positive experience away from home!
Reply from Samantha McCarthy, Nursery Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank You for your kind review.
We very much enjoyed getting to know you and your son during your time at the nursery and am sure he will continue to flourish in his new setting. All the best for…
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Review from Bea O (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son enjoyed his time in the pre-school nursery for 15 hours per week for a year.
Glad he could be there during Covid times.
He made friends, I would definitely apply for my second child as well to go to this nursery if I have one more younger child.
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Review from Laura B (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery from 9 months old and is just starting her last year before starting school. The staff are wonderful, so nurturing and loving towards the children and ensure that all children’s individual needs are met. The nursery has been beyond supportive to us as a family during
what has been a challenging time.
My daughter is incredibly happy at the nursery and they have helped her develop confidence and communication skills allowing her to blossom into the happy young lady she is - thank you so much all at Hemsley House.
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Review from Keeley D (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hemsley House has been fantastic for our one-year-old daughter, who started there at the end of last year. The staff are so friendly and welcoming at drop off and pick up which makes us feel at ease, leaving her for the first time at such a young age. The communication is second to none via the app
but also in person, daily so we know exactly what kind of a day she has had. We are wholeheartedly happy with the care, support and nurture provided at the nursery and would recommend it to others.
Reply from Sue Thompson, General Manager at Hemsley House Nursery School
Thank you so much for submitting a review, to receive such positive praise and appreciation is so encouraging for us all - thanks again.

Best wishes,

Sue
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Review from Juliet P (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hemsley House is a lovely nursery. Staff are caring and kind. The children are always doing something interesting with a good range of activities. My daughter loves it there. Over lockdown, in particular, they have been wonderful. They put the children first and have been amazingly supportive over
these difficult times.
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Review from Lois N (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our daughter to Hemsley House from another nursery when she turned three. We, of course, were very nervous about moving her wondering if we were doing the right - we definitely did! All of the staff have all been so supportive to our daughter and us alike. It is such a warm and friendly nursery
- everyone is so kind and patient and she has learned so much from each of them. We have valued her time here and are so grateful for all the efforts the whole team make. I would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was quite nervous to send my daughter to a nursery until I found Hemsley House. Its such a lovely nursery and really brought out the best in my child. The staff are really lovely and welcoming. I would definitely recommend and plan to place my son here soon. Sadly my daughter didn't get to finish
her time here, but she enjoyed every minute of it.
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Review from Ruth G (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used Hemsley for many years from my eldest who is now 12 to my youngest of 2. My sister also went to them as a child. The service has always been second to none. Staff have been amazing and all three of my children have all met and had some of the same nursery nurses look after them. Three members
of staff have been there for many years and helped, supported and encouraged my girls through their early year's development. My eldest two still talk about the memories they made all those years ago. The care and learning provided is 110%, communication is always quick and clear and nothing is ever to much trouble. I have already recommended a friend whose child starts soon and will continue to do so. Even through the pandemic, they continue to work hard and ensure everything is as safe as possible for our little treasures but still maintaining a friendly, fun and safe atmosphere. Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and preparing our little ones for their future in the big wide world.
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Review from Rakshith P (Father of Child) published on 27 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's been almost a year since our daughter started going to Hemsley House. The most positive review one can get is the enthusiasm with which she looks forward to going to that place, everyday.
She has always had positive response with all the carers. The staff give a lot of personal attention, which
is evident by this. The food is nutritious and there's always some variety which the kids enjoy, being very considerate of a vegetarian diet. We look forward to the daily updates on the app and the pictures of activities and detailed assessments.
The management is very accommodating, despite our shift schedules changing often and respond promptly to our queries.
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Review from P O-C (Mother of Child) published on 11 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Hemsley House not only showed a huge amount of care they also encouraged my son to try new things, which helped develop some of his key skills. They were aware of his favourite activities and used this to teach him new things. The wonderful team were constantly creating new and engaging
activities that saw him come on leaps and bounds!
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Review from Aishwarya A (Mother of Child) published on 11 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Hemsley House for about a year now. She really looks forward to her time at the playschool, which I think says a lot!
The staff give a lot of personal attention and take great care. The food is nutritious and there's always some variety which the kids enjoy, especially
makes sense if you have picky eaters. We receive daily updates on the app and pictures of activities, which I really look forward to.
The management is very accommodating and responds promptly to all queries.
I am especially thankful for how well the staff at the nursery have engaged kids in the current situation when they are short-staffed.
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.695)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.695) out of 10 for Hemsley House Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 8 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.407 for Hemsley House Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (77 Excellents x 5) + (26 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (5 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 118 Ratings = 4.407
  2. 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 4.288 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Hemsley House Nursery School is based on 8 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 = 3.8
    2. 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 82 number of registered child places is 16.4. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 16.4 = 0.488
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Kerri

Kerri Savage

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

Welcome to Hemsley House Nursery School.
You’ll find us at two locations in Maidstone on Tonbridge Road and Terrace Road, only a 10-minute walk apart. These two converted Victorian houses have a warm and inviting home-from-home feel and their large gardens enable children to experience the joy of outdoor play.


Every day at Hemsley House we encourage children to be independent and imaginative in our wonderful learning environments. In doing so, they soon develop a real love of learning and a curious mind.


Our experienced team come with a wealth of early years learning insight. We know that every child is different with their own story to tell, so we make sure that your child learns in a way and at a pace that’s right for them.


We’d love you to visit us so please do get in touch and we’ll look forward to meeting you and your family.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Hemsley House Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Hemsley House Nursery School has an Enhanced Service - more info.