Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery takes children from age two and is part of Northbourne Park School in Betteshanger, about 10 minutes from Deal and Sandwich and 20 minutes from Dover. A term-time bus service covers Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Thanet and Canterbury.
Families can choose term-time attendance or a stretched option that keeps the nursery open for up to 48 weeks a year, closing only for bank holidays, two weeks at Christmas,...
Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery takes children from age two and is part of Northbourne Park School in Betteshanger, about 10 minutes from Deal and Sandwich and 20 minutes from Dover. A term-time bus service covers Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Thanet and Canterbury.
Families can choose term-time attendance or a stretched option that keeps the nursery open for up to 48 weeks a year, closing only for bank holidays, two weeks at Christmas, one week at Easter, and one week in late August. Core sessions run from 8.30am to 4.00pm, with wraparound care available from 8.00am until 6.00pm. The nursery offers 15- and 30-hour government-funded childcare for both attendance patterns, and fully funded places may be available for eligible children.
Children spend much of the day outdoors. There is no tarmac playground; instead, children use a covered outdoor area, a garden, an orchard, woodland, and a Forest School area, plus mud kitchens and a tricycle track. A specialist instructor leads Forest School every week, regardless of the weather, so waterproofs and wellies are part of the uniform.
Indoors, the nursery has three classrooms and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, planned around each child's interests. Each child has a key person from the Early Years team. Specialist teachers lead weekly music sessions, and French is taught by a native speaker, reflecting the school’s long-established French section. Hot lunches and snacks are cooked on site by the school’s catering team.
Because the nursery sits within the school’s Pre-Prep, children join assemblies, share break times with older pupils, and take part in whole-school events such as Sports Day and the Easter Egg Hunt. Parents receive daily handover updates and an online learning journal with photos and observations. Children moving up to Reception at Northbourne Park spend time in their new classroom during the summer term before starting.
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Type of Service
Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all year
Attendance patterns offered
All Year or Term Time
Minimum attendance
1 day per week
Full days available
Yes
Half day sessions offered
Yes
Owner
Northbourne Park School
Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
Nicole Marsh (Head of Pre-Prep)
Number of Childcare Staff
10
Registered Charity Number
280048
Total Places for Children
24
Age Range
from 2 years 0 months
to 5 years 0 months
Meals Provided
Yes
Meal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
No
Opening Times
Monday08:00-18:00
Tuesday08:00-18:00
Wednesday08:00-18:00
Thursday08:00-18:00
Friday08:00-18:00
When Closed
Bank Holidays, two weeks at Christmas, one week at Easter and one week in late August. Families who choose term-time attendance follow the school holidays.
Parking
Ample parking on site.
Funding & Fees
Accepts government fundingAccepts tax-free childcare
Typical monthly cost for a 3-days place
£200/ month
Admissions fees:
Admissions fees:
- Administration fee: £120
- Refundable deposit: £250
Read the Free early education for 3-/ 4-year-olds and 2-year-olds document for more details about our free early education sessions and funding structure.
Calculated from data given to us by this nursery. Your final quote may vary slightly.
Averaged monthly figure. Actual billing varies; some nurseries bill weekly or by use.
Defaults shown
2-3 years • 3-days • 30 hours funding • all year
How this price scales (per month)
1 day per week
£67
3 days per week
£200
5 days per week
£566
Adjust for your situation
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What this price covers
Standard chargeable day 8:30am to 4:00pm (7.5 hours)
18 funded hours used per week. Remaining hours charged privately.
Included in this price: Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch and Snacks
You may need to provide everyday consumables, such as nappies, wipes and sun cream
Price without government funding: £870 / month (£73 / day)
If you're not eligible or haven't claimed funded hours.More info
£670/month more than the funded price.
This is what you'd pay if your child is under 9 months, or if you're not eligible for or haven't claimed funded hours.
About this price
How funding is applied, how the monthly figure is calculated.More info
Working parents of 2 to 3 year olds can usually claim up to 30 funded hours a week, and some families on qualifying benefits can claim 15 hours regardless of working status. The working-parent hours depend on each parent meeting the minimum earnings rules and earning under £100,000 a year. This nursery stretches funded hours across 48 weeks of the year. You've selected 30 funded hours.
This nursery applies up to 6 funded hours per day, stretched across 48 weeks of the year. With your selected funding, 18 hours are covered each week. Hours beyond this, including the early and late parts of the day, are charged at the standard rate.
We work out the total cost across the year and divide by 12, so the figure shown is a smoothed monthly average. In practice, nurseries bill in different ways. Some bill monthly at this average. Others bill weekly, or charge for what happened that week or month, which can vary across the year. Confirm billing details with the nursery when you enquire.
Contact Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery to get a personalised quote:
Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.545) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery has 33 reviews.
Reviewer Connection to Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
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Showing 33 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from J B (Father of Child) published on 29 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Supportive, friendly staff and a great outdoor area for play. They also do lots of community events, so the setting feels like an extended family.
Supportive, friendly staff and a great outdoor area for play. They also do lots of community events, so the setting feels like an extended family.
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Review from Lily-Ella D (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The nursery is amazing! The activities they carry out with the children means my child's confidence has rocketed! He has learnt so much and is growing up so fast. It is worth every penny. Every teacher knows every student which makes me feel so comfortable leaving him with them and he loves them...
The nursery is amazing! The activities they carry out with the children means my child's confidence has rocketed! He has learnt so much and is growing up so fast. It is worth every penny. Every teacher knows every student which makes me feel so comfortable leaving him with them and he loves them all. I wish i went there when i was younger. I can't wait for my next son to start. Thank you!
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Thank you for this wonderful feedback. The great thing about being a smaller setting is that our staff know all the children so well!
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Review from S E (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We have been so happy with how our two children have flourished in the nursery at Northbourne. It is a very happy nursery where the children walk in smiling. They do some wonderful structured activities each day but balance this with plenty of free play in the beautiful grounds. Special extras that...
We have been so happy with how our two children have flourished in the nursery at Northbourne. It is a very happy nursery where the children walk in smiling. They do some wonderful structured activities each day but balance this with plenty of free play in the beautiful grounds. Special extras that you might not find elsewhere include: forest school, French, and nativities in the beautiful on site church. The staff are all caring and supportive and our children have made some special friends. As a parent, I'm not sure you could ask for much more!
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Thank you for this lovely review! One of the great advantages of a nursery that is part of a wider school is that, throughout the year, the children get to use all our incredible facilities, including the gorgeous St Mary's Church.
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Review from Daniel M (Father of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We have found Northbourne Park to be a fantastic place for our young daughter to go to. The school strikes a fantastic balance between nurturing, teaching while the kids still have fun. Our daughter loves going in, in the mornings and comes home with a smile on her face!
We have found Northbourne Park to be a fantastic place for our young daughter to go to. The school strikes a fantastic balance between nurturing, teaching while the kids still have fun. Our daughter loves going in, in the mornings and comes home with a smile on her face!
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Thank you for this review. Smiling faces are a sign that our wonderful staff are doing an excellent job!
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Review from V E (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
A fantastic nursery in a wonderful outdoor setting, Northbourne Park offers children huge scope to develop their skills and experience new things. We particularly loved that the Squirrel's class was more like school than nursery and the day was structured, uniform was expected and there was a lot...
A fantastic nursery in a wonderful outdoor setting, Northbourne Park offers children huge scope to develop their skills and experience new things. We particularly loved that the Squirrel's class was more like school than nursery and the day was structured, uniform was expected and there was a lot of interaction with older children both socially and within the structured lessons. The teachers are excellent and the opportunities endless. The nursery is fully part of the pre-prep community and the transition to Reception class has been seamless. I would recommend this pre-school nursery without hesitation.
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Many thanks for your review. One of the advantages of the Squirrels Nursery is that the children are able to participate in the wider activities of Northbourne Park School and have so many wonderful role models in the older pupils.
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Review from Tara M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Two of my children have been with this nursery over the last few years at separate times and both have been so happy there.
The staff are friendly and caring, my youngest always looks forward to telling his teachers about special life moments. They are encouraged to share big moments with their...
Two of my children have been with this nursery over the last few years at separate times and both have been so happy there. The staff are friendly and caring, my youngest always looks forward to telling his teachers about special life moments. They are encouraged to share big moments with their class and I love that his little voice and thoughts are given time and attention to tell his friends about things he is proud of. The nursery is very much an all rounder, my oldest loves learning and I was very impressed with his progress and support.
My youngest boy loves playing in the space the grounds offer, he always comes home happy with a muddy coat and full of lovely stories!
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write a review! We subscribe to the laundry detergent motto, "Dirt is good". It's the sign of a happy day of playing and learning!
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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Such a lovely kind, caring environment for the children to learn. Children are outside playing in all weather and have such an amazing time.
We have all had so much fun with the pre-prep over the years. I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Such a lovely kind, caring environment for the children to learn. Children are outside playing in all weather and have such an amazing time.
We have all had so much fun with the pre-prep over the years. I would not hesitate to recommend it.
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. As the famous saying goes, 'There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing'! We love to see our Squirrels outdoors as much as possible.
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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I cannot rate this nursery more highly, the teachers and assistants are wonderful, caring and intuitive. The wider staff are super friendly and attuned to each child's needs. The nursery is set in the middle of the woods with a fantastic indoor and outdoor space. There are weakly forest school...
I cannot rate this nursery more highly, the teachers and assistants are wonderful, caring and intuitive. The wider staff are super friendly and attuned to each child's needs. The nursery is set in the middle of the woods with a fantastic indoor and outdoor space. There are weakly forest school sessions as well as focus on interpersonal skills, as well as touching some French and music classes too. The Christmas nativity is the most adorable event held in the old Norman church belonging to the prep school. Our child has thrived under the care of the nursery and school. The head of the pre-prep is wonderful, responsive and kind.
↩Reply from Henry Andrews, Admissions & Marketing at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We're so pleased to read your feedback on the specialist lessons and our super staff. French, Music and Forest School are such an important part of the weekly timetable at Squirrels Nursery, and it's wonderful to offer these alongside our usual programme of activities and learning. The Nativity is the highlight of the year, for sure!
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 27 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
A truly special nursery, where the children are able to maintain their uniqueness and individuality. They are given so much encouragement to find their talents and encouraged to play and learn. It has the most incredible setting, with wonderful gardens that they are allowed to freely roam. I could...
A truly special nursery, where the children are able to maintain their uniqueness and individuality. They are given so much encouragement to find their talents and encouraged to play and learn. It has the most incredible setting, with wonderful gardens that they are allowed to freely roam. I could not wish for my son to go to a better or happier nursery.
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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
I can't rate the teachers, teaching assistants and office staff highly enough. The outside playing facilities are fantastic. My daughter settled quickly and is very happy there. Northbourne Park is a lovely community to be part of, for both parents and children.
I can't rate the teachers, teaching assistants and office staff highly enough. The outside playing facilities are fantastic. My daughter settled quickly and is very happy there. Northbourne Park is a lovely community to be part of, for both parents and children.
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Review from V A (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Our son has only attended the nursery for a few weeks and the change in him is remarkable. He is confident, adventurous and always tired out when he comes home. He has learnt so much and has already experienced a farm visit, pirate day, science week and taken part in the harvest festival - all in a...
Our son has only attended the nursery for a few weeks and the change in him is remarkable. He is confident, adventurous and always tired out when he comes home. He has learnt so much and has already experienced a farm visit, pirate day, science week and taken part in the harvest festival - all in a safe, fun, learning environment. Over half term, he constantly wanted to go back to the nursery. We couldn't recommend Northbourne Park highly enough.
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Review from Richard S (Father of Child) published on 25 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Since attending Northbourne my daughter has made fantastic progress in all areas. She has made lots of friends and grown in confidence. She enjoys attending every day, which is great to see.
Since attending Northbourne my daughter has made fantastic progress in all areas. She has made lots of friends and grown in confidence. She enjoys attending every day, which is great to see.
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Review from Nikki P (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
So far since starting in September 2018, we have found this school brilliant. Very friendly and very easy to talk to all staff that work here about any questions. Feels really relaxed so far and we’d have no doubt in telling parents with up and coming toddlers to go and have a look around. Feels...
So far since starting in September 2018, we have found this school brilliant. Very friendly and very easy to talk to all staff that work here about any questions. Feels really relaxed so far and we’d have no doubt in telling parents with up and coming toddlers to go and have a look around. Feels very homely and cosy. We felt at ease from the first day we visited the school. Let it carry on. Very happy mum and dad.
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Review from Joy S (Grandmother of Child) published on 13 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My grandson has attended the school for the last two years and has always been happy there. In the times I have been, I have always found the teachers and staff very helpful, friendly and supportive.
I feel sure my grandson will receive the best education and will continue to flourish.
My grandson has attended the school for the last two years and has always been happy there. In the times I have been, I have always found the teachers and staff very helpful, friendly and supportive.
I feel sure my grandson will receive the best education and will continue to flourish.
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Review from Nerys B (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter is really enjoying the experience of the nursery, teaching her new skills and knowledge. Friendly staff.
My daughter is really enjoying the experience of the nursery, teaching her new skills and knowledge. Friendly staff.
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Review from Hema S (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Great fun learning environment. The care and the family feel are great in the nursery at Northbourne Park school. We always left our children there with a peace of mind that they will be looked after with love and care. Both our girls settled in really well, they really loved being there. They...
Great fun learning environment. The care and the family feel are great in the nursery at Northbourne Park school. We always left our children there with a peace of mind that they will be looked after with love and care. Both our girls settled in really well, they really loved being there. They enjoyed all the activities laid out for them. It was a very relaxed environment for children with a very good routine and structure. Our girls came out of their shells and much more confident and ready for reception class. Members of staff work very hard and always ready to help. Regular meetings were arranged for parents and teachers to talk about their children’s development. It was very helpful to get feedback and work with the girls on little things that they needed to catch up on. We also really enjoyed seeing our girls getting on the stage, performing for different events. They had a memorable time in nursery.
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Review from Francesca R (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The nursery is fantastic, my child is happy and thriving in the wonderful environment created by all the staff there.
The nursery is fantastic, my child is happy and thriving in the wonderful environment created by all the staff there.
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Review from Hayley E (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Great all round nursery amazing outside area great range of subjects hot food every day with a Great variety.
Great all round nursery amazing outside area great range of subjects hot food every day with a Great variety.
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Review from D P (Father of Child) published on 9 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I really appreciate the excellent work by the leadership team and the staff in making this an excellent school.
I think the school has been very nurturing towards my son and he is really happy at the school.
I really appreciate the excellent work by the leadership team and the staff in making this an excellent school.
I think the school has been very nurturing towards my son and he is really happy at the school.
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Review from Natasha S (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My eldest child attended the nursery, currently, my middle child is there and I already have my youngest child's name down to start in spring 2020. All of the staff are extremely friendly and fantastic with the children. They are well looked after and always coming home with new knowledge. I...
My eldest child attended the nursery, currently, my middle child is there and I already have my youngest child's name down to start in spring 2020. All of the staff are extremely friendly and fantastic with the children. They are well looked after and always coming home with new knowledge. I especially love the outside space and so do my children. Highly recommend and so happy my children attend the school and think it is fantastic value for money.
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Child Vacancies
Child Vacancies
Posted: 09 October 2026
A limited number of places for 2 - 4-year-olds are available for the current academic year.
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Meet the Team (1)
Nicole MarshJob Title Head of Pre-PrepJoined 2020
With a teaching career that began in 1996, Nicole brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked in various schools and settings. She has...
With a teaching career that began in 1996, Nicole brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked in various schools and settings. She has spent the last 8 years specialising in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has been leading the Pre-Prep department at Northbourne Park School for the past 3 years.
Nicole holds a B.Ed. (Hons) in Teaching and Geography, and her extensive career includes roles across EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2. She has also served as the Children Missing Education and Elective Home Education Coordinator for the local council, showcasing her commitment to supporting children’s education in diverse capacities.
In her current role, Nicole’s proudest achievement is fostering an environment where children are genuinely happy and thriving. She believes in providing children with as many opportunities as possible to explore the world around them and to express their individuality. Nicole is a strong advocate for hands-on experiences, which are abundantly offered through the school’s exceptional setting and grounds.
Nicole’s ethos is centered on creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can flourish. She is passionate about ensuring that each child has the chance to be themselves and to engage in meaningful, explorative learning.
Nicole says, "Every child deserves the chance to explore, discover, and be themselves. Our role is to provide the environment and opportunities for them to do just that.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery
How much does Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery cost?
Typical fees at Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery are £73 / day (without govt. funding), calculated from data given to us by the nursery. Your final quote may vary.
What is the Age Range of Children that Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery accepts?
Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery Open?
Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery 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 Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery have capacity for?
Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery has capacity for a total of 24 Children.
How far is Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery to the centre of Deal?
3.9 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 Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Northbourne Park Squirrels Nursery has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
