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 Gemma W (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
A fantastic environment for children to develop. Really well structured with a great balance of play and learning. Excellent communication from the nursery staff and the facilities are brilliant. I would recommend this nursery to anyone.
A fantastic environment for children to develop. Really well structured with a great balance of play and learning. Excellent communication from the nursery staff and the facilities are brilliant. I would recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from Kerry P (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
This is a breathtaking place I have the privilege of having my children reared in. The nurturing staff just keep on giving.
They are tremendous at providing outstanding levels of care and facilities.
My son counts down the days from Friday to Monday to go back.
I feel very blessed that I...
This is a breathtaking place I have the privilege of having my children reared in. The nurturing staff just keep on giving.
They are tremendous at providing outstanding levels of care and facilities.
My son counts down the days from Friday to Monday to go back.
I feel very blessed that I can say that this is my child's childhood. Thank you, Northbourne!
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Review from Lee R (Father of Child) published on 3 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
My daughter sadly lost her mother (my wife) only aged 3 years old. Since then she has needed extra support and pastoral care.
Northbourne Park nursery and all of the staff have been superb. I could not have asked for any more support from the nursery and my daughter has really flourished since...
My daughter sadly lost her mother (my wife) only aged 3 years old. Since then she has needed extra support and pastoral care. Northbourne Park nursery and all of the staff have been superb. I could not have asked for any more support from the nursery and my daughter has really flourished since attending this nursery.
She has had the best start in life at this nursery.
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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
A lovely, cosy nursery with beautiful grounds. Just the right amount of structure versus free play. I like the way the children are integrated as part of the school and are involved in all events. A wonderful atmosphere for 3-4 year olds.
A lovely, cosy nursery with beautiful grounds. Just the right amount of structure versus free play. I like the way the children are integrated as part of the school and are involved in all events. A wonderful atmosphere for 3-4 year olds.
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Review from Kirsty D (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Incredible nursery. I cannot recommend enough. My Daughter has moved on so much developmentally thanks to the staff who treat the children as they would their own.
Incredible nursery. I cannot recommend enough. My Daughter has moved on so much developmentally thanks to the staff who treat the children as they would their own.
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Review from Lisa B (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
My Son started the nursery, nervous and struggled to keep his attention on anything. With lots of love, care and attention from all the staff he has come on in leaps and bounds! He is a much happier and calmer little boy, ready for and excited to start school. I can't express enough how lovely the...
My Son started the nursery, nervous and struggled to keep his attention on anything. With lots of love, care and attention from all the staff he has come on in leaps and bounds! He is a much happier and calmer little boy, ready for and excited to start school. I can't express enough how lovely the staff are, any problems we have are listened to and sorted out straight away. A huge thank you to them all!
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Review from Kirsty A (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
From day one Northbourne Park Pre-Prep School have been informative and helpful - over the phone, by correspondence and in person. Even when we turned up unexpectedly for a visit. The staff were happy to show us around and show all the facilities they have to offer. Our daughter has settled in well...
From day one Northbourne Park Pre-Prep School have been informative and helpful - over the phone, by correspondence and in person. Even when we turned up unexpectedly for a visit. The staff were happy to show us around and show all the facilities they have to offer. Our daughter has settled in well and become more independent. She has become more interested in nature since Forest School. We are very grateful for all the staff's efforts.
Thank you.
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Review from Leanne W (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Northbourne Park Nursery is an exceptional nursery within the pre-prep part of Northbourne Park School. The grounds are extensive with lots of woodland area and plenty of play equipment to explore. The staff are extremely kind and caring towards the children. The school organises many trips to all...
Northbourne Park Nursery is an exceptional nursery within the pre-prep part of Northbourne Park School. The grounds are extensive with lots of woodland area and plenty of play equipment to explore. The staff are extremely kind and caring towards the children. The school organises many trips to all sorts of interesting places for the children as well as fun days and activities within the school. I could not recommend enough.
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Review from Emily A (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2018 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
We agonised about whether to move our daughter to Northbourne Park Pre-Prep School for her pre-school year from the (very good) nursery she had been in since she was 10 months old. We made the move and have not regretted our decision in any way. It is fabulous - the setting is beautiful and the...
We agonised about whether to move our daughter to Northbourne Park Pre-Prep School for her pre-school year from the (very good) nursery she had been in since she was 10 months old. We made the move and have not regretted our decision in any way. It is fabulous - the setting is beautiful and the nursery manages to be both warm, friendly and nurturing yet challenging, stimulating and fun. Our daughter has benefitted hugely from the varied learning environment they provide and she is happy and fulfilled. I cannot recommend the place more highly.
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Review from Sanaz H (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Wonderful nurturing environment. Great development and learning opportunities. Outdoor facilities and environment are crucial to this nursery and are amazing. Teachers and staff are dedicated, experienced and very caring. Belief independent encouragement confidence and fun are paramount to the...
Wonderful nurturing environment. Great development and learning opportunities. Outdoor facilities and environment are crucial to this nursery and are amazing. Teachers and staff are dedicated, experienced and very caring. Belief independent encouragement confidence and fun are paramount to the individual care and development.
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Review from P S (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
Outstanding nursery. Great facilities fantastic forest school and friendly staff.
Outstanding nursery. Great facilities fantastic forest school and friendly staff.
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Review from Fenella F-P (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Review Card•
Overall Experience
All four of our daughters have been lucky to have started their educational life at Northbourne Park. They all have such fond memories of their time in the nursery, our youngest has only just moved up this year. The staff are very kind, very dedicated and there is so much in a child's day to enjoy...
All four of our daughters have been lucky to have started their educational life at Northbourne Park. They all have such fond memories of their time in the nursery, our youngest has only just moved up this year. The staff are very kind, very dedicated and there is so much in a child's day to enjoy at Northbourne. They educate the children in such a fun, caring way and the children never forget what a happy time they have had.
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Review from Kate S (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2016 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I have nothing but praise for the way in which this pre-prep nursery department have cared for and nurtured my two girls over the past few years. Not only are the staff understanding, caring and approachable; they clearly approach my child's development needs with a passion for teaching and...
I have nothing but praise for the way in which this pre-prep nursery department have cared for and nurtured my two girls over the past few years. Not only are the staff understanding, caring and approachable; they clearly approach my child's development needs with a passion for teaching and supporting children into the school environment. I have been amazed on a daily basis what my children have been able to learn, academically and socially at such a young age. The grounds and setting of the school is beautiful, of which the children are encouraged to explore and learn about. The nursery children are included in school trips and receive a hot meal at lunch time and are included as children of the overall school, which is hugely beneficial in making their transition to school easier. My girls have left the nursery, confident, interested and passionate about life and learning.
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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.”
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.
