Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone

Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH
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9.8 169 Reviews
  • Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone, Maidstone
The company is named after its founder – Penny Scotton – and continues to adhere to her vision of offering; ‘the very best in childcare, learning and fun’

Purpose-built to their own specification and opened in 2005 between Maidstone and Bearsted this site hosts nursery services and a home for Breakfast, After School and Holiday clubs. Air-conditioned and equipped with under-floor heating and two fully fitted kitchens; parents describe Newnham Court as ‘welcoming.’ It is bright and lively with extensive gardens and outdoor play facilities. Newnham Court was graded as good by Ofsted (March 2022).

Fully air-conditioned and equipped throughout with underfloor heating and two fully fitted kitchens, parents describe Newnham Court as 'welcoming'. It is bright, colourful and echoing with the happy sound of children. Developments in Pennies’ provision have gone hand-in-hand with the ethos of the ‘Pennies Family’ within which all children and parents feel involved and have the chance to discuss and shape the care provided

The main features of Newnham Court include

•        Catering for children from three months to five-years-old
•        Separate rooms, arranged by age for nursery age children
•        Separate term time only pre-school room
•        Extensive garden with grassed areas, large sandpit, play equipment and sheltered areas which support all areas of a child's development
•        Meals prepared daily by a trained chef and made with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers
•        Annual social calendar of events for children and parents
•        Popular Kids club catering for children from four to eleven years of age
•        There is a large, secluded garden area with a number of designated areas including a story-telling mound and adventure playground

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Claire Williams and Paige Priest (Nursery Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 75

Total Places for Children

  • 131

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Per day:
    0-2 yrs £114.25
    2-3 yrs £112.25
    3+ yrs £111.25

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

Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone Reviews (169)

9.8

Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.800) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone has 169 reviews.

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Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Pennies is a fantastic nursery that have always given my daughter the very best care. Always ready for a cuddle whenever needed and my daughter loves coming here every day.
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Review from Donna (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Pennies since she was one (she’s almost six). She attended the nursery, preschool and now attends after school club and holiday club. She has a lot of fun and enjoys all the activities they undertake. I have been very happy with Pennies and would highly recommend. The
staff are caring and lovely and I trust the place implicitly. If you are looking for a nursery I would suggest you go and have a look.
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Review from Laura K (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Pennies since he was three and a half years old, after moving from London to Kent. He was always extremely happy at the nursery and later at the breakfast and after school club which Pennies offer as well.
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Review from Jo M (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Eight years using Pennies with two children. They are an extension of the family and have delivered care to an excellent standard. Well done guys.
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Review from Matthew (Father of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been constantly impressed with the level of service at Pennies and it has been a perfect environment for our children to start their preparations for school.
Highly recommended.
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Review from Jane (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Pennies when he was just over one year old in 2012 and now goes to Pennies Kids Club where the holiday clubs and staff are superb and caring.
My daughter who is just over two started in 2016 and absolutely loves being there. The staff are attentive and my little girl has lots of
fun singing, painting, reading books and interaction with all.
Both my kids enjoy being there and I could not recommend Pennies and PKC enough!
Thank you for doing such an amazing job where mummy and daddy can go to work peace of mind.
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Review from Caroline (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
By far the best nursery in the Maidstone area from what I have visited.
The people who work there are fantastic at what they do, my daughter loved every single one of them.
It’s clean, its tidy, it’s safe, it’s how a nursery should be.
My daughter has been going there since she was around 11 months
old and still goes now she is 5 in the half terms.
They do fantastic themed days for the children and amazing days out for PKC.
It is the most expensive nursery however you get what you pay for!
Couldn’t recommend enough - Pennies, you guys are amazing!
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Review from Claire (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one has been at Pennies from 12 months until starting school. I want to say a huge thank you to the whole team at Pennies for the amazing care, support and attention paid to my little one. They have given a rounded foundation and shown true care for each child and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending
Pennies to any parent looking for childcare.
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Review from Mark D (Father of Child) published on 1 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A most professional, yet affable, group of staff (all female) who treat the children in a nurturing and personal manner. The building is secure and the reception inviting. My sons motor skills and reading has come along noticeably since attending. The staff are approachable and advisable. If I had to
criticise something (begrudgingly) I would say maybe they cuddle the children too much. Kids should be able to fall over without parents having to sign an acknowledgement ship - but then again, I'm old-fashioned and this is just a personal preference. You would have no qualms about leaving your child here all day, each week.
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Review from James H (Father of Child) published on 10 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent facilities and staff. Always helpful and attentive. Updates on a daily basis of general well being and ongoing reviews of progress are a great insight into my daughter's progress.
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Review from Keeley (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone for nearly two years and I am very pleased with the care she receives. Staff plan engaging and age-appropriate activities and provide good feedback on how my child enjoys these activities. Communication with the nursery is
excellent. Staff in the rooms, as well as management, take the time to answer questions from parents and management and identify next steps in my child’s development. The social skills the nursery encourage have had a positive impact on my child’s development and she looks forward to attending nursery. Leaving your child is always daunting at first but Pennies made this a smooth experience. Most importantly, my child feels safe at Pennies Day Nursery.
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Review from Louisa W (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I immediately liked this nursery and 14 months on I’m still happy. It’s bright, modern and welcoming and the staff have been so understanding.
The rooms are spacious and warm and the outdoor space is safe and fun. They do so many different activities during the day and the artwork we receive is lovely.
My daughter loves it there!
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Review from Gemma H (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my 3-year-old daughter and my 1-year-old son attend Pennies preschool and nursery and have always been extremely happy with the care they have provided. The staff at Pennies are always professional, knowledgeable and personable. I always have a full handover from the nursery which includes everything
my son has done, and what he has been eating, his general mood and interaction with others. My son is very clingy and the baby care team have been amazing in helping him to adjust to being in nursery. I can’t thank them enough.
The preschool is also outstanding and my daughter has grown far more independent since she has attended, they have given her confidence to dress herself (for PE), use the toilet on her own, speak in front of others on show and tell days etc. I cannot fault the preschool staff they are excellent.
Overall I would not hesitate to recommend Pennies to anyone who is looking for a nursery/preschool where children are able to thrive.
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Review from Hannah (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Pennies since early 2013 when he was 10 months old and my daughter since early 2016. The first thing that impressed me was how the senior team knew all of the children by name, even though it is quite a big nursery, it was such a personal touch. The staff are very professional
and very friendly and they care for the children in partnership with parents. They vary the activities the children do, they have lots of messy play and creative things to do, as well as play outside and a computer the little ones can use. They always offer fruit and the meals are varied and healthy. They provide feedback at the end of the day so you're fully informed of their eating and sleeping. They also understand the individual child's needs, for example, my daughter still gets a bit upset when I drop her off and a member of staff who knows her will always give her a cuddle to help her settle.
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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended Pennies for many years and enjoyed her whole experience. The staff were always friendly and professional. My daughter also attended the after school and holiday club when she was older. She had a fantastic time and the trips they took the children on were fantastic! Highly recommend
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Review from Jodie H (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Newnham Court from the age of six months and is soon approaching his second birthday, during this time my partner and I have been nothing other than impressed with the level of care he receives. He is always very happy to attend and very happy when we collect him in the evening.


We

are always given a detailed report of the activities he has done, the food he has eaten and the progress he makes at the end of each day. Staff and management go above and beyond and is clear they are very passionate about the care of the children, our son has a lovely bond with his key person. We couldn't ask for more.
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Review from Haylie (Mother of Child) published on 1 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined Pennies, Newnham Court, just before her first birthday. In a little over a month, she has settled really well which I don't doubt is due to the hard work and dedication of the team.


Her key workers and the wider team are genuinely caring and approachable, she loves going and is

always sad to leave.
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Review from Judda L (Father of Child) published on 27 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one attends Breakfast, After school and Holiday clubs at Pennies Kids Club and she always enjoys her time at PKC.
Staffs at PKC are excellent and caring.
Facility and activity are excellent.
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Review from Paul D (Father of Child) published on 22 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Pennies Day Nursery Newnham Court is where we've chosen to send all three of our darlings over the last 4 to 5 years. Each starting aged 12 to 18 months for approx. 1 to 2 days per week.
Overall we are very happy with the staff, facilities and care and will continue to send our children until starting
school. We also found the after school pick-up and holiday club activities a great way for the children to spend some extra time with friends having fun after school and during half term/summer months. The friendships children make at Pennies with other children has endured both at school and after school clubs.
We've found the care to be excellent and wanted all three of ours to have the same opportunity, experience and believe all three have been given that even if for just 1 or 2 days per week.
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Review from Kirsty B (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Pennies in Jan 2017. Our tour of the nursery prior to him starting went above and beyond what we were expecting. We are very happy with his progress and the staff are welcoming and friendly.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.800)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.800) out of 10 for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.800 for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone is calculated as follows: ( (324 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 365 Ratings = 4.8
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Pennies Day Nursery - Newnham Court, Maidstone is based on 30 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 131 number of registered child places is 26.2, which has been reached with 30 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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 (8)

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Meet the Team (5)

Michaela

Michaela Stone

Job Title: Head of Operations Joined: 2004

Hi, My Name is Michaela and I hold a CACHE Level 3 and Level 4 in Childcare and Management.


My journey in the Early Years started 25 Years ago; 20 of these years have been in a Management position. I have worked with all age groups from 3 months through to 11 years. I strongly believe in the best for every child, and that every child should be acknowledged as a unique individual and given the opportunity to flourish to their full potential.


I believe myself to be level-headed in all aspects of the business and operations, and I enjoy focusing on the development of my team, casting vision, and giving the team the education and tools they need to create a rich environment for the children to thrive within.

Claire

Claire Williams

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2004

Hi, my name is Claire and I have worked at Pennies since 2004. I hold a diploma in child studies and CACHE NVQ level 3 and 4 in children’s care, learning and development. I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at Pennies working my way up to a management position where I am able to help and support staff with their professional journey.


Over the years I have looked after children right from babies up to 11 years but I particularly enjoy the older children in our out-of-school club. My position as nursery manager is one I enjoy the challenge of. Being part of a child’s start in life is a rewarding career and I believe it is important that children can develop and flourish in a safe and secure environment.

Paige

Paige Priest

Job Title: Joint Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

Hello, my name is Paige, and I am one of the Managers at Pennies Newnham Court.


I have had a long working career in childcare, starting as a nursery practitioner, working my way up to management. I studied early childhood studies at university, and through my studies and many years of experience, I have a great deal of knowledge and skills in the early years sector. Above all, I have a burning passion for the early years and pride myself on creating outstanding learning environments for every child in my care.


I believe that every child benefits from a nurturing, caring environment where they are encouraged to flourish and supported to achieve the best outcomes.

Amy

Amy Mallett

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2018

Hello, I’m Amy and I have been part of the Pennies team since 2018.

Claire

Claire Lucas

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2024

Hello, I’m Claire and I have been part of the Pennies team since 2024. I have worked in childcare for 15+ years in a variety of roles with all ages of children.

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