Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone

149 Hockers Lane, Weavering, Maidstone ME14 5JY
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9.9 125 Reviews
  • Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone, Maidstone
This cottage-style nursery was graded by Ofsted as ‘Good in all areas’ in December 2021. Located near Bearsted on the edge of the North Downs; an area of outstanding natural beauty, Pennies Hockers Lane perfectly balances rural surroundings with the convenience of swift access to main routes, such as the M20.

The main features of Hockers Lane include catering for children from three months to five years and four separate rooms, arranged by age, for nursery age children.

The nursery ensure parents have an active involvement in decisions on care for their children. There is an extensive garden with Pennies Pit Stop, sensory snug, book nook large sandpit, play equipment and sheltered areas. While meals are prepared daily by a trained chef and made with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

Pennies offers an annual social calendar of events for children and parents and has rooms that are designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and pre-school aged children.

Pennies fully-inclusive fees cover all food, drinks, nappies and formula milks for the babies and children in their care.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Caroline Hannant and Kathryn Fox (Nursery Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Total Places for Children

  • 55

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Per day:
    Under 2's £111.75
    2-3 yrs £109.75
    Over 3's £108.75

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

Parking

  • No parking restrictions on Hockers Lane - other than not in front of neighbours driveways.

Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone Reviews (125)

9.9

Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone has 125 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone
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Total of 125, showing 61-80
Review from Julia H (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An absolutely fantastic provision with amazing staff from management to accounts, kitchen and room staff. My daughter loves coming to Pennies and I would highly recommend Hockers Lane to any parent looking for a home from home nursery setting.
Reply from Trudi Mayes at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a lovely review.
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Review from John D (Father of Child) published on 11 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery. I would strongly recommend this nursery to everyone. Their care, attention, organisation, dedication and commitment to the children is second to none. Excellent staff.
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Review from Amy (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been really pleased with how well our son is settling in at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane and we put this down to the staff who work very hard to meet the individual needs of the children attending. The staff have been warm and friendly with ourselves and our son from our very first visit,
and this has remained for every visit and interaction we have had with all the staff working there.


We feel listened to as parents, and also feel every effort is made to meet our son’s needs on the days on which he attends. We know that our son enjoys the interactions, play and cuddles he receives from the staff at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane and we are very comfortable leaving him under the staffs care there.

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Review from Jean (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is my third child to go to Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane and I couldn't recommend it enough. A lovely family atmosphere with staff who my children have clearly bonded with. I would also mention the excellent kitchen team who are as keen on the children building a healthy relationship
with food as I am, regularly cooking with them and letting explore different things.
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Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son (now 7), was very happy at Hockers Lane, so we're very pleased to be back there with our 2 year old. I'd moved office locations and had been pleased to find there was a nursery on site, but knew instantly it didn't match up to how we'd felt visiting Pennies. I always feel welcomed and that staff
are observant, informed and above all treat my child in a way that reassures me that she is happy, safe and occupied at each visit. We love receiving photo updates that show us the activities she's tried (which are always varied). The menu is varied and communication very good. Couldn't recommend more highly.
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Review from Kay W (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys (3 years and 18 months) attend Pennies and I couldn’t be more happy with them.
All the staff are friendly and caring and couldn’t do more to help. If the boys are upset or poorly I am kept up to date throughout the day.
They provide all food (made by their on site chef and not bought
in) and nappies and were so helpful when I was expressing milk.
They also do lots of outside play which I love and the boys always surprise me with things they’ve learned.
I don’t worry about my boys at all when they’re there which is so important while I’m at work. I couldn’t ask for more!
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Review from Kerry P (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I decided to send my first child to Pennies after so many recommendations from friends, and after seeing the nursery first-hand I knew I wouldn’t need to see anywhere else. The staff are wonderful - engaging, caring and great with the children. I am extremely happy with how well they look after my child
and the food is the best I could hope for. The variety of activities they do with the children is really good and it’s so nice to receive updates during their day. I am really pleased I chose Pennies.
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Review from Helen T (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care that my son receives at Pennies Nursery is outstanding. All the staff are so friendly and communicate well. Would highly recommend.
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Review from Katie G (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Pennies in September 2018 and we are so pleased with the care that he receives there. He is so happy and thoroughly enjoys his time on the days that he attends in the Busy Bees room. Since he has started we have noticed a significant improvement in his speech. The activities that
they do with him are stimulating, varied and educational. They have excellent facilities both indoors and outdoors, the outdoor area was particularly the thing that drew me to the nursery. The online tapestry account allows regular contact and feedback. The staff are extremely attentive and caring, and I feel that I leave him in safe hands.
I would definitely recommend this nursery to other families.
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Review from Lou (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is my second child to attend Pennies, we didn’t hesitate in sending our little girl here.
Our little girl loves it here, she has made so many friends and loves her key worker and talks about her regularly at home.
Her day at Pennies is always varied and she has so many fun, exciting learning
experiences.
Our little girl did struggle to settle at first, mainly due to her not being left with anyone prior to nursery, but now adores coming here.
The nursery has great facilities and a wonderful garden.
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Review from Rachel B (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a professional and friendly nursery. They work hard to communicate with you in order to get to know your child's likes and dislikes. As they reach the mini preschool and preschool, the emphasis becomes learning through play and just having fun with it. They've been instrumental in helping to
initiate potty training with my older two and have also taught them tricks to put on coats etc. My kids have always been happy to go in knowing they'll be looked after well, eat well and see all their mates. I can highly recommend.
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Review from Joanna F (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Hockers Lane for a few months now and he loves it. The staff have been amazing with helping him to settle in and he has gone from being upset at drop off when he first started to now running straight into nursery to give his key worker a cuddle each morning.
They are always
doing different activities and sharing these with us on the app. It is lovely to see our son experiencing and enjoying different things. We have noticed a big difference in his development since starting nursery.
The nursery has a very personal feel to it, everyone knows our son's name, whether they work in his room or not and greet him as soon as they see him. I cannot fault the nursery or the staff and would definitely recommend it to everyone.
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Review from Joanna D (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is a great setting for the children. The girls work so hard in making each and every child feel welcome whilst supporting the parents to feel confident leaving them there.
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Review from Reem C (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely kind and experienced staff offering a very diverse set of activities for the children. Very much child lead, they get to know each child well and tailor the day to their interests which nurture their creativity. Gentle approach to discipline. The kitchen team are in contact with the families
through newsletters and conversations. They also help teach the children cooking and baking. The food is healthy and my child always eats it as it tastes good too. It’s also different each day, intriguing him to new flavours.
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Review from Chanel A (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely lovely nursery, would recommend to everyone. Such a happy homely environment. My little boy has blossomed since attending the nursery. They do so much with the children, regular outings, lots of outdoor playtime and messy play and he loves it!
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Review from Emma T (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughters have been at Pennies Day Nursery for 2 years she has some lovely friends and has fun there and doesn’t want to come home. Staff turn over is constant and there are only 2 girls that have been there as long as her!
Reply from Trudi Mayes, Manager at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone
Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this review. We have indeed experienced a higher than normal turnover of staff during the last year. This is primarily because staff are choosing…read more
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Review from Rita B (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My kids love Pennies Hockers Lane Nursery. Nice and caring staff, fantastic activities for kids. Thank you all for looking after our twins.
Reply from Trudi Mayes, Manager at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone
Your complimentary comments are very much appreciated and I will pass them on to the staff team. Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this review.
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Review from Joanna K (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Pennies Day Nursery is a lovely setting and my son enjoys his time there immensely. The outside space is lovely and the staff are great. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Pennies to anyone.
Reply from Trudi Mayes, Manager at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone
Wow! I so pleased that you find everything about us excellent - I will pass on your review to the team - thank you so much!
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Review from Christine T (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the nursery made my return to work totally stress-free. I felt completely comfortable leaving my son in their care. I love hearing about all the exciting activities he has enjoyed during his days and all the yummy meals he has eaten. I look forward to the email updates with pictures and
finding out what he has been up to. He always seems a bit put out when I come to collect him!!! The staff genuinely seem to care about all the children and are always approachable if I have any queries or concerns. The staff could not do more to help with my son's food allergies. I Could not wish for a better nursery!
Reply from Trudi Mayes, Manager at Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone
I am delighted that you are so pleased with your son's care - I will certainly pass on your comments to the staff team - thank you for taking the time to complete this review!
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Review from J H C (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with everything about Pennies Day Nursery but it’s the truly amazing staff that really make it. They’re fantastic. I love seeing how much my child enjoys going there. Thank you!
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.944)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10 for Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.944 for Pennies Day Nursery - Hockers Lane, Maidstone is calculated as follows: ( (171 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 180 Ratings = 4.944
  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 - Hockers Lane, Maidstone is based on 15 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 55 number of registered child places is 11, which has been reached with 15 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 (9)

Meet the Team (3)

Caroline

Caroline Hannant

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2007

I have worked for Pennies for nearly 18 years, I have worked alongside a great team and successfully progressed from being Head of Unit, Third in Charge, Deputy Manager at Newnham Court to Nursery Manager at Hockers Lane.


I love being apart of such a great team and I share my enthusiasm, with the teams, for arts and crafts, messy play and sensory exploration, promoting great learning opportunities for the children. My work family has extended and the team, children and parents, couldn't have made me feel more welcome.

Kathryn

Kathryn Fox

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2024

Hi, my name is Kathryn and I joined Pennies in April 2024. I have worked in Early Years establishments for the past 23 years. Back at the beginning of my career, I gained an NNEB in childcare, working in various day nurseries and school settings, with children aged between 3 months to 5 years. More recently I have achieved a BA Hons (first class) degree in Early childhood studies and spent time teaching children in Preschool settings. Having the opportunity to be part of the Pennies family is wonderful and enables me to continue to fulfil my passion within the Early Years and continue to be part of children’s early childhood journey.

Sarah-Lou

Sarah-Lou Stepney

Job Title: Deputy Manager - Early Years Professional Joined: 2001

Hi, my name is Sarah-Lou and I started Pennies at Hockers Lane in 2001 as a Level 3 Practitioner. Before joining Pennies I worked for another family run company and during this time I completed a Level 2 and 3 NVQ in Childcare and Education. In 2005, when Newnham Court opened, I decided to take a new post there. During my time at Pennies I have gained experience working with children from 3 months old to 11 years old. I have also had 2 children of my own, Millie and Jake. In 2016 I took on a Development Coordinator role at Pennies which allowed me to work with all 3 nurseries and to support each setting with their CPD. I’ve now come back to Hockers Lane as Deputy manager.

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