Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

The High Street, Mark Cross, Crowborough TN6 3PJ
Review Us
Top 20 award
10 106 Reviews
Situated in the beautiful village of Mark Cross, East Sussex, this setting offers childcare close to Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough. Mark Cross is a well-established nursery, with pre-school and kids club facilities.

Mark Cross provides a welcoming home setting, with a very large garden designed to provide space and adventure for every child. This pre-school prepares children for starts in local schools and the bus runs to and from local schools for the kids’ club. Mark Cross was rated Good by Ofsted (August 2023).

Pennies At Mark Cross is situated in the village of Mark Cross in East Sussex and offers exceptional care for children from three months to five-years-old. The nursery offers a large outdoor facility and home-cooked food to support the healthy development of each child.

Pennies at Mark Cross has an excellent team and care facility for all children's needs.
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Type of Service

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

Person in charge

  • Victoria Atkins (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 64

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Per day:
    Under 2's £104.50
    2-3 yrs £102.50
    Over 3's £101.50

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 & 1 week at Christmas

Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross Reviews (106)

Total of 106, showing 41-60
10

Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross has a Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross has 106 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 99
  • 6
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

106
11
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16
90

Review from Victoria Q (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Pennies were fantastic at helping my daughter settle in. She’s been there for a year now and has made some lovely friendships already and a strong bond with the staff. They’re a lovely team and always welcome her with a big smile!

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you Victoria, we work hard to ensure every child settles with us - when parents post reviews like this it's a recognition of our efforts and helpful for others to see as they make childcare decisions.

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Review from Lauren H (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was so worried about putting my daughter into nursery as I didn’t know how she would cope and if she would settle as she hadn’t left my side for 2 years! From day one, she has absolutely loved going to Pennies and loves all of the staff, she never wants to leave when I come to collect her! She settled
in straight away and is happy to go every time. All of the staff are amazing, they are all so friendly and helpful and will go the extra mile for the children. I am so happy that I chose this nursery for my daughter and would definitely recommend.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you Lauren for sharing such a comprehensive and positive review. When people use a word like "recommend" it helps us and helps others who are trying to decide about childcare.

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Review from Ruby J (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff at Pennies have been nothing but wonderful to both my children who have and are attending the nursery.
They are always on hand to give advice if needed and nothing is too much to ask either.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Pennies tries really hard to be a family to all parents, carers and children who come to us so the positive statement you have made about our staff and care here is a real boost to us all. Thank you.

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Review from Mareen M (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has started nursery when he was 1 year old and has been at Pennies well over a year now. Everyone whom I’ve met so far is really friendly and genuinely interested in our son’s wellbeing, development and even our family life outside the nursery. I really like that they have their own chef who
cooks fresh food on-site and their massive garden is a big plus, too! I really trust that he’s in good hands at Pennies. Most days he runs through the door, excited to start playing with his friends. So I’m very grateful that the team provides such a fun and welcoming environment for him. Thank you all!

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

We really appreciate you signing off that review with a thank you. It's mutual because we're always thankful when a review takes the care and attention to mention the different aspects of what we do. From our chef working to make the menu different every day to the work we put into making our garden a site for adventurous play, it all takes effort and it's a recognition of our hard-working team when reviews mention the work they do.

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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have met the manager of the Pennies Day Nursery for the first time and she was very friendly and kind to my daughter. My daughter also fell asleep in her hands which made me very happy. We have met our daughter's key worker and she is absolutely lovely, caring and loves kids. This made me feel safe
to leave my baby at Pennies Day Nursery.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much for this review. We are family run and our work is about offering the same care and security a child feels in a happy home. If your daughter felt relaxed enough to fall asleep and you felt confident in our staff that is a great start and we're grateful for you sharing it here because such recommendations are very important to us.

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Review from Rachel J (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so, so happy with Pennies at Mark Cross. Our first daughter went there and is now at school, and we have the joy of sending our youngest to Pennies too. We looked at some other nurseries, but I knew straight away this one would be best for our daughter. The staff are so friendly and caring, and
we love the homely feel. Our youngest even asked if she could go to preschool on a weekend as she has so much fun there! They have also been good with covid restrictions and ensure the children have good hand hygiene. Big thanks to all the wonderful staff!

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much for sharing this and in particular for including the words "thank you." The Covid crisis challenged so many of us to ensure we did the simple things in a very safe way and we've made every effort to maintain that throughout this difficult year. We all look forward to a time when as much of the old normal can return - hopefully allowing your youngest to enjoy lots of safe and happy times with us.

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Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I love all the staff at Pennies. My daughter started when she was just a year old and I had to return to work full time. The staff were utterly amazing with her and she developed strong attachments during her time in the baby room. Then when lockdown happened, Pennies were incredibly flexible about
payment. We continued to pay a little, but we weren't forced to, like with some other nurseries, and we received the contributions back in credit. It shouldn't be underestimated how helpful and reassuring that was, especially since our circumstances changed as a result of Covid-19. My daughter struggled to return to nursery but the staff have persevered and been really understanding, and she's now settled into playgroup and loves it! The minute she shows any sign of discomfort, they are straight on the phone to us and it's clear the team really cares when I go to fetch her and she's enjoying her cuddles!

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much - there's a real personal story in this review and it's important to us that people share such stories because it shows how we try to ensure every child and every family around that child becomes part of the Pennies family too.

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Review from H R (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pennies are just brilliant. The team are great, my daughter absolutely adores all of the team. I genuinely couldn't do without them! She is learning so much, developing brilliantly and I have to thank the team for that. Additionally, they potty trained her for me which was a godsend. I can't recommend
them enough.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much for these kind comments, they give a real sense of the kind of childcare we are always working to provide. To see someone explain it working for them is a real boost to all of those involved at Mark Cross.

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Review from Chris B (Father of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly attentive staff, happy daughter. We know she's in safe hands, and they seem to be doing all that is required during the pandemic to keep everything clean and safe in what must be very challenging times.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much for this neat summary of how things are going for you. We are indeed trying to do everything that is required at this really challenging time. It's great to see those efforts reported and recognised by customers.

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Review from Holly S (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love this nursery, my son could not be happier. He loves the staff, surroundings and especially the food. I find all of the staff really helpful and kind which really helps with drops offs. During this covid situation, the nursery has adapted really well and absolutely every decision has
had the children in mind.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much for these comments. It's fair to say "the covid situation" has been a challenge to us all and we've done our best to adapt to the changes it has brought. It matters a great deal that our staff see these efforts recognised by customers.

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Review from Abi (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our children love going to Pennies, our eldest has been going for 3 years and is still excited to go! All the staff have been wonderful in every room. I particularly like that the baby room is for babies and once they start walking confidently they move on to the toddler room. It was especially
important to me as both my children started around 10 months and still felt so small to be starting nursery! They have also been great about dietary requirements and have made it one less thing for me to worry about. Couldn’t recommend Pennies highly enough!

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Oh, thank you for these comments it's been a real lift for our staff this year to see people commenting on this site. When children stay with us for years it's not just the children who look forward to coming - our staff love to see them grow and turn into characters.

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Review from John F (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery which both of my girls attended as after-school care. The staff are really friendly and ever so kind, and my girls thoroughly enjoyed going there after school. Would highly recommend!

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Review from Melanie C (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. My son went here from 8 months old and loved it. He only left the nursery as we moved away. Great staff and key workers. My son has really come along with his learning and life experiences being here.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

We really appreciate the chance to read a review from a family who have seen a child through the nursery to the point of moving on - it's also helpful for us when such reviews are available on this site. We wish you well in the future.

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Review from Gary F (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since starting at Pennies at Mark Cross, our son has gone from strength to strength. He loves going in to see his friends (both big and little!) and afterwards loves telling us all about his adventures that day. Myself and my wife never have to worry about him in Pennies because we know how dedicated
the staff are and how much they care about the children they look after. We are very lucky to have found such an amazing nursery. Thank you all!

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you so much for posting a review that paints a really clear picture of your son's days with us. It matters to staff to read such comments.

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Review from Jess (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pennies is a lovely nursery and my daughter really enjoys her time there. Her key workers have been brilliant and we feel really supported and informed about all the things she gets up to by them and all the staff. She's always happy when she comes home and gets to do lots of different activities and
lots of outside time too. Thank you.

Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Thank you for a review that draws attention to different things your daughter enjoys - including the time in our garden. We work hard to make all aspects of our childcare the best they can be, so it's encouraging for everyone concerned when a review highlights that.

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Review from Jenny (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pennies Day Nursery is a fantastic nursery - Both my sons (1 and 3) plus their cousin (also 3) are very happy at Pennies Day Nursery and are developing well there. My 3-year-old is at the pre-school and loves having tennis lessons and going out in the garden. The manager and her team go that extra mile,
for example, if it’s raining and I’m struggling to get the boys in the car, a staff member will give me a hand (definitely not in the job description!). The staff really makes Pennies Day Nursery what it is. They do fun activities especially around the seasons - my son came home with a shoebox of Christmas crafts last December, he was so proud of what he’d made. Very happy with Pennies Day Nursery.

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Review from Vicky R (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I don’t know where to start, My little one is so incredibly happy she is currently in the baby room and absolutely loves the practitioners that work in there. She is always so happy to be left if she could push me out of the door she would! The girls have followed her routine perfectly, the communication
is excellent and they always have a friendly smile when they greet you in the mornings. Thank you to every single one of the girls at the nursery, including management that has settled her in great, I cannot thank you all enough.

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Review from Beth N (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Pennies this January and the staff have been fantastic and so accommodating. She was only 13 months old when she started so I was nervous about how she would settle, but all the staff have been so understanding and caring and my daughter has settled really well.
Every session
she attends there is an effort made to create new, varied and fun activities, even in the baby room, and she is often playing and having fun in their fantastic garden. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Pennies. Even though it is a drive away from where we live and there are more local nurseries available, it is well worth the journey.

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Review from Jane C (Mother of Child) published on 27 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a really fantastic nursery with a lovely home-from-home feel and kind, friendly staff who care about the parents as well as the children. They do everything possible to make sure you and your child are happy and provide excellent care - brilliant for a teary first-time mum. I couldn't recommend
them highly enough. Thank you Pennies team.

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Review from Lee H (Father of Child) published on 18 October 2019
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Simply excellent, a clean friendly environment that my daughter (aged 9) loves. Loads to do always and whenever I pick up there are loads of smiles!

Reply from Natalie Larmour at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

The smiles spread to our staff when we read a review like this, thank you very much for sharing it!

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.969)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10 for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.969 for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross is calculated as follows: ( (186 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 192 Ratings = 4.969

  • b) 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 - Mark Cross is based on 16 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 64 number of registered child places is 12.8, which has been reached with 16 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

Top 20 Nurseries South East England 2025

Recipient: Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Date: Monday 31 Mar 2025 More details

Eco Schools 2024

Recipient: Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Date: Sunday 01 Sep 2024 More details

Eco Schools 2023

Recipient: Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

Date: Thursday 01 Jun 2023 More details

Meet the Team (2)

Victoria

Victoria Atkins

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2016

My childcare career began 10 years ago when I started working in the Mark Cross setting. There, I gained my Level 3 qualification in 2010, in which I developed my experience in becoming the Under Two’s Supervisor before being promoted as the Deputy Manager of this nursery.

When Pennies took over the company, I received the great privilege to be able to lead such a good team of childcare practitioners. In continuing my personal aspirations and being an active learner, I keep up to date with all childcare issues and have, since being Manager, completed a variety of management training courses.
... Read more
Rebekah

Rebekah Waterhouse

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2016

I began my childcare journey in 2007, leading to completing my NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, learning and development in 2009 whilst working with young children. I have worked in a variety of roles during my career, therefore developing my role as a leader. I joined Pennies in July 2017 and I love being within a positive and inspiring team!

I work in the office but still on the nursery floor to support staff, children and parents. I completed my Foundation Degree in July 2019, and remain to be a consistent active learner throughout my childcare career, in addition to being one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads.
... Read more

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