Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross

The High Street, Mark Cross, Crowborough TN6 3PJ
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Top 20 award
10 111 Reviews
  • Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross, Crowborough
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

Group/Owner

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 (111)

10

Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross has a Review Score of 10 (9.956) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross has 111 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
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Total of 111, showing 81-100
Review from Ellie B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. The staff couldn’t be more attentive and loving to my little boy. Taking him to Pennies Mark Cross was the best decision I ever made. They made me feel comfortable and most of all my son. He is always very happy there and I love receiving updates throughout the day via the parents
app.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
We'll confess we read that comment about "the best decision..." a few times and we appreciate you saying that and those words are such a boost to the staff at Mark Cross.
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Review from Nikita T (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going once a week to Pennies for over a year now. I love how welcomed he is every morning and whilst we hang up his coat and bag, his favourite ball or toy is being put out ready for him to settle in for the day. I love reading his book, to see what home-cooked meal he has eaten and
quite often I have a bag with dirty clothes in because he has taken part in messy activities or been outside playing in the mud. Exactly what every toddler should be doing. The staff are always friendly and very accommodating.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you for sharing the review - it really highlights how our care works best when parents are so involved and those moments when we can share reading a book are really important to the kind of care…read more
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Review from Jenny W (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Pennies at Mark Cross is a fantastic nursery which I would highly recommend. The nursery staff are very friendly and inviting, they provide a wide range of activities and have great indoor and outdoor spaces. My daughter loves attending two days a week and has been going since she was 10 months old
(now 2 1/2 yrs old). Compared to other nurseries we viewed, this one ticked all the boxes and is great value for money as everything is included. The opening hours also work well with my working hours.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you so much for sharing. There is nothing better than a parent actually recommending us and the fact you have been with us as a parent for so long and still feel so positive makes us feel good…read more
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Review from Alice A (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our 15-month-old son has been at Pennies for only one month, but he has settled in as if he has been there for many months. I believe that this is all down to the wonderful people at Pennies. They are friendly, happy, caring and genuinely seem to adore all of the children in their care. It is such a
happy place.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you for the kind review. It takes time and effort to create "such a happy place" and part of what makes that is working with parents. When we achieve the right results, we really appreciate…read more
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Review from Sara F (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Pennies Marks Cross is a lovely nursery. The women who work there are fantastic, always friendly, happy and very dedicated. I feel so happy to drop off my son as I know he’ll have a fun day learning lots of new things. I’d recommend them to other mums without hesitation.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you so much for sharing and for being willing to recommend us. In terms of people finding the right nursery, there is nothing more valuable than a recommendation from a parent with experience of…read more
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Review from Daisy W (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started before his first birthday and is still part of the nursery for after school club. There’s never been any issues and he’s never not wanted to go and that is my top priority. He’s learnt so much and made some lovely friends along the way. The nursery has always supported any home
issues and always listened. I would always highly recommend them to anyone as it’s a massive decision as a parent.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you so much for sharing. It's really good to know that a child has always wanted to come to us, that's what we hope for but it's easier to achieve that when we know what we are doing is working…read more
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Review from Kat E (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love Pennies Mark Cross. They are fantastic. They care so much and are always willing to go the extra mile. They are very supportive of children and carers. The staff know the children incredibly well so the provision is personalised. Children's interests are explored and used in learning
which enables children to flourish. Our daughter absolutely loves going to Pennies and we love it too.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you so much for this review. We always hope to get reviews like this but we don't take them for granted. It's true the "provision is personalised" but this is much easier when parents share the…read more
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Review from Georgina W (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl started here a week ago. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. Nothing is to much trouble. The environment is lovely, with a great outdoor space. We're so pleased we chose Pennies.
Reply from Natalie Larmour, Administrator at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
We value all reviews and to get one after a week is really important because to know a child feels happy after such a short time is reassuring to the staff who try really hard to make that happen. As…read more
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Review from Diana C (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Pennies at Mark Cross since he was 18 months old. I couldn’t recommend it more highly, it has a homely feel, I love how much they are able to play outside and the staff are all amazing, every one of them goes above and beyond and I have always been 100% confident that he is
in the best possible hands. Amazing place and people, the food always smells great too!!
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Review from Andrew B (Father of Child) published on 6 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy that our son can go to Pennies. He mainly goes once a week, but often we have to increase that due to work commitments, and shortly it will be more days regularly, but the staff always welcome us by name and with huge enthusiasm, and the range of activities seems really diverse, from
playing in the garden, to book corner, cooking to painting, it always seems that our son enjoys his time fully, and is building friendships with other toddlers, no doubt encouraged by the excellent staff and minders. We could not be happier with the progress he is making too. Thank you Pennies, for being accommodating, welcoming and so good with our child.
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Review from Marianne J (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not be happier with the lovely staff at Pennies. We looked around a few nurseries and none of them felt quite right, there was always something missing. Within 5 minutes of being shown around, we knew we'd found the right one. They did everything they could to make us feel at ease and help my
little girl settle in when I finished maternity. She's been going since she was 10 months old (nearly 2 now) and she loves Pennies.
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Review from Craig W (Father of Child) published on 22 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What bigger compliment to pay than to say that they treat my child as if she was one of their own! The nursery and staff are incredibly enthuastic and the energy and vibe among the staff manifests itself in the way in which they behave with and interact with the children. My baby girl is an incredibly
shy soul and does not easily go to people she is not familiar with. She now leaps at the opportunity of much loved cuddles and smiles with her primary carer and all staff that work with her. I feel my child is in an incredibly safe and fun learning environment and enjoys the attention that children enjoy. The updates using technology through the Tapestry applications makes me as a parent feel more part of her day to day growth and development and my wife and I enjoy it thoroughly perusing through the various pictures and videos taken by the staff who make time to record such precious moments when my wife and I are away at work.


Thank you for what you do for our precious little girl!

Reply from Dominic Scotton at Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross
Thank you for your very kind review from everyone at Pennies.
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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my sons have gone to this nursery and I can't recommend it highly enough. There is lots of outdoor play which they love and everyone working there are just so caring and supportive. My youngest is still there and absolutely loves it!
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Review from Jenny G (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been entirely impressed with Mark Cross overall since my child first started, The staff have been welcoming, friendly and professional but the thing that stands out the most is their passion and care for the children and you can see they are genuinely engaged and keen to make a difference to
the children's day ensuring a fun and safe space for them to learn, grow and explore.


I am 100% sure this is due to the dedication, attention, training and true care from the current manager who constantly advocates a fun environment for the children and staff and runs a very tight ship, She always makes time to listen to any queries and/or concerns and are acted on in a prompt, friendly and professional manner and this trust is worth its weight in gold and Mark Cross is I believe truly an exciting success because of her! What a lucky team and group of children they are, for this reason, my child has stayed at Mark Cross during the rebranding.

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Review from Helen (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is always very happy at nursery, he’s building great relationships with the carers and his peers. This seems to be a fantastic foundation for his development and learning. He surprises me each week with the milestones he’s making!
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Review from Thom B (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends five mornings a week. The staff are always friendly, polite and helpful and the facilities and activities are appropriate and fun! My daughter loves going in and gets on very well with all the staff. She has really grown as a child since attending nursery and the advances are truly
amazing. We are kept up to date with what she does through detailed regular checks and reports and often see the activities that the children have created which we can put up or have out at home! They also have wonderful homemade food which changes regularly. I would highly recommend Mark Cross Day Nursery to anyone and am extremely pleased with their attitude and service.
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Review from Alice B (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This Nursery has such a welcoming, home from home feel to it. The staff are all incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They put the needs of the children first and make a real effort to get to know your child and family. We have been very impressed with how the staff have worked with us in order to
support our daughter in settling in. Our daughter’s learning is being developed in a safe and stimulating environment both in and outdoors. The staff’s nurturing care is helping her personality to blossom as she grows in confidence. We are so pleased with our decision to send our daughter to this nursery. She is always so happy after her day of fun activities, cosy sleep and delicious home cooked food. Knowing that she is in safe and caring hands has made returning to work much easier.
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Review from Toby C (Father of Child) published on 28 August 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of dealing with Pennies, Mark Cross has been nothing but lovely. I have 2 children that attend for 1 1/2 days a week and they love to go and spend thier days having fun, playing in the garden, doing puzzles and painting. The staff have always been extremely accommodating for my children's
dietary issues and have gone above and beyond what would be expected of them. The staff have always been frank and to the point and if the children have had their differences at times, they handle these issues very well. The children's report books are always a joy to read and the staff clearly spend the time to educate the kids because every week something new is learnt. I honestly couldn't recommend them enough, I'm so pleased we are able to have the kids attend such a brilliant place!
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Review from Louisa S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleased with Brandywell Day Nursery. Caring environment, nurturing and supporting the development of my daughter. Wonderful staff and lovely environment.
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Review from V S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the care provided for my child. I receive daily updates from the nursery on my child's day. I feel my son has grown well under the guidance given; this has been shown by both his social skills and personal care (hygiene, eating and the beginning of potty training too). My
child's key worker and buddy know my child well and, they play with toys which interest him, his buddy has struck a balance between setting good boundaries and having fun. The outdoor learning space has been a huge positive impact on my son and was a decision in the choice of the nursery from the beginning. The assessment/reports have been fair and well-organised, as well as insightful of my child's day. the manager has been friendly and approachable; she has always clarified my queries.
Recommended ideas:
Use more outside clubs.
More art and craft to help fine motor skills.
Encourage parents to meet one another.
Occasional parent/toddler afternoon - a few times a year.
Share weekly timetable with parents.
It has been lovely to hear the many nursery rhymes my child sings at home of which many he has learnt at school.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.956)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.956) out of 10 for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.956 for Pennies Day Nursery - Mark Cross is calculated as follows: ( (218 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 228 Ratings = 4.956
  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 - Mark Cross is based on 19 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 64 number of registered child places is 12.8, which has been reached with 19 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 (4)

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.

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.

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