Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep

Junior King's School, Milner Court, Canterbury CT2 0AY
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8.9 15 Reviews
  • Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep, Canterbury
Located in a charming, purpose-built barn nestled within the school grounds, the Little Barn Nursery welcomes children from the age of three. The entire space is dedicated to play-based learning, fostering curiosity and making education a joyful and engaging experience.

The nursery follows a child-led approach, placing children at the centre of their own learning from the very beginning. They are encouraged to explore their surroundings and satisfy their natural curiosity through hands-on experiences.

Classrooms are designed to be neutral, calm, and free of clutter, with every area subtly arranged to promote learning, an approach referred to as ‘secret learning.’ When the weather allows, the large barn doors can be opened to seamlessly extend the learning environment into the Nursery garden.

Flexible sessions are available to accommodate the needs of each child and their family, ranging from morning-only attendance to five full days per week. Wrap-around care is also offered from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The nursery accepts Government Nursery Scheme Vouchers, providing 15 hours of free entitlement. For further details on Nursery Fees and how this initiative is applied at Junior King’s, please get in touch.
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Junior King's School
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in Charge

  • Camilla Webster (Head of Pre-Prep and Early Years)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 3

Registered Charity Number

  • 307942

Total Places for Children

  • 24

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Session Costs With and Without Early Years Funding


    Morning session only - 8.30am - 11.30am - £36 per session (£0 with Early Years Funding)
    Afternoon session only - 12.30pm - 3.30pm - £36 per session (£36 with Early Years Funding
    Morning session including lunch - 8.30am - 12.30pm - £52 (£16 with Early Years Funding)
    Afternoon session including lunch - 11.30am - 3.30pm - £52 (£52 with Early Years Funding)
    Full-day session including lunch - 8.30am - 3.30pm - £88 (£52 with Early Years Funding)

  • Please note the Nursery is open 32 weeks of the year, term time only and offer a weekly maximum of 15 hours Free Early Education Entitlement to children aged 2 years 8 months to 4 years old. Please visit the website for full information on the Nursery fees.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • School Holidays

Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep Reviews (15)

8.9

Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.875) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep has 15 reviews.

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Review from Eleanor T (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
JKS Nursery provides a safe, happy and relaxed environment for children to learn and develop. By focusing on play based learning I believe that the staff allow 'children to be children', with their uniqueness celebrated alongside a true understanding that all children move at their own pace. I find
the nursery staff to be dedicated and caring and I have really seen an improvement in my son's confidence and social skills since starting in September last year. I would highly recommend.
Reply from Camilla Webster, Head of Pre - Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you so much for reviewing our provision - so kind of you. We have loved having your son in the Nursery and look forward to number two joining soon!
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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter literally skips into her classroom each day and wants to stay after school playing in the mini forest and playground! She's incredibly happy there and growing in confidence each week (she was quite a shy girl when she arrived). The teachers are relentlessly dedicated and the school culture
is one of strong respect between students and teachers, as well as between peers. There is a good mix of warmth but firmness, especially when it comes to good manners and behaviour. The students say a kindness pledge at every assembly and you can see how this ethos works when you watch how happily the students play and work together. Can't fault it!
Reply from Camilla Webster, Head of Pre - Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review - truly appreciated. Your daughter really has made such amazing progress and we are looking forward to her journey with us.
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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The JKS nursery is exceptional. The teachers strike a perfect balance of providing a genuinely caring and loving atmosphere, with a subtle but effective approach to learning. My son comes out every day full of beans and grinning from ear to ear. His confidence, speech, language, interest in books and
counting is noticeably improved after only half a year.
Reply from Camilla Webster, Head of Pre - Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you so much for the lovely review. We count ourselves lucky to have both your boys with us and I am so pleased they have had such a good time to their start at King's.
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Review from M F (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best nursery in Kent. All the staff look after the kids perfect, they are happy all the time, learn a lot; education high level with a lot of practice outside.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you for your generous review. We tend to agree that we have certainly one of the best nurseries in Kent!
Our dedicated staff work hard to form genuine bonds between each and every child that…read more
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Review from M H (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have loved this nursery from their very first days. It is a delightful setting with first class facilities where children have lots of opportunities to learn. They even get taught by specialised teachers from the adjoining prep school. The manager and staff are exemplary and the children
love them. Children learn skills for school and excellent behaviour while having fun. The food is also great - especially the puddings! I am so pleased my children have had the opportunity to go here and will be sorry when the youngest leaves.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you for your delightful review. It is wonderful to see your son enjoying the place, just like his older brother! I agree, the children adore the staff and learn so much through the wide variety…read more
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Review from F V (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It appears that our child is happy and playful. The staff is friendly, caring and helpful. The environment is that of balanced nature combining elements of nature, play and learning. Due to Covid 19 we suppose all is not open to see but our child seems to enjoy all including food and wellbeing.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you for your super review. The staff work hard to fuse learning both indoors and out, resulting in a happy balance between the two. One only needs to take a look at how much Buttercup our…read more
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Review from Julian B (Father of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep is brilliantly professional, leaving parents with nothing to worry about and returning blissfully happy children at the end of the day. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun yet disciplined and attentive keeping every child focussed and enjoying themselves. Both security
and child safety are paramount and the environment is very safe and well laid out. The staff are all delightful and excellent at their jobs. An exceptional nursery in every way.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
What a delightful review, thank you. I think it captures the essence of our provision, fun, safe, professional and exceptional. Your child clearly agrees too!
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Review from M A (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a fantastic start for any child! Beautifully located, wonderful facilities including a forest school for the children to enjoy and their very own pet rabbit! The staff are dedicated, caring and considerate. The day is well structured with lots of activities including dance and french.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate you taking the time to post it. Your child certainly has had a fantastic start to life at Junior King's!
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Review from M O (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter used to be very clingy at her old nursery and drop-offs used to be very difficult. All of this stopped within three days at Junior King's School. Now she loves going and the staff and facilities are fantastic. She has progressed so well since moving to Junior King's School.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
I am delighted that you have seen this positive change in behaviour. Your daughter clearly settled quickly and saw that she was surrounded by caring and welcoming adults. She now has many friends with…read more
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery in a beautiful setting. The children are given wonderful opportunities through the vast resources available to develop and learn through play. An excellent foundation for school and we found the transition to reception straightforward as our child was so well prepared.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you so much for your review. You have captured an important aspect of our provision, the transition to Reception. Of course, you speak from experience as you have seen your son make that journey…read more
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Review from Cerise H (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A warm and friendly environment that allows every child to thrive and excel. The facilities are second to none, from forest schools to sports pitches, music lessons or even construction clubs. The stimulating activities consistently organised to thrill and excite, ensure no two days are the same and
encourage each child to develop into well-rounded and confident individuals.
The dedication and unique approaches that each teacher, teaching assistant and member of administration staff presents, even more so this last year with the introduction of online learning, has been incredible. I must also commend the catering staff for providing menus fit for kings and queens.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Kings and Queens indeed, I would agree, our food is out of this world, even the fussiest of eaters can't help themselves!. All of our children feel happy and secure in their environment, laughing and…read more
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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had a very good experience with the nursery. The staff have been so good especially during Covid. They have adapted very well. I have felt very informed about how my son has been getting on. He loves all the activities like French and Forest School.
Reply from Dee McConkey, Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep
Thank you so much for your review, what a year it has been for everyone. I am so glad that you have felt informed about your son's progress throughout. Definitely, his sessions in Forest School and…read more
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is simply the best start in life you can give to your child. The facilities are fantastic but the staff make it a very very special environment for children.
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Review from Christina K (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely happy with the care and educational needs rendered by the the nursery and pre-prep team. My eldest has definitely benefitted from nursery and pre-prep, giving him a great start in Prep school. I can still see the same benefits my daughter is gaining going up from nursery to pre-prep now. Best
decision we ever made!
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Review from Anneliese S (Mother of Child) published on 14 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely excellent nursery, can't recommend it enough. My son is about to complete his second year there and it has been amazing for him. He has flourished there and the team are wonderful.
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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.875)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.875) out of 10 for Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 3 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 5.000 for Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep is calculated as follows: ( (35 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 35 Ratings = 5
  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 3.875 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep is based on 3 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 = 3.25
    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 24 number of registered child places is 4.8. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 4.8 = 0.625
  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 (0)

Meet the Team (3)

Camilla

Camilla Webster

Job Title: Head of Pre-Prep and Early Years Joined: 2023

Mrs Webster (BEd) has been Head of Pre-Prep at Junior King's since September 2023. She is a Pre-Prep and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) specialist and has served as an Early Years Governor at both a school in Norfolk and currently at a large Primary school in Canterbury. She was an advisor for the National Schools’ Partnership in London, and now works alongside The Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), as a district rep and speaker, and is an ISI inspector.


Mrs Webster's special interests are the use of continuous provision in the Early Years & KS1 and ensuring children are at the centre of their learning environment and the teaching.

Fabienne

Fabienne Bird

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2023

Mrs Bird (MA, PGCE) has been running the wonderful Little Barn Nursery at Junior King's for the past two years. She is passionate about bringing learning to life for pre-schoolers through a playful, child-centred approach.


Her background is diverse, with extensive experience in Early Years and KS1 settings. She has worked in both private and state schools, primarily in EYFS at Brambletye School and KS1 at Copthorne Prep School and Sandwich Infant School. In addition, she has served as Head of Learning Support and EAL at Sauveterre (Cothill Trust) and as Head of MFL, teaching French and Spanish from Nursery to Year 6 at Royal Russell School in Surrey.

Kerri

Kerri North

Job Title: Teaching Assistant Joined: 2018

Miss North (BTEC dip, Nursery Nursing) is a highly experienced and qualified Teaching Assistant, as well as a dedicated boarding house-parent, having been part of the team at Junior King's since 2018. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting the Nursery children's educational and personal development.

Frequently Asked Questions about Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep

What is the Age Range of Children that Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep accepts?

Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep accepts Children aged from 3 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep Open?

Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep have capacity for?

Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep has capacity for a total of 24 Children.

How far is Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep to the centre of Canterbury?

2.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Junior King's School Nursery & Pre-Prep has an Enhanced Service - more info.