Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school

Unit NURS 1, Dockside Outlet Ctr, Maritime Way, Chatham Maritime, Chatham ME4 3ED
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9.9 82 Reviews
  • Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school, Chatham
Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-School is a full day care nursery situated in the Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre. The nursery has a unique, modern and fully secure rooftop garden looking out onto the picturesque Chatham Maritime Marina.

The nursery features five spacious and well equipped age-appropriate rooms ranging from babies to rising fives attended to by well qualified and experienced staff.

The Baby Room follows the home routines of younger babies, providing a loving and secure environment to meet all their needs. The Toddler Room features comfy areas, exciting activities and resources positioned around safe, fun physical equipment for those children who are toddling and explore a great deal more, but still may need aspects of their home routines. Staff work as closely as possible to match home routines for babies and toddlers.

The Nursery Rooms 1 and 2 cater for intrepid two-year-olds and all the excitement that being two brings. The engaging environment encourages a wide range of skills to be learned to aid independence with cosy areas to rest.

The Pre-School Room and Rising Fives Rooms inspires three and four-year-old children to gain the literacy, maths and self-care skills ahead of the crucial time of starting primary school ready to be life long learners.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Hayleigh Fry (Manager)

Admission Information

  • Minimum of three half day sessions or two full day sessions

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 35

Total Places for Children

  • 109

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Email Dockside Day Nursery for more information.

  • Dockside Day Nursery provides high quality childcare and education with experienced, qualified staff in a fantastic environment with a unique rooftop garden. We have five rooms - Babies, Toddlers, Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Pre-School and Rising Fives. All meals are freshly cooked on the premises by our nursery chef.


    **Funding terms and conditions apply **


    Parents and Carers are able to use the fifteen hour funding from 9 months old up to and including the 15 and 30 hour funding for three and four year olds, stretched over 51 weeks of the year.


    Sibling Discounts also available (Terms & Conditions apply)

    Additional Information:
    •   In order to secure your place, a deposit of £200 and a non refundable registration fee of £50. If you decide not to join the nursery, the deposit is not refundable as the place would have been held.
    •   Fees are based on 51 weeks per year, paid monthly in advance (1st of every month)
    •   A minimum booking of two full days or 3 half days per week is required
    •   Fees to be paid monthly by direct debit or tax free childcare
    •   No refunds will be given for sickness or holidays.
    •   Fees are subject to review in accordance with the Terms and Conditions
    •   The nursery will be closed on all Bank Holidays (normal charges still apply)

    NHS workers and Emergency Services get 5% off and there is also a 10% discount for full-time places.

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

Parking

  • Plenty of free parking for up to one hours at the Dockside Shopping Outlet car park

Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school Reviews (82)

9.9

Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.923) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school has 82 reviews.

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Total of 82, showing 41-60
Review from M L (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been going to Dockside since August 2021. I have had huge comfort from all with having my little one there. For me, a great thing they do is not constantly update you on what your little one is doing throughout the day. I know some parents would like to know this, but I find it positive
knowing that key persons aren't spending most of their time on apps/taking photos to update you and actually spending quality time with your child. I have noticed a huge confidence in my little one since starting, she loves going in the garden, mark making, dancing etc. If I've ever had a concern, all staff go above and beyond to help us as a family. I wouldn't want my little one to be anywhere else and their outstanding Ofsted rating certainly is reflected in their work. Thank you, Dockside.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much we appreciate your review and we are really happy you can see the value in the interactions between staff and children and the quality of care rather than being confined to tablet…read more
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Review from C F (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since I put my daughter in that nursery, they have been amazing with both me and my daughter. In the beginning, my daughter had problems settling, and we (the parents) requested a meeting to speak about our worries and concerns, and both the manager and deputy were very helpful and keen to help and
listen to our concerns. They put us at ease and ensured that they would do their best to help and support my daughter in her settlement, which eventually happened. I'm very happy with this nursery and would very happily recommend it to other parents.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for supporting us with lovely feedback, and really happy the settling has gone so well.
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Review from Anthony J (Father of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely impressed with the nursery. I have seen changes in my boy's progress. I am regularly updated about my son's activities at the nursery, and my boy seems to really enjoy the nursery. I will recommend the nursery to my friends and relatives.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much for your review. We are really happy with how much your son is progressing.
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Review from Maria A (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From London, we had to choose a nursery in Medway, and after much research, we chose this nursery, trusting the reviews found on social media. We couldn't trust better. They genuinely love the children and take care of them. My son is always super happy to go, and I can see how much he is relaxed after
his day at the nursery. The communication is great, and there is a lot of respect, kindness and passion in what they do. Thank you all for your do.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much for a great review; we appreciate your time to add this.
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Review from R A (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff members who are always there to help no matter what! My child goes in smiling and comes out happy every time he is there. Cannot rate this nursery enough! Previously come from another nursery and definitely made the right choice!
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much for your lovely review of the nursery.
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Review from Harriet H (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’m extremely happy with the nursery and have recommended it to a lot of friends. All the staff are so friendly and helpful and clearly have a great relationship with all the children. My daughter always has good things to say about her day and all the different activities she gets to join in with.
I’m regularly updated with her progress and plans for the upcoming weeks/months, based on the interests the children have expressed. It’s lovely to hear how happy my daughter is when she’s talking about her friends and teachers from nursery and it’s really reassuring knowing she’s having a great time when she’s there.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your kind review. It has been a pleasure watching your daughter grow and develop. Thank you for your continued support over the years.
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Review from Debbie M (Foster Parent of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has complex needs and is non-verbal and the staff are lovely and were brilliant with him, adapting things within the nursery to help him, signing to him and with all the other children as well, he was always happy to go and happy at the end of the day, thank you to all at Dockside Day Nursery
and Pre-school.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you Debbie for a lovely review, your little one is a pleasure to work with and we miss him very much.
Kind Regards, Sharon Lucas.
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Review from Susie T (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in January 2021. One of the reasons I chose Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school is for the reassurance and tailored settling plan they offered. Covid has left my son quite clingy and I was worried about how he would cope.
The staff soon settled him in and I felt confident in
him having excellent care straight away.
The staff always take as much time as needed to hand over and genuinely seem to show love and affection for the children.
The setting is smoothly run by the manager, keeping parents in the loop always in an honest and fair fashion.
The activities are always varied and encourage tailored learning to individual interests.
I have never had any seeds of doubt or concerns about any aspect of my son's care and have been recommending the nursery far and wide.
You won't regret trusting the kind, compassionate and caring staff to care for your little one.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review, we are looking forward to the next few years with your little one.
Kind Regards, Sharon Lucas.
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Review from Fransine O (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not recommend this nursery enough, both my kids have attended here from a very young age. The care and support my kids and I have received is simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g!
The rooms are so clean and fresh, staff are very friendly and approachable.
I was felt listened to and my kids' confidence have
grown since they started here.
Thank you to the manager!
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much for your great review, it has been great getting to know you all and the children have flourished.
Kind Regards, Sharon Lucas.
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Review from Oliver D (Father of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at the nursery during the beginning of the pandemic. They were amazing in how they had to quickly adapt their practices and policies to provide a safe yet nurturing environment for all the children. My son is always excited to be going to nursery and comes back happy and relaxed. Can't
thank the staff and management enough for their hard work.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it. Thank you for your continued support.
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Review from Phil J (Father of Child) published on 15 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Where do I start? My wife and I were trying to find a place for our twins to attend from the age of about 9 months and from when we had our first tour with the manager we knew we wanted to send them there and within a session, it was clear that the boys were in such a good place. Since then they have
built a great relationship with their key worker and the team in the baby/toddler room and they get such amazing support in their development. The use of the app means that we see what they get up to with observations and reviews of their progress which are conducted with brilliant thought and detail. We could not speak highly enough of this nursery and strongly recommend this to your little ones.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for such a lovely review. It is a great reflection of the hard work our staff put in to support the care and development of the children.

Sharon Lucas
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Review from Hannah F (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school was such an amazing place, my son loved going here for two and a half years, he made loads of friends and the staff were so welcoming and friendly, I would definitely recommend to family and friends.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review, we have had a great two and a half years with him and it was great to see his first day at primary school pictures.

Sharon Lucas
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Review from Viviana C (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm so happy to have chosen this nursery. It fits my son's needs just perfectly. All the staff is amazing and well qualified, always there to help and ready to answer all your questions and concerns. I highly recommend.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much, we are really pleased you are happy with the care and provision. Thank you.
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Review from Lucy G (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined Dockside at a year old. It was the only nursery we looked at and was fairly new to opening. We immediately loved it. Although hesitant at leaving him, we all quickly adapted. Now he’s been going for a year and a half. He runs to the staff and gives them great big hugs, I merely get a wave
over his shoulder. We couldn’t have asked for a better place. Clean, great facilities, lots and lots to do every day. Regular detailed progress reports and newsletters. Themed days (book week, Halloween, Christmas, etc.). Lots of messy play, stories, games. Watching his development amazes us as he comes out with things we haven’t taught him. He’s counting at just over 2 years of age and his speech and communication is really progressing. We’ve found the price reasonable for the hours he attends. He always has a good variety of food, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. It’s just a shame he’ll have to leave at 4!
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for a lovely detailed and complimentary review. We really enjoy watching his development. They do not stay small for long.
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Review from Kemi A (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a lovely nursery. The standards are excellent and all members of staff have been wonderful. I loved it from the first time I visited. You can tell that they put all their heart into what they do and are extremely passionate about their roles. The facilities for the children are also very good
and the environment is clean. Absolutely lovely nursery!
Thank you very much for all you do.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a wonderful review.
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Review from Amrit H (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started with Dockside Day Nursery when she was 4 months old, the manager and her amazing staff were so good and supportive throughout the whole settling in process, the staff have listened and responded to us very well. Communication is very effective and professional. The daily elog update
is great. It is always nice to see what she has been doing during the day. The nursery have their own designated kitchen and their food is delicious, fresh and healthy. They have a very organised dietary and allergen system.
They have a very beautiful outdoor play garden. They take the kids for a walk and their daily planned activities are varied. Overall, this nursery is a cheerful, safe and caring environment where my child is flourishing. This is all because of the wonderful nursery manager who is fantastic at her job. The girls in her room are great. We are very grateful to all the staff and her key worker, who has been amazing.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you, Amrit for your review. It's been amazing watching your little one grow up into the very confident toddler she is now.
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Review from Adam S (Father of Child) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one started here only a few months ago and he has been very happy and bubbly every time. He's a shy boy and doesn't take to many people usually, but he's always been happy with all the staff here at Dockside. He always comes out with a big smile and is very chatty about his day. He always
says 'I love nursery'.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We are all very glad to hear how much your little one is enjoying his time here at Dockside and it's been amazing to see him settle in so well with…read more
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Review from Jenny C (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my son joined last June he was extremely clingy and hated being away from me. All the staff were amazing with him and encouraged him to participate in activities and have fun. They never gave up and now he loves going and happily runs in on his own. Also, my son has a dairy allergy which they monitor
and cater for amazingly. They are the best, I would definitely recommend.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your review; it is lovely to see how settled he is now.
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Review from Grace M (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Love, love this nursery. My son loves it. He has so much fun here, and I always receive pictures of what he is doing on the online portal; it’s lovely! The girls are so lovely! I have moved further from this nursery, but I won’t move my son; he is so happy here.
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much; he certainly loves coming to nursery.
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Review from Emma J (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dockside Day Nursery has been nothing but amazing for our twin boys. They have grown and learnt so much from only doing a half-day once a week. We are so happy we simply stumbled upon this place when looking for a nursery. The staff are all so lovely and caring, and the boys always go in and leave with
smiles on their face. We love getting their diary at the end of their day and seeing what fun they’ve had!
Reply from Sharon Lucas, Nursery Manager at Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you, we are so happy they have settled really well. We love following the boy's adventures.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.923)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.923) out of 10 for Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school 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 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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 4.923 for Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (288 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 310 Ratings = 4.923
  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 Dockside Day Nursery and Pre-school is based on 26 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 109 number of registered child places is 21.8, which has been reached with 26 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.

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