Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery

Gravesend RFC, Donald Biggs Drive, Gravesend DA12 2TL
Review Us
10 13 Reviews
  • Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery, Gravesend
Play Pavilion Pre School is a vibrant setting that will be making a difference to children and adults in the local area.
Play Pavilion is located out of the spacious main hall at Gravesend RFC with access to the wonderful outside space that offers different environments for all children. Play Pavilion has the biggest garden in Kent.

It is a new Pre School that opened in January 2025 for ALL children from 2-5 years old, open 50 weeks of the year from 8:30am - 5:30pm.
Giving the children the right amount of time to play, learn and have fun making new friendships and experiences to build the foundations needed for the children to form solid learning frameworks for the future. The outdoors is the second classroom and your child/ren will flourish.

The outstanding and friendly team provide a fun and quality educational experience utilising the outdoor spaces as much as possible to promote the children's learning across all 7 areas of development. Play Pavilion prides itself on providing the warmest, friendliest and safest environment in which they foster confident, independent and happy children. It has one of the largest play rooms around which allows the children to explore all seven areas of learning and more, with confidence and no restrictions.

Come and see play pavilion now, book a nursery tour and don’t miss the chance to join in with the new approach to childcare.
Show Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery on the Map

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Sam Howard
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Robert Danks (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 6

Total Places for Children

  • 32

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • 8:00-8:30am = £10
    8:30 - 12:30 = £30 per morning session
    12:30-1:30pm = £5
    1:30 - 5:30 = £30 per afternoon session
    8:30 - 5:30 = £65 per day

  • Minimum sessions apply
    We accept all Government Tax-Free childcare vouchers and have funded places available for 2 - 4 year olds on limited places

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-17:30
    Tuesday 08:00-17:30
    Wednesday 08:00-17:30
    Thursday 08:00-17:30
    Friday 08:00-17:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, 2 weeks at Christmas & staff training days

Parking

  • Car parking on request.

Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery Reviews (13)

10

Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery has 13 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 13
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 13
  • 4
  • 13
  • 13
  • 0
Reviewer Connection to Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery
  • 12
  • 1
Total of 13, showing 1-13
Review from Radoslava K (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is more from perfect. The staff is really friendly and they accept our kids like their own family. The place is amazing, clean, have a lot of activities and toys for our kids. It's amazing!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Marchela S (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely place, great facilities for play and development with professional staff and great personal approach to the children. Helped a lot to my daughter as many other bilingual kinds she was struggling with the English language and was running away from kids when they were speaking to her in English.
Just in a few months in the nursery she grew over that and became much more independent. I would definitely recommend Play Pavilion. Thank you for the continued support. Keep doing what you're doing, you are great.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Alice G (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
10/10 nursery for me. My daughter recently left to go to big school and the work this nursery put in for her to be thriving at school is amazing and we cannot thank them enough. My son is still going to this nursery, he has made some amazing friends and his best days of the week are when he goes to
school he feels like a big boy and is learning so much. I thought potty training would be a nightmare but the nursery were on it and now hes a pro. The staff are just so kind and friendly they have become more family than just nursery staff. I trust them with my children and would be lost without them all. They don't lie when they say they have the biggest and best garden the location they have puts my mind at rest and with my son being an outdoors child he is loving using the outdoor space. Ive always said it but this nursery is a home from home. Thanks to everyone!!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Gino K (Father of Child) published on 24 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have twins( boy&girl) I was looking around gravsend for good nursery for over one year but we couldn't find the one me and mother like and we think is good for our kids BUT the day we viewed PAVILION we feel a love this place(building withe and people who works there..)
They are very professional,
very kind to kids and our kids absolutely love it and they have learned and improved alots things while's they going there!
One of my kids need little special need and they so cool with her and support her to get more improved every single days! Thank you PAVILION ANT STAFFS THERE
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nice place big and no dead angle then you can see all the kids what they doing ,so this is perfect for me lovely owner and teacher
My son enjoying all the time when he at nursery I'm very glad to had excellent choose
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Agnieszka A (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Play Pavilion is a wonderful new place for kids to learn and grow! The teachers are caring and professional, and the play-based learning approach is fantastic. Plus, the outdoor area is safe and fun. My son love it! Highly recommend for parents looking for a nurturing preschool.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Y B (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys absolutely love it here, the staff are all very friendly and caring. The boys settled in straight away when they first started, the boys come home and can't wait to tell us what they have been doing, when I ask them how their day has been they always tell me it was really good. The boys
love being outside and they spend a lot of time outside at the nursery which is great playing sports and getting lots of fresh air. The nursery hours are great and they are open 50 weeks of the year including half terms which has allowed me to start working again too.
My eldest son can be challenging at times and I have really seen a difference in his behaviour at home since he has started, which I think is due to the male presence at nursery. I also really enjoy the updates on the family app for the boys progress and what they have been getting up to.
When I asked what the boys favourite things about nursery are they said
playing football on the astroturf and their friends :)
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J V (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
If I could give 10 stars I would. This is my first experience in brining my daughter to a nursery and Play Pavillion Staff have been amazing and really supportive in helping me to arrange the hours which would be the most suitable for us. Since my daughter started the nursery she has never been happier.
They do so many activities with the kids and take them outdoors. Definitely an amazing place to bring your kids, and the staff is amazing with the kids. Honestly cannot recommend and thank them enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Good communication, lovely clean setting with lots of inside and outside space and lots of range of toys. Lots of updates and pictures, easy settling in process. My boy enjoys going and settled in really well.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Adetayo B (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is always excited to go to nursery, And during the short period she started with them,I have seen so many improvements, the teachers are doing great jobs,and they have a listening ears,and they pay attention to each of the children needs,they are also welcoming and helpful,.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sarah F (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter and I are very happy with this nursery, after a terrible experience else where she has come on leaps and bounds and absolutely loves it here. She is a completely different child and thats thanks to the staff and the fantastic settings they have here. We love the fact they have an extensive
indoor and outdoor space and love getting them outside so they get a mixed variety and every day is not the same. The staff are lovely and always keep you updated regularly on progress. One very happy parent and most importantly a happy child who actually wants to go to nursery. Would highly recommend to any parent!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son started in January he was very shy. He has really come out of his shell and gained alot of confidence around other people and other children.
He is always talking about the teachers and how much fun he has. He is learning new skills everyday he is there.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ercilia M (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so happy with my son's experience at Play Pavilion. After just one month, I have already noticed a significant improvement in his development. The staff are incredibly caring and attentive, always making sure he feels comfortable and supported.
One thing I truly appreciate is the regular feedbacks
I receive. Every week, they provide me with detailed observations about my son's progress, which gives me great confidence in his learning and well-being. The environment is warm, nurturing, and perfect for his growth.
I highly recommend to any parent looking for a supportive and professional early learning setting!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.974)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10 for Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.974 for Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (148 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 152 Ratings = 4.974
  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 Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery is based on 13 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 32 number of registered child places is 6.4, which has been reached with 13 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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (4)

Sam

Sam Howard

Job Title: Owner Joined: 2024

Sam has over 20 years of teaching experience. Sam is a local Gravesend boy who grew up playing rugby at Gravesend RFC, he went on to play rugby for England at all age groups and had a professional career at Blackheath, Bedford and Exeter Chiefs. He is also a qualified teacher and has been Director of Rugby at Dulwich College and Eltham College whilst also teaching at Dartford Grammar School and Tonbridge School.


He strongly believes in the power of sport and play to not only educate children academically but also instil wonderful lifelong characteristics like kindness, working with others, resilience, teamwork and self-confidence.

Rob

Rob Danks

Job Title: Pre-School & Business Manager Joined: 2024

Rob is a Nationally recognised manager with over 20 years of experience, Rob leads by example and is on hand every day making sure every single child access the most they can 5 days a week.


Rob is full of knowledge and passion giving the staff a strong role model, giving the staff the confidence to do the best job they can do while having fun and building strength to strength.


Rob has been involved in award winning teams and knows what it takes to give the children the best start in Early Years building the foundations for every child to succeed.


Now come in and join Play Pavilion for the best Early education a child could want while having fun and stimulation.

Lauren

Lauren Furlong

Job Title: Nursery Apprentice Level 3 Joined: 2025

Lauren has just started her journey in full time employment, but has experience working with children. She has done work experience and placements in Nurseries and really enjoyed her time.


Lauren really enjoys working with Children and helping them learn and grow, she is loving her journey so far with Play Pavilion as it is giving her confidence, self-worth and the ability to help others.


Lauren likes to spend time with her family as well as looking after her new pet Echo the bearded dragon!

Gail

Gail Saunders

Job Title: Nursery Nurse Level 3 Joined: 2025

Gail is an experienced Level 3 childcare worker, she has over 20 years of experience working in Primary schools, Holiday clubs and Private Nurseries.


Gail has worked with children and young adults with different disabilities so she is very clued up with SEND.


Gail is very child focused and helps lead the Pre-School classes which is helping the children to focus on one to one times.


Gail enjoys spending time and making memories with her family and likes to read and do crafting to relax.

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery accepts?

Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery Open?

Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-17:30, Tuesday 08:00-17:30, Wednesday 08:00-17:30, Thursday 08:00-17:30, Friday 08:00-17:30.

How many Children does Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery have capacity for?

Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery has capacity for a total of 32 Children.

How far is Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery to the centre of Gravesend?

0.5 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 Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Play Pavilion Pre-School & Full time Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.