Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Chiddingstone
Chiddingstone Nursery CIO is a long-established charity-run pre-school serving children aged 2.5 to statutory school age. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where children develop independence, resilience, and confidence through play-based learning. With a focus on individual curiosity and outdoor exploration, we deliver a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our team of qualified professionals holds enhanced DBS checks and paediatric first aid certifications, ensuring child safety remains paramount.Recognised by Ofsted as 'Good' with 'Outstanding' ratings in personal development and behaviour, we maintain strong community ties with Chiddingstone Primary School and local events. Our staff's collective expertise spans decades, including international teaching experience and specialist qualifications in early years education. The nursery operates in a converted stable block within Chiddingstone Castle's grounds, offering a unique setting that combines historical charm with modern educational practices.
Services
Nursery Sessions
Childcare Services
Early Years Curriculum
Ofsted-Registered Care
Online Safety Education
Highlights and features
- Experienced team with specialist early years qualifications
- Ofsted-rated Good with Outstanding personal development standards
- Unique outdoor learning environment in historic grounds
- Strong transition links with local primary school
- Commitment to parental involvement through open-door policy
What people say
Loving and kind staff
Happy and confident children
Safe, happy place
Fantastic activities
Well cared for
Services
Nursery Sessions
We offer flexible morning (9:00-12:00), afternoon (12:00-15:00) and full-day (9:00-15:00) sessions for children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Our Ofsted-registered provision follows term-time schedules with experienced staff delivering play-based learning. Sessions focus on developing social skills, physical coordination and communication abilities through structured and free-flow activities.
Early Years Curriculum
Our curriculum combines Early Years Foundation Stage requirements with child-led 'Planning in the Moment' approaches. Children explore prime areas (personal development, physical skills, communication) and specific areas (literacy, mathematics, world understanding). Outdoor learning forms 50% of daily activities, with indoor/outdoor free flow access supporting natural curiosity and risk management skills development.
Special Educational Needs
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs through our designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Our inclusive environment features individual learning plans, specialist equipment and close parent collaboration. Staff receive regular training updates to address diverse needs while maintaining integration with mainstream activities.
Online Safety Education
Digital safety forms part of our safeguarding curriculum for young children. We teach age-appropriate awareness of online risks through interactive sessions using educational technology. Our approach balances internet access benefits with safety measures, supported by parental guidance resources and monitored device usage during learning activities.
Parental Involvement
We actively encourage parental participation through open-door policy visits, committee membership opportunities and regular communication channels. Parents receive termly progress updates and can attend bi-monthly management meetings. Our staff maintain daily contact with families to ensure continuity between home and nursery environments.
People
Megan Downing
Nursery Leader
BA Honours in Education and Early Childhood with NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Childcare. Joined nursery in 2018, became deputy leader in 2020 and nursery leader in 2023. Leads safeguarding and SENCO responsibilities.
Philippa Handy
Deputy Leader
BA in Primary Education and Biology with international teaching experience. Joined nursery in 2015 and became deputy leader and SENCO in 2023. Previously taught in Singapore and UK primary schools.
Samantha Wells
IT Manager
CACHE Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice. Joined nursery in 2015 and became IT Manager in 2020. Focuses on technology integration in early years education while maintaining child safety standards.
Susanna Still
Student Assistant
Joined nursery in 2023 with prior SEN support experience. Currently pursuing childcare qualification. Background includes teaching assistant roles and children's summer camp leadership.
Victoria Tripp
Finance Administrator
New finance administrator with AAT bookkeeping qualifications. Combines nursery financial management with family responsibilities. Brings commercial finance experience to administrative operations.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children from 2.5 years old to statutory school age, with priority given to local parish residents.
How does your curriculum support learning?
Our curriculum combines Early Years Foundation Stage requirements with child-led play and outdoor exploration in a free-flow environment.
What Ofsted rating do you hold?
We maintain an Ofsted rating of Good, with Outstanding scores in personal development and behaviour assessments.
Are there additional fees beyond tuition?
A non-refundable £40 administration fee applies for waiting list registration, but no other additional charges apply to nursery sessions.
How do you ensure online safety?
Digital safety education is integrated into our curriculum with age-appropriate content, monitored device usage and parental guidance resources.
