Welcome to Goldfinch Nursery

A trusted and welcoming nursery located in Herne Bay, providing high quality early education and care for children aged 0 to 5 years.

Our approach

At Goldfinch Nursery, we believe every child deserves a nurturing, safe, and inspiring environment to grow, learn, and play. Our experienced team supports each child’s development at their own pace, encouraging confidence, curiosity, and kindness. We focus on creating a calm and stimulating atmosphere where children feel secure, valued, and free to express themselves. Through a balance of structured activities and free play, we help children build strong foundations in communication, independence, and social interaction, preparing them not just for school, but for life.

What parents say

"I cannot recommend Goldfinch Nursery enough. They have looked after my daughter since she was 10 months old and she has loved it. Its so hard leaving your baby to go to work but Veronica, Frances and the team make that transition easier with their warmth. We always felt like part of a big family and as my daughter leaves for school its with a heavy heart but also immense pride. We will miss you Goldfinch and thank you with all our hearts for looking after her so so well".

Natalie Gauld

"My daughter has today left to start school after starting in baby room at 9 months old. I cannot fault this nursery, so loving and caring at every stage, made a huge impact on all our lives and whilst she is more than ready for school thanks to all their work I am devastated she has to leave. Thank you to everyone single person who has had an impact on Millies life, we will miss you".

Lisa Robinson

Secure your child a place today

Or download our prospectus to learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book an appointment to visit?

Yes, we kindly ask that you book an appointment before visiting. This allows us to give you a personal tour of the nursery, introduce you to our team, and ensure we have time to answer any questions you may have without disrupting the children’s daily routine. You can book by phone, email, or through our website.

How do I book a place for my child at nursery?

To book a place, simply get in touch with us to check current availability. We’ll guide you through the registration process, which includes completing a registration form and securing your child’s place with a refundable deposit. We’re happy to support you through each step.

Does your nursery offer trial sessions?

Yes, we offer settling-in sessions to help your child feel comfortable and familiar with the nursery environment before starting. These short visits give your child the chance to meet our staff, explore the space, and begin building confidence at their own pace.

Have any more questions? Feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Our facilities

At Goldfinch Nursery, we believe that the right environment plays a vital role in a child’s early development.Our facilities have been thoughtfully put together to create a space where children feel safe, inspired, and free to explore. From bright classrooms to secure outdoor areas, every part of our nursery supports learning through play, curiosity, and creativity.We invest in high-quality resources and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, giving parents complete peace of mind that their child is thriving in the very best surroundings.

  • Bright, spacious classrooms filled with natural light

  • Secure outdoor play areas for fresh air and adventure

  • Dedicated sensory and quiet areas

  • High quality learning resources and toys

  • Onsite kitchen providing healthy, nutritious snacks

  • Separate baby and toddler rooms tailored to age and stage

  • Regular professional cleaning and hygiene checks

If there’s something specific you’re looking for that you don’t see listed, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Fees & Funding Policy

Effective September 2025
Open 49 Weeks | Hours: 7:30am–6:00pm | Full-Day Sessions Only

1. Our Commitment
We provide all eligible children with access to government-funded early education
entitlements, in line with the Department for Education's statutory guidance. We do not
restrict or condition access to funded places. However, to remain sustainable and support
working families, we offer additional optional services outside the funded entitlement.

2. Funded Hours Access
We offer the following entitlements:– 15 hours universal (for all 3 & 4-year-olds)
– Up to 30 extended hours (for working parents of 3 & 4 year olds)
– 30 hours for eligible 2 year olds
– 30 hours for eligible 9 - 23 month olds
– Free for 2 15 hours for eligible 2 year oldsWe prefer to stretch funded hours across 49 weeks.Example: 30 hours/week (term time) = approx. 23 hours/week stretched, typically
covering 3 full days (9:30am - 5:00pm).

3. Session Structure
– We operate full day sessions only within 7:30am - 6:00pm
– Funded hours are delivered between 9:30am and 5:00pm only
– Hours outside this time are not covered by funding and are chargeable

4. Optional Extended Care Packages & Charges
To support working families, we offer optional extended care outside funded hours (9:30am - 5:00pm). These are not part of the funded entitlement and are charged separately. Standard 8:00am - 5:00pm Package - £26 per day includes:– Early morning care (8:00 - 9:30)
– Morning snack and afternoon snack
– Flexible access to full day funded care from 9:30 - 5:00Need to start earlier? We are happy to tweak hours where needed (e.g. change this day 7:30 - 4.30), subject to availability.Additional Charges:
– 7.30 - 8:00am: £10.00
– 5:00 - 5:30pm: £5
– 5:30 - 6:00pm: £10Extra Hours outside of these will be charged at £10.00 per hour

5. Consumables Fee
We charge a £10 monthly consumables fee which contributes to:– Wipes, tissues, sunscreen
– Party days and celebrations
– Take-home crafts and gifts
– Enrichment beyond the basic curriculum
– snack am £1.00
– snack pm £1.00This is included when opting for 3 days of the £26/day package. Funded only families can opt out by supplying items themselves or opt in and add these on to the fully funded day.

6. Funded-Only Places
Families may access a funded only place from 9:30am to 5:00pm without paying for additional hours or services. However, these places:– Are limited to set days based on funding
– Do not include early drop off, snacks, or flexibility
– Cannot be combined with extras unless opting into a paid package
– Require parents to provide all consumables and meals, unless voluntarily opting in to pay.

7. Meals
We do not provide hot meals. Parents must supply a packed lunch and tea.

8. Fees, Invoicing & Payment
– Invoices issued monthly in advance
– Funded hours and optional extras itemised clearly
– We accept Tax Free Childcare, childcare vouchers, and Bacs payments.

9. Fair Access & Sustainability
We are committed to fair and equal access for all families. Optional extras are provided to support those who need longer care, while remaining separate from the free entitlement.

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you!Whether you have a question or want to book a visit, just get in touch using the form below and one of our team will be more than happy to help.

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