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About 
Smart Start
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Located in two Victorian townhouses in Gravesend, Smart Start Nursery School is a wonderful start to your child’s learning story.

What makes us special

A few highlights
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A home from home

Our home from home environment uses natural resources to engage children and ignite their curiosity and wonder.

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Tailored spaces

To meet the needs of our babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

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Family style mealtimes

Children eat healthy meals together in a warm and inviting central space.

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Our experienced educators teach children using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework alongside our own Storal approach to curriculum.

This allows children to reach their full potential at their own pace and in their own time.

More on education
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Mealtimes at Smart Start are a time for children to refuel, be sociable and learn about nutrition.

Healthy snacks and delicious fresh food are cooked every day by our onsite chef using local and seasonal produce when we can. They’ll also experience new flavours and look forward to favourite dishes while older children help in our kitchen.

More on nutrition
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Hello and welcome to Smart Start Nursery School in Gravesend.

Every day at Smart Start we encourage children to be inquisitive and creative in our stimulating learning environment. In doing so, they soon develop a real love of learning and a curious mind.

Our experienced team come with a wealth of early years learning insight. We know that every child is different with their own story to tell, so we make sure that your child learns in a way and at a pace that’s right for them.

Our happy nursery allows children to imagine, wonder and learn, both indoors and outside, whether it’s our creative play and sensory rooms or our large garden that’s ready for adventures. We work collaboratively with parents, a partnership that truly enhances children's learning and development.

We’d love you to come and visit us and look forward to meeting you and your family.

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Roisin O’Connell
Nursery Manager
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Thoughts from our families

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Explore our tailored spaces

Their next chapter at 
Smart Start

At Smart Start in Gravesend, we provide tailored care and learning for children aged 3 months to 5 years old.

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Babies

Babies deepen their understanding of the world around them through sensory discovery and gentle play. Sensory bags full of natural products and everyday items allow them to hold and explore different shapes, weights, sizes, textures and colours. Older children also enjoy creative play with paint, play dough and pasta shapes.

Independence is encouraged with free access to resources and our large garden area. And, after a busy morning of exploring and learning, there’s time to recharge. We know how important naps are, and make sure that when they need it, children can sleep.

Book your baby's place
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Toddlers

As their story begins to take shape, growing toddlers are given the time and space to be more independent, discover and learn. Children make friends, learn to play alongside each other and become more aware of the world around them. Our experienced educators encourage language development too, starting with simple sounds and building to sentences.

Toddlers explore activities to suit their interests such as imaginative play, arts and crafts, music, cooking, water and sand play as well as lots of time outdoors. They’re encouraged to help set the table for lunch and care for two additional members of Smart Start - our pet budgies Jelly and Olaf.

Book your toddler's place
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Pre-school

With growing confidence and ability, we prepare our pre-school children for the learning journey ahead with a focus on phonics, numbers and social skills. They’ll continue to develop and learn through play too and still be assigned a key person during this time.

Children spend their final year at Smart Start getting ready for primary school. By this time, they have made firm friendships and have experienced our learning environment in full throughout the year. They leave us as independent, curious and confident learners, ready for the next chapter of their own story.

Book your preschool place

Out Of School Clubs

We know that balancing all your commitments can be a challenge. Our Breakfast (from 7:30 am) and After School Club (until 6:00 pm) are here to make the daily juggle easier.
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Amidst all that learning, there’s plenty of time for play with games, creative activities and outdoor fun.

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If children prefer some time away from the hustle and bustle, our quiet area is equipped with reading books and spaces to complete homework.

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Whether it’s breakfast to start the day or a hearty meal after school, all of our nutritious food is freshly prepared daily.

Take a peek inside our nursery

And then come and say hello for a visit
Smart Start Nursery School
Smart Start Nursery School
Smart Start Nursery School
Smart Start Nursery School
Smart Start Nursery School
Smart Start Nursery School
Photography by Fred Howarth, Delve Architects and Alexandra Tandy

A tour of 

Smart Start
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