About Us

The Farningham Day Nursery was established in 1996 by Kirsty & Colin Mitchem and during that time was managed by Gillian Mitchell who became the new owner of the nursery in July 2005.  Since February 2024 Sarah Stewart (Formerly the Deputy Manager) on behalf of FD Nursery Ltd t/a The Farningham Day Nursery (Company no. 15305986) has owned and managed the nursery.  Together with the staff they have established a happy, relaxed and well-ordered atmosphere within the nursery.

Our Aim

To develop the full potential of each individual child regardless of age and ability by providing an environment which enhances opportunities to learn through play. We promote positive experiences, encouraging each child to explore and experiment independently at a level which suits the child.

Our Opening Times

The nursery is open five days a week for 51 weeks of the year from 8.00am to 6.00pm (longer hours available on request). However, we are closed on Bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year, plus one day during the summer months for our annual nursery outing.

Our Staff

We pride ourselves in having a consistent staff team. We attract and retain high quality, and highly qualified experienced staff and are committed to the personal professional development of each individual member of our team. The experienced members of our team are able to pass on their first class knowledge to our less experienced members of staff and apprentices.

All staff are DBS checked (formally CRB) before taking up their position within  the nursery, and the majority hold a certificate in Paediatric first aid.

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are Sarah Stewart, Jo Salter and Caroline Stibbons who attend regular courses to keep them informed of any updates and changes to legislation.

Our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators are Natalie Cocking and Ellie Ockenden who are responsible for the day to day operation of the nursery’s SEND policy and have both undertaken Portage and Senco training.  They work closely with other professionals to ensure that the needs of the children are met.

A complete copy of the nursery policies are available on request.

Our Contact With You

As a parent you will want to know how your child is adapting to and progressing in the day-to-day life of the nursery. We recognise that knowing your child is in safe hands and that he or she is developing new skills is vital for your peace of mind and to that end we will provide you with regular reports on his or her progress.

This process also allows you to make your own comments to the staff who are responsible for your child’s welfare; we believe that the responsibility of taking care of your child’s needs is a two way process in which your input is vital.