Kids Planet High Bank

Cleasby Road, Stapleton, Darlington DL2 2QE
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8.7 83 Reviews
  • Kids Planet High Bank, Darlington
Kids Planet High Bank is an Ofsted rated 'outstanding' nursery (September 2016) situated on a working farm in the village of Stapleton, near the town of Darlington. Nursery care is provided for children aged six weeks to five years old.

The nursery is divided into four main rooms, all of which are designed to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. An extended pre-school room, known as The Curiosity Cabin, was opened in August 2021 and this is set out like a classroom to mirror the environment the children will be in when they start school. Adjoining this room is a large polytunnel which is used as a role-play and ‘small world’ area following ‘The Curiosity Approach’, which involves using natural materials and items you would normally see at home.

There is an outstanding outdoor area with a mud kitchen, children’s theatre, pirate ship and a garden for planting fruit and vegetables. There is also a forest school and a mini-farm complete with pigs, cows, hens and lambs. Outdoor play is encouraged as much as possible.

Activities in the nursery include French, forest school, football, gardening, and children are also regularly taken into the community for educational visits.

Highly qualified staff team, including early years professionals, and all staff are trained in paediatric first aid.

Grant funding for two, three and four-year-old children is available.

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Care Provided by Kids Planet High Bank

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Zara Watkinson (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 27
  • Total Places for Children
  • 68
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Kids Planet High Bank

  • Various funding accepted (15 and 30 hours). We offer . Sibling discount, NHS discount, Tax Free Childcare. Rates vary by location/nursery setting.
    Please get in touch with the nursery for our most up to date fees and availability.

Kids Planet High Bank Reviews (83)

Total of 83, showing 1-20
8.7

Kids Planet High Bank has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.718) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Kids Planet High Bank has 83 reviews.

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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High Bank Nursery have been amazing in every aspect since my son began attending. The staff go above and beyond to ensure the children are happy, cared for and most importantly, having fun! My son has developed so much since attending and I am so proud of the progress he has made in such a short time.

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Review from Catherine H (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is a warm and welcoming environment for babies and young children to come to.
Daughter transitioned into the next room really well.
Really good hand overs from staff in the rooms
Very flexible in changing days .

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Review from Tom T (Father of Child) published on 10 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We're very pleased with our decision to send our child to Kids Planet High Bank. It wasn't smooth at the start, she was quite emotional in the baby room but she has thrived since. It has brought her on so much and the staff have all been brilliant. We can't speak highly enough of the staff. We love
hearing about all of the activities the children get up to. The only things that could be improved that we can think of are, the app which is being changed and some times we don't hear back about potentially swapping days.

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Review from Hazel L (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3 year old has been attending High Bank Nursery since 2021, my 10 month old started in June this year.
I wanted to write a new review as I am so impressed with the team in the babies room and how well my son has settled. He was such a clingy baby, stuck to me like glue and wouldn't go to anyone
else or play independently. The first 2 weeks were pretty rough, there were a lot of tears (from both of us!) but he's been there about 6 weeks now and the change in him is amazing. He seems to absolutely love nursery, goes to the staff quite happily and is all smiles when I drop him off and pick him up. He's completely transformed at home too, he'll go to people other than me and he's so confident now. Crawls all over the house exploring and happily plays by himself. It's a joy to see how much he's come on. Credit to the staff who are all lovely and seem to genuinely care. Makes the return to work that little bit less painful when you know he's happy, well cared for, having fun and learning lots!

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Review from Kirsty A (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t be happier with High Bank Nursery for my little girl. It’s in fantastic surroundings and the staff are wonderful and so welcoming.
My little girl started in baby class in March and has settled in very quickly.
I love the app as it lets you know nap times and how/what she’s eaten during
the day. The staff are always extremely friendly and supportive.
I can’t wait to see her grow and develop at the nursery.

Reply from Angela Thomas, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I will pass your comments on to the staff team. They will be really pleased.


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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not be happier with High Bank Nursery. It is the most nurturing and unique setting for children to grow and develop. As a parent who has had many years experience in Early Years Settings, I have yet to find one that beats High Bank. The management and staff always put the children first in
everything they plan for and the resources and experiences that are available for the children are second to none. The extras such as French, Sing and Sign, and football are all included in the fees, which you just do not get anywhere else. The children get a lovely two course lunch every day which is home cooked by their own nursery chef. The food is fresh and healthy with meat sourced locally and fresh eggs every day from the nursery farm.
Thank you team High Bank - you're all amazing!

Reply from Angela Thomas, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such an amazing review of the nursery; we are delighted you are so happy with High Bank.


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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful nursery. Our little girl goes here and has done since September. I was so anxious about her starting, especially as she was funny with taking a bottle, but they have been amazing at adapting things for my little girl and at easing my worries as well.
I haven't had a single problem
or concern with anything that they do; the staff are lovely, and they are like a little family, which makes the environment that little bit more special.
When we drop our little girl off, she literally has the biggest grin on her face and can't wait to see the wonderful staff there. Would definitely recommend this nursery.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you so much for this lovely review of the nursery; we are delighted you are so happy with High Bank.


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Review from Hayley K (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a lovely nursery. My little boy absolutely loves coming here and I love seeing all his adventures on the app and social media. When I pick him up he has the biggest smile on his face and goes round giving the practitioners big hugs before he leaves, he even says in the car on the way home 'no home,
nursery mama'.
Fantastic nursery would highly recommend.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Hi Hayley, what an amazing review, thank you we really appreciate it.


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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has been at the nursery for almost a year. They have catered well to her special dietary requirements and medical needs and as I have updated any changes, these have been implemented straight away.
The staff have always been friendly and passed on any information at the door when dropping
off or collecting my daughter, along with messages on the app and email.
When I have had any concerns, I have been able to speak to staff and managers (who are always accessible through email) and my concerns have been sorted promptly.
I would recommend this nursery to all my family and friends and I’m looking forward to the rest of the time that my little girl attends High Bank.
Keep up the fantastic work and thank you for all you do.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review! Much appreciated.


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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One of a kind outdoor space on a working farm, which is utilised to maximum potential. The children are encouraged to learn by playing and exploring, and even get to help feed the animals and collect eggs sometimes. The staff have really genuine connections with the children and my son is always talking
about his 2 favourite practitioners at home. I like that their social media page is always being updated with photos and updates of what they are up to and it’s nice to be able to read the bios of the staff who look after my child on the nurseries website. Staff always take the time to talk to me about my child when I drop him off and collect as well. 5 stars probably aren’t enough but it’s the best I can give.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.


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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High Bank Nursery is a wonderful nursery, my two children absolutely love attending the nursery.
The nursery has many different activities which they both thoroughly enjoy.
The staff are brilliant and really care for each child's individual needs.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.


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Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at High Bank in January this year and it was the only nursery I would consider for her after my son had such a fantastic time there a few years ago.
My daughter has settled into the routine so quickly and I can see how happy, contented and fulfilled she is by the way she excitedly
greets the team when she arrives. Her confidence and motor skills have developed greatly in a short space of time thanks to the attention of the team and the lovely safe environment. Knowing that she is being looked after by such a kind, compassionate and skilled team in a fun, safe and stimulating environment is a huge comfort. I would and have recommended High Bank to anyone considering nursery care for their child.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.


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Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended High Bank Nursery - Darlington since the age of 9 months old and is now in Preschool and is due to start School in September 2022.
Every single staff member at High Bank has been an important part of her development. She’s received so much love and learning from the staff
that she can’t wait to be dropped off and asks me not to come early as she likes to stay as long as she can each day!
High Bank have helped with every stage, from walking to potty training to gross motor skills with all the outdoor education and play to helping her already now at just turned 4 being able to write her name and many other family names confidently! She knows many phonic sounds and shapes and cannot wait to learn to read.
As a parent myself who works in education, we couldn’t have asked for a better start for our little girl! It will be a sad day when she leaves to start school.
I would highly recommend High Bank Nursery.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review, Much appreciated!


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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really friendly. Children have lots of opportunities and the food is amazing. The classrooms are suitable. They do a lot outdoors which is great for children. Hours are flexible as well which is always handy

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review! Much appreciated.


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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended High Bank Nursery since he was one year old. He’s now two and a half and I continue to say it was the best thing I did for him.
He suffered a brain injury during his birth which has lead to multiple diagnoses/medical conditions the main one being his cerebral palsy which has led
to him being tube fed in recent months. When I first started to look into him attending nurseries I expected it to be a draining process and simply put hard work to get him into a mainstream nursery without a fight.
High Bank took him on no problem, nothing is too much for the staff. His medical needs have become more demanding so a 1-1 was put in place who supports him where needed, he thrives best around the other children. The children are as amazing as the adults. They help him, they enjoy pressing the buttons on his machine and take great interest in why he has it and why he mustn’t be treat differently.
I could not recommend the nursery more.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, very much appreciated!


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Review from Natalie J (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy loves this nursery. He started just after the first lockdown so he had a big break from social interactions and struggled with meeting new people. However, he settled so quickly here. He made great relationships with the staff straight away (started in Tweenies) and the communication from
them was fantastic which really put myself and my husband at ease. Since moving up to toddlers, he has continued to grow in confidence and has developed so much. He always talks about the amazing experiences and things that they do, as well as talking about his friends and staff with such love. Each room he’s been in has had amazing play and experiences that we’ve often had to repeat at home, as well as several requests for a pet pig and goats! I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, very much appreciated!


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Review from Helen M (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child absolutely loves going to High Bank. He has great relationships with all staff and the staff are so friendly and caring towards him. The activities provided are very stimulating and engaging for the children. The extra activities provided such as football and sing and sign are great. My child
has developed his physical and social skills so much since attending nursery. My child is safe and happy at High Bank and always chats about the great friends he has and activities he has done during the day.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review much appreciated!


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Review from Steph M (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son and daughter both started at High Bank Nursery - Darlington as babies and are now in the preschool. I chose the nursery based on its unique farm setting, the facilities are amazing and I love how much time the children spend outside. My children love going to nursery, there is always something
fun going on. Their development has been aided by a huge variety of activities, Forest School, gardening club and singing and signing tots have been particular favourites! The staff have gone above and beyond in helping my son with his speech which he has struggled with, his key worker spends a lot of time with him and has even made him special games to help with his sounds, which has made a real difference. It is clear to see the hard work that goes into making nursery a wonderful experience for the children. My children are both very happy and settled at High Bank and will be well prepared for the transition to school.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely comments much appreciated.


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Review from Angela O (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My twins have been attending the nursery since June 2020 as babies, and I feel so fortunate I was able to secure a place at 3 weeks notice due to their planned nursery closing due to Covid. Due to continued remote working, High Bank Nursery is now more convenient locally so getting them into this superstar
nursery as babies has been fantastic. Their development has been supported largely aided by variety in daily activities and as much outdoor time as the weather allows. They have established strong bonds with the staff in each of the rooms they have progressed through, and go in happy, excited to see staff and their friends.
The menu served by the on-site chef has been great for their diet, and they are experimental with food.
I really look forward to their journey through toddlers and into pre-school before their formal education begins.
The management team are fully integrated and get to know the children and are very professional and attentive.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review much appreciated!


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Review from Mandy D (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son went to High Bank Nursery - Darlington for 1 year. He always came home a happy boy and even wanted to go in when he didn't need to. They have been so patient with him and he came on so much while he was in their care. He enjoyed the football and french, but his favourite was the music man.
Thank
you High Bank team.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review - much appreciated!


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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.718)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.718) out of 10 for Kids Planet High Bank is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 5 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.850 for Kids Planet High Bank is calculated as follows: ( (53 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.85

  • b) 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 3.868 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids Planet High Bank is based on 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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 = 3.5

    • ii) 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 68 number of registered child places is 13.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 13.6 = 0.368

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (13)

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Meet the Team (2)

Jackie

Jackie McGreath

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2019

High Bank's Deputy Manager, Jackie McCreath joined the nursery in 2019 as Toddler room leader before being promoted to her current position. She holds a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.


Kathryn

Kathryn Metcalfe

Job Title: Toddler Room Leader

Joined: 2019

Kat joined High Bank in 2019 and was promoted to the position of Room Leader in our toddler room just a year later. She worked in childcare for most of her career, either in other early years settings or in high schools, as she is also a trained teaching assistant.


Frequently Asked Questions about Kids Planet High Bank

What is the Age Range of Children that Kids Planet High Bank accepts?

Kids Planet High Bank accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids Planet High Bank Open?

Kids Planet High Bank is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Kids Planet High Bank have capacity for?

Kids Planet High Bank has capacity for a total of 68 Children.

How far is Kids Planet High Bank to the centre of Darlington?

2.3 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 Kids Planet High Bank to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Kids Planet High Bank has an Enhanced Service – more info.