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 21-40
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 Rebekah (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have sent both of my children to this nursery and they have both loved it. I frequently recommend High Bank to others, some of whom have subsequently sent their children here.
My eldest daughter only experienced preschool but from start to finish she had the most wonderful experience. The care she
received from the staff was second to none and her ‘school-readiness’ was apparent when she did leave to go to school. Her reception teacher actually commented that she could tell which pupils came from High Bank Nursery as they were more than ready to start school and their handwriting and numeracy was excellent.
My second daughter started in the toddler room and, again, she has come on leaps and bounds. She was a late talker but as soon as she started nursery she really opened up and within weeks was beginning to communicate more fluently with us. She loves going to nursery and comes home happy every day.
Beautiful nursery with wonderful staff! Would recommend time and time again!

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 K G (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I pulled my little girl out after attending for one month. She was increasingly upset (she does not react this way at her other nursery). She is potty trained but had a lot of accidents one day she soiled herself four times (I don’t blame them for this) however they did lose all changes of clothes and
a jacket. When my little girl came home I asked her about her accidents to which she started yelling yuk, this is not a word we use and was odd for my little girl to use as she is mainly non-verbal using signs. None of the staff ever asked about the signs my little girl used to communicate (many were made up). My little girl did not seem to attach to any staff and I only found out she had a key worker when asking about the app which another parent had told me about. When the deputy rang after I said my little girl was leaving as she was very unhappy as well as other reasons I was just told we think she’s happy but should I take this as your notice, which confirmed for me I had made the right decision

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

We are sorry that you feel your experience at High Bank was not a positive one. The nursery has been operating for 18 years and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we provide and the unique, Ofsted rated outstanding setting we have developed via continuous improvement and investment. This is borne out by hundreds of other parents who have left such positive reviews on Day Nurseries, other platforms and our own website over the years. In fact, all reviews made in 2021 so far on Day Nurseries have been five-star reviews. This is one of the reasons why the nursery has been named as one of the top 20 recommended nurseries for four consecutive years.


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Review from Wendy C (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy is been attending High Bank since he was a baby. Staff have been, and continue to be, fantastic. He is really settled and enjoys going there. He loves the cows and I would say it's great that he has the opportunity to attend a nursery on a farm. I would highly recommend High Bank.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review much appreciated. Many thanks, Zara


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Review from Kerri-Leigh C (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has attended this nursery for almost a year and I am delighted with the progress he has made. The staff are fantastic, they are very kind, patient and attentive. One of my favourite things about the nursery is that they take the time to update a parent app throughout the day so that I
can see the activities my little boy has taken part in and they include details such as meals and nappy changes. This is so reassuring. The nursery even have a dedicated chef who prepares all the meals with fresh ingredients, sometimes the children help make treats and other things. The range of activities they do is phenomenal. My little boy loves to play outside and they do this almost every day. He regularly tells me about the chickens, the ducks and the pig. It's wonderful.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you very much for your review much appreciated. Many thanks, Zara


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Review from Charlotte K (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Daughter has been attending High Bank for approximately 6 months. She loves it and always comes home in a good mood and seems really happy.
When she first started we had 2 trial sessions where I left her for very short periods and I found this really helpful for both of us! It meant when she went
for the full days she had already met all the staff and wasn't just in a strange building.
There were a few tears the first few mornings, but it's great that you can telephone each room and speak directly with nursery staff to get updates on how your child is doing. She soon settled! Staff really made me feel like I could call as many times as I wanted, which was very reassuring.
I love the app they have; I can see exactly what she has eaten, photos of what she has been up to, and other useful information like nap times, nappy changes, etc. We are very happy with all aspects of the service we receive from High Bank and very grateful to the staff for the care they provide our daughter.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments, Much appreciated!


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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy is one year old and started High Bank Nursery in January, he was naturally unsettled initially given lockdown and not really leaving my side for the first year of his life but the staff have been so amazing with him and me. Within a short space of time, he’s gone from crying his eyes out
when leaving me to smiling and laughing when he sees the staff. It’s such a relief for me.
The app is fantastic for keeping me updated in the day and is so detailed so that puts my mind at rest, it’s lovely to see the photos they upload of him having fun. I also love how the nursery have their own chef who prepares nutritious healthy meals each day. My son is a huge fan of being outdoors so I knew he would particularly love this nursery as they spend lots of time outdoors on the farm.
I would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments, much appreciated!


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Review from Joanna W (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest daughter is at High Bank Nursery and my oldest left in September to go to school. The staff are lovely and very friendly. Both of my girls have been extremely happy here and love the staff. I chose the nursery due to the great outside space and when I first visited, it really stood out how
happy all the children were.
It's great that it is situated on a farm so the children get to see the animals daily and help to collect the eggs from the chickens. I love the activities that are included, like forest school, football, music sessions. I feel that it has really helped my eldest daughter now she is at school when it comes to learning.
It's surprising how much knowledge she has which she has gained from nursery. The nursery have really worked hard to make the environment covid-19 safe, including building extra rooms so the children have more space. I feel reassured that my daughter is as safe as she can be in this current climate. I highly recommend High Bank Nursery.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments, much appreciated!


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Review from Kate W (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child had attended three nurseries before going to High Bank and this nursery is in a completely different league. The children benefit from provisions that other settings simply cannot offer - lots of outdoor activities on the farm as well as external sources including tuition from a French teacher,
a Musician and a football coach at no extra cost. My child learns about wildlife, spends lots of time outdoors and does wonderful crafting activities. He adores the staff and I am extremely confident that as he is in his final months at High Bank they are preparing him well 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 Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lots of variety for the children to explore and learn at this nursery. The staff are always helpful and paid particular attention to ensure my child settled well after a shaky start. Any issues raised by myself with the staff were always addressed and rectified where that was possible. Ringing to check
on your child is not frowned upon and really helped my anxiety in those first few weeks. The nursery's handling of the current pandemic should be applauded. I have every confidence they are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of staff and children.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely comments, much appreciated!


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Review from Cherith A (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love this nursery, I think it is a great nursery and I don’t worry at all about my daughter. The app they use provides added assurance. The staff are lovely and always have time for a catch-up. She gets a yearly report which was so lovely.
My daughter regularly comes home with art that she has completed
and activities that challenge her skills. I think it is fantastic.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you very much for the lovely comments much appreciated


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Review from Adele T (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Daughter has been attending the nursery since she was 1, she is now 4 and still loves it. Her sister is joining her next month and we know she will love it there too. The inside is cosy and fun, the outside has amazing spaces with the parks and animals. The children spend a lot of time outdoors
and do gardening club and forest school.
There is such a wide range of activities which are fun and educational. The teachers are brilliant with the children and make such an effort with them individually. The nursery had difficulties in Covid but have handled it as well as possible with all the changes to guidance regularly. I would recommend sending a child to this nursery for all early years education and care.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you so much for the lovely reviews much appreciated


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Review from Simone (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at High Bank since last September. I enrolled him there because so many people recommended and raved about the nursery. So far it has lived up to all the hype. My son has been very happy there and the communication is very good.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely comments much appreciated


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Review from Jessica M (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was nervous at first moving my child to a new nursery after we relocated. We moved during the pandemic so viewing nurseries was not allowed.
The management at High Bank were so professional and dealt with all my queries like nothing was too insignificant. Well, when we finally moved and got to drive
up to the nursery for the first time all of my worries vanished.
The setting is just spectacular and although we couldn't enter the buildings we were shown around as much as possible and I was just blown away. The staff and children were all so happy and relaxed and friendly with both me and my child.
I couldn't have asked for more. My child is happy and gets to experience so many different things a "standard" nursery just doesn't offer. You just need to drive up to this nursery to see why we chose this above all the others we enquired about. The outdoors space is invaluable and really enjoyed by my child.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks for such an amazing review, we really appreciate it.


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Review from Claire B (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children attend High Bank Nursery and have since they were one year old. I recommend this nursery to all of my friends. I love how much the children get plenty of fresh air, the outdoor space is brilliant; they regularly visit the farm animals, venture to the park etc. They have lots of additional
'classes/sessions' that are in with the price including dance and music time with the Music Man (who my kids love!), football lessons with coach, and Forest School.
A lovely nursery with lovely, friendly staff!

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments we appreciate them


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Review from Kayleigh US (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I genuinely couldn’t ask for more. I always have complete faith in the staff and have no concerns at all leaving my daughter with them. She is always happy to be left with them and happy when collected. The outdoor space is fantastic and I’m just jealous I can’t stay with her. Her day is filled with
activities and I can trust them completely with her food allergies. I’m kept up to date with what she’s been up to and how she’s progressing. The app's always up to date and I love seeing her photos.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely feedback - Zara ( Manager)


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Review from Caroline H (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have two children at High Bank. They are so happy there and have been since they started last September. The children were much less settled at their previous nursery but the care and attention the staff give the children makes it a brilliant environment that they are relaxed in. The activities the
children get to do appeal especially to our girl who loves the painting and water play. There are multiple spaces outdoors and animals to interact with. They were very fair with the policies for payment during lockdown. I would recommend the nursery without hesitation.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review it has been a pleasure to have the children at our nursery Many thanks, Zara.


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Review from Rachel R (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment we looked around the nursery, we knew that we wanted our son to attend here. The outdoor space is amazing, and the staff are so friendly and warm. Our Son has attended High Bank since September 2019, and I couldn’t recommend the nursery enough. He has always engaged in lots of fun activities,
and the staff are so kind and caring (even towards me!). I love getting to see what he is getting up to throughout the day, through the app which is updated regularly.
Through these uncertain times, we have been updated on the progress and safety measures in place. The nursery and staff have worked so hard to ensure that everything is as normal as possible for the children attending. Thank you!

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review - Many thanks, Zara


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Review from Keilli J (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn’t be more grateful and thankful for all the staff at High Bank, very reassuring and prepared - gone above and beyond to adapt and facilitate all the children at the nursery. My son has settled back in, and I am happy now knowing he will be as ready as possible to start school in September.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Hello Keilli, thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely review; we really appreciate it.


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Review from Justine M (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending High Bank two days a week since the new year. We feel secure leaving her as she has settled easily into her new routine. High Bank really feels a warm, friendly, welcoming and safe environment. The staff genuinely seem to care for the children and treat them as their
own. This was even evident on our first tour when deciding on nurseries. We felt that High Bank would suit our little girl, she loves the outdoors and having such an outdoor space and forest school all set on a farm was such a positive and enforced our decision to send her here.
The facilities are great and clean, the classrooms offer a variety of entertaining and stimulating activities so you can be assured they are having fun whilst learning, there is even a gardening and music club. We receive weekly newsletters with an overview of the week and staff are always happy to answer any questions.
I have no hesitation recommending High Bank.

Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Justine.


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Review from Kay (Mother of Child) published on 31 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous nursery, my child is well cared for and all the staff are devoted to making sure they are safe and loved. My child just waves and he's gone and sometimes he wants to stay even though it's home time.

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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.

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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.


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