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 41-60
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 Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been with High Bank now for over a month. I can not recommend the baby staff enough that have provided high standard care. Mini mums as I call them. I love that we get daily updates on the app. I can see everything I need to know about my son's day at nursery and for new mum's it's a real
delight to see my child comfortable from the first day being there.

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Review from Kate W (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy started at High Bank in July just after his first birthday. He’s settled in really well and seems very happy there. As first time parents, we found it really hard to find a nursery that we both felt happy with and that we felt our little one would fit into. We both felt that Highbank
would suit our little boy and having the amazing outdoor space and forest school all set on a farm was such a positive and really enforced our decision to send him to Highbank. We also felt that the learning ethos was very strong and in keeping with our values and beliefs.
I really like that when he’s in the nursery he is looked after by the same people each time or as much as able. Our little boy can be shy so it’s great to have continuity for him.
We did baby led weaning and the nursery have embraced this and provide very good quality meals and snacks which are all nutritionally balanced and promote healthy eating.
We look forward to seeing our boy grow and develop at High Bank.

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Review from Vickie L (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at the nursery for a couple of months now and she has come on so much, the first few weeks were very difficult, but the staff in Tweenies have been absolutely amazing with her. You can tell that she loves them, and she always looks happy in photos taken - which I can only attribute
to the patience and knowledge of the staff there. I’d 100% recommend High Bank to anyone wondering whether to send their child there, my daughter has already learned so much from her time there and I’m sure will only continue to improve!
Fantastic nursery.

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Review from Toni P (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has recently started nursery here. Like any first-time parents we worried about making the right decision on which nursery would be best suited to our needs as a family. We cannot speak higher of High Bank. All the staff are extremely welcoming, from the moment we arrive and make our way to
the baby room we are greeted with wonderful smiles. As soon as our son is handed over he relaxes. I can tell he feels like he’s in a home away from home. We get full updates on his day’s activities, including photos, as well as an honest account of his day on collection. Like all children he gets upset, but we feel extremely grateful for the honest feedback we get (he got a little upset whilst waiting for his dinner) obviously at home he is our only child so waiting isn’t his strong point. The nursery is extremely well kept and very clean. Not to mention the fantastic facilities. I see the farmer every morning on drop off and continue to see him working hard during collection.

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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has been going here for nearly a year. She absolutely loves it. The baby room was fantastic with her. She was extremely premature so slightly delayed developmentally but they supported her so well. She is now in the tweenies room and the staff there are brilliant as well. I would definitely
recommend this nursery.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank for taking the time to leave such a nice review Nicola, we appreciate it.


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Review from Kaye W (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best nursery. Healthy nutritious food, kind and caring staff. I feel so comfortable when my daughter is at nursery here as I know she is well looked after and fed well. I have used another nursery also but nothing comes close to High Bank.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

We are so pleased that you are happy with everything Kaye!


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Review from Jo L (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We LOVE High Bank Nursery - Darlington. Our wee one is nearly 22 months and has been attending since she turned one. She absolutely thrives here. The staff are wonderful, the location, with so much fresh air - outdoor open play areas and the farm - all on site, is such a plus. Thank you High Bank for
helping us raise our wee one and being so great at it!

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

What lovely feedback, thank you Jo!


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Review from Joanne W (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending High Bank since May 2018 and I couldn’t be happier, the staff are fantastic and although I was so nervous leaving him initially, they made me feel at ease and I instantly knew he would be well looked after. I trust them 100%, the atmosphere created by all the staff is warm
and welcoming.
The fact that he can’t wait to get out of the car from driving up the bank speaks volumes.
The range of activities and the outdoor garden is fantastic, I love that the children spend so much time outdoors.
I couldn’t recommend High Bank highly enough, thank you for doing such a wonderful job with my boy.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review Joanne :)


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Review from Lucy A (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High Bank Nursey is a great setting for little ones. Every day is full of activities, which includes wandering around the farm to see the animals. The updates and pictures you get sent are great and help you feel reassured as a parent. I wouldn’t have my child go anywhere else!

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely comments Lucy.


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Review from Dawn C (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery! Can't praise the staff enough at Highbank. The facilities are great and with the nursery being on a farm, the children get to see the animals daily. Lots of time spent outdoors whenever possible. My daughter doesn't want to come home some days as having so much fun. Always see happy
little smiling faces, well done Highbank.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely comments, Dawn!


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Review from Maureen W (Grandmother of Child) published on 28 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two grandchildren attend High Bank, both young toddlers.
I cannot praise High Bank and the staff enough. The care is of the highest standard, play areas the same.
The children look forward to each visit.
I recommend High Bank nursery without hesitation.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

That is lovely feedback Maureen, thank you.


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Review from Laura W (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been here since before she was a year old... she has come on leaps and bounds in the last 4 years, I couldn't be happier. The staff are fabulous in every way they go the extra mile to help where necessary. Always a happy 4-year-old at the end of a day at High Bank.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks for leaving a nice review; we are are grateful.


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Review from Jane F (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love High Bank nursery. My son loves going here and comes home full of stories about the activities the children do: French, Music, football, forest school. The staff are all warm and nurturing people and the food is wholesome. My son eats a much wider variety of food since he started at High Bank.
Can’t recommend enough.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Hi Jane, thanks for responding to our Facebook post so quickly and leaving a nice review. We appreciate it.


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Review from Carrianne G (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has just left to go to school after being cared for by the amazing ladies at this nursery. To say we were heartbroken when she left is an understatement. The care, attention, love and 1 2 1 time they gave her is like no other nursery could provide. The outdoor space and interaction with
the animals are absolutely amazing. We can’t rate this nursery highly enough and will also never be able to thank the staff enough for preparing our daughter for school.
Thank you

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Review from Bethany A (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fantastic nursery, my daughter loves coming here. They are caring and very accommodating, they’ve made education fun, meaning that my daughter is learning every day and not even realising it.
All of the staff there are amazing, thank you.

Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely feedback Bethany.


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Review from Georgina D (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending this nursery for 9 months and has come on leaps and bounds. The staff are very professional, helpful and friendly. My daughter loves all the activities they provide. You also cannot beat the setting, a working farm!
I also believe the fresh food that’s made on a daily
basis is fantastic.

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Review from Lisa F (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter attends 3 days per week at High Bank and we are over the moon with how well she has settled there and the care she receives. This is thanks to the wonderful staff in the rooms who are so warm, caring and confident with the children. At every drop-off and pick up, I can see that my daughter
feels cared for and safe. Yes, the farm setting and the activities are all excellent but truly it is the ladies in this nursery who are caring for my child who make the biggest difference to her day. From the moment she arrives, she gets cuddles, giggles, encouragement, play and lots more. They are wonderful and I can't speak more highly of them.

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Review from Amanda B (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are extremely caring, empathetic and nurturing of the children. The facilities are first class and the activities extremely varied and stimulating for the children. My daughter loves High Bank and I recommend them to everyone.

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Review from Fiona D (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Highbank since she was 9 months and she has been in each of the rooms. The environment is lovely and friendly. The activities are varied and linked well to key stages development. These include French, football, and music and movement classes for under threes. The provision
of meals is outstanding compared to other nurseries charging similar prices, plus all the food is locally sourced.


The nursery is based on a working farm and the children are outside at least once a day. There is a fantastic covered outside area that enables the kids to get out even when the weather is bad. They have a fantastic outside park area, animal enclosures the kids visit with chickens, ducks, goats, pigs etc. Plus the Pre-School have recently been running forest school classes which my daughter loves.


We love this nursery and will be sad when our daughter leaves for school, but we are confident that she'll be doing so having been given the best start.


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Review from Sophie K (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been attending the nursery since he was a baby and is now in pre school, he loves it! The children all get involved in many activities within and outside the nursery setting of which has helped our sons all-round development hugely. A firm favourite of his is helping around the farm, seeing
all the animals and playing in the wonderful park on the setting. I couldn’t recommend a better nursery!

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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.


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