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 61-80
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 Gillian M (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery. My daughter has been going for a year and she loves it. They do a good range of activities both indoor and outdoor and it's great that extra people come in e.g. music man, French tutor.
The outdoor farm area is fab and I like the emphasis the nursery places on outdoor activities.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High Bank is a great nursery. My son started here in July last year and he absolutely loves it. The staff at the nursery are brilliant they are so enthusiastic and caring towards the children. The facilities, especially the outside area which my son loves are great. We couldn’t be happier that we chose
High Bank for our son. We can go to work knowing he is happy and well looked after, which is a great feeling!

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband and I knew we wanted to send our children to High Bank even before we were pregnant and now my twins have been at High Bank for over a year now since they were 6 months old. The staff have looked after our girls excellently and they are thriving in so many ways. There is a lovely warm and
friendly atmosphere within the nursery and my girls always come home happy and very well fed. I am sure the food I cook at home is nowhere near as nice as the food they get at High Bank.


The nursery is always consulting with parents about plans they are making, changes to menus and ways to improve. They send out weekly email updates with an overview of the week and I find this so helpful in keeping in the know with what is going on.


I can't recommend this Nursery enough for all they have done for our girls and the support and guidance that they have provided to my Husband and I. It really is an outstanding nursery.


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Review from Lindsey S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fabulous nursery. I have had both children pass through from the baby room and love the emphasis on the outdoors and the farm just outside. I have always felt very secure leaving my children there and they always leave happy.

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Review from Pippa B (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended this nursery for just over a year and she and I love everything about it, from the wonderful staff to the wonderful farm and park area. I only wish you had a primary school attached.

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Review from E D (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highbank Nursery is very welcoming and the staff in the Little Lambs Room were very loving and gentle. Our twins are now in Tweenies and are more active, coming home with artwork or baked items they have made. Neither looks back when walking into the nursery at the start of the day so they obviously
enjoy themselves. There has been a recent change in menu and a focus on healthy eating which we like, we are trying to instil these habits in our children from a young age. The nursery has fantastic outdoor areas for activities and makes an effort to get the children outside. We have been very impressed with the care provided when one of our children was unwell. I would have no hesitation in recommending this nursery to friends or family as it was a hard decision to start nursery without feeling a little bit of 'mummy guilt'. Knowing that they enjoy nursery, eat well, nap well makes it worthwhile.

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Review from Jane P (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The perfect nursery based on a working farm. The children have their own mini farm and collect eggs. There is bird watching and forest skills. I once arrived to see wild rabbits hopping around while the children played in the garden. Mary Poppins would feel at home.


The only down side is that my

child will have to leave in September to start school.
The lunches look very appetising, even for a 3 year old who mainly eats very little.
Super staff. 10/10

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Review from Ruth T (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending High Bank for just over 3 years and there has never been a day that he has come home and not enjoyed himself.
He thoroughly enjoys all the activities and knows what happens on each day of the week. He loves all the staff as do I and my husband. They are so friendly and make
you feel so comfortable. The social skills and learning development my son has received is second to none and it's all done via fun.


The outside part of the nursery is (for us) the selling point: fresh air, exercise, animals, growing fruit and veg.
All the meals he receives are homemade and fresh. He learns what is in his food even involved in making it. The weekly menu allows him to eat better than we do haha.
I shall be sending my second child to High Bank very soon and I have no doubt that they will enjoy it as much as my first. I have no concerns over sending my baby into the capable hands of the staff at High Bank.
High Bank staff really are like extended family.


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Review from Victoria D (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Public sector working + shifts = childcare nightmare. Not at High Bank, the ability to manage shifts on a monthly basis is amazing. My child has a bucketful of confidence and character, lovely manners (most of the time!) eats anything offered and can interact lovely with all ages. I put this down to
the excellent laid back environment that High Bank creates for children to develop.
Every day brings a specific activity which means he has something to look forward to and 'mess' is something actively encouraged. Meaning I don't need as much at home! I love the fact they can get properly dirty playing in soil as pretend farmers, planting veg like an allotment and painting anything and everything. The outdoor areas provide an area for all seasons regardless of the brilliant British weather.
I am always kept up to date with my child's health and even if the phone call doesn't need any parent action its great to be informed.


I would recommend High Bank to anyone and everyone!


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Review from Kim H (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We find High Bank Nursery to be excellent. Both of our children have attended since babies and thrived in the safe and friendly environment created there. Staff are professional, welcoming and knowledgeable about the different stages of your child's development. The nursery is well led and the management
is always keen to communicate and solve any issues that may arise. Staff foster excellent relationships with the children and this show in the happy and vibrant atmosphere. Our children love the extensive outdoor play areas and the opportunities that they get to experience creative outdoor play, all year round. This, coupled with the location on a working farm ensures a stimulating environment. There are always various enrichment activities on offer such as; gardening club, sports, French club and recently the lending library, which our daughter loves! The food is freshly cooked, nutritious and varied. I have highly recommended this nursery in the past and will continue to do so.

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Review from Barbra B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has been there for two years and she loves it.
Never had a problem and nothing is too much trouble.
Girls in the rooms are fabulous and the extra activities are amazing. They have a football coach, French teacher and gardening club.
Outdoor space is one of the reasons I loved
it so much and I like the fact that the children can play out in all weathers due to the covered area.

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks Barbara, that's really nice of you.


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Review from Nicola M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery, lots of focus on outdoor learning which is what my son really enjoys. He loves the football coach coming in and the gardening sessions with the gardener. He is developing skills rapidly and has great relationships with all the staff including the manager and the owners.

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice review Nicola.


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Review from Tom C (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High Bank is simply outstanding, the staff are all excellent and the environment they provide is second to none. My daughter loves attending and is nurtured and encouraged every step of the way. After all, who wouldn't want to go to school on working farm!

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks Tom, that's nice of you to take the time to leave a review.


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Review from Tania F (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love High Bank Nursery!! Our children have recently started attending the nursery and have settled in very well; we feel this is very much down to all of the wonderful staff and activities. Everyone we have met at the nursery has been fabulous and we would highly recommend to anyone looking for high-quality
childcare.

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks for the really nice comments Tania.


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Review from Kelly F (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In Feb 2016 my daughter went for her first taster session at the age of 9 months, even though I had visited the nursery before and knew I had made the right choice I was naturally anxious, but she loved it! The girls took the time to get to know us both and understand her routine. Since that day she
has loved every minute of it, she runs in on a morning giving the girls hugs and although she is always pleased to see me when I pick her up, she often wants to stay and play.


The activities she gets involved with are age appropriate and all help with her learning and the outdoor space is amazing, meaning she gets fresh air regardless of the weather, she has took part in singing, dancing, baby sign, messy play, dress up, cooking to name but a few. I would have no hesitation recommending the nursery to others and if I ever had another child I know where I will be sending him or her.


What I love most is they treat each child as an individual and are, for me... her daytime mummies :)


Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your kind words Kelly.


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Review from Alexandra R (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having moved into the area in August, needed to find a suitable nursery for my son. Highbank was fantastic, made me and my son very welcome and ideal setting as on a farm and my son is tractor mad. My son has progressed very well from getting rid of a dummy and out of nappies whilst attending Highbank
supported thoroughly by the staff! He now is very chatty, sings and independent!

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you Alexandra, we are glad you chose us!


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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I never hesitate to recommend to family and friends. Lovely nursery, lovely management and staff and fab location. Has a wonderful feel to the nursery as soon as you walk in and my daughter has come along leaps and bounds since starting at Highbank in October 2016. Weekly updates about what the children
have learnt every week are detailed and informative. My daughter even wants to go to nursery on her days off! Food is prepared fresh every day and a lot of the time the children help to make it from vegetables grown on the farm (which makes it educational too) and serve it themselves. It is good to know that my daughter is getting a good healthy meal when she is at nursery and trying new things.

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

What a lovely review Sarah, thank you so much.


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Review from Katie W (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at High Bank Nursery create a wonderful warm welcoming environment, my little boy loves going to nursery, they do lots of activities throughout the day and he is always happy and content when I collect him at the end of the day. We love that the nursery is on a farm and the outdoor areas for
the children are fantastic. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff. I would highly recommend High Bank to any other parents.

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you Katie, that's very kind of you.


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Review from Michelle R (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended High Bank for a year and we are thoroughly impressed with the nursery, the effort the staff put in is second to none and he has come on so well.


We looked around many nurseries when deciding where he should go, he was only 6 months old and it was a very upsetting time for me

but from the moment we arrived at High Bank we knew it was right and it was such a relief, we have never doubted our decision.

Reply from Hayley Grainger, Manager at Kids Planet High Bank

Thanks for the lovely review Michelle.


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Review from Karina D (Mother of Child) published on 31 May 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High Bank has allowed my daughter to flourish into a happy and (cheeky) toddler. The staff at the nursery ensure a smooth handover each morning when I leave my daughter. She never cries and looks at me as if to say "haven't you gone yet mum!"


Nutrition is important to our family and High Bank provide

a varied and balanced diet. I love the daily reports given to me at the end of the day, and I can take my daughter home knowing she's been looked after with the utmost care and respect during the day.


Children are encouraged to be children at High Bank. To learn and explore through all their senses and to be inquisitive. Perfect for stimulating little minds and creating big adventures.


I feel extremely fortunate to have our daughter attend High Bank Nursery. I would highly recommend it to anyone.


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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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