Kids 1st Ferndene

64 Elton Parade, Darlington DL3 8PQ
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8.8 11 Reviews
  • Kids 1st Ferndene, Darlington
Kids 1st Ferndene provide a safe, warm and welcoming environment with excellent quality childcare in Darlington.

Formerly known as Ferndene Nursery, it is situated in what was once a large Victorian lodge and coaching house just a short way from the town centre.

The nursery is divided into three sections, to cater for each age group: babies, toddlers, and pre-school-age children.

Each of the rooms and well equipped with lots of age appropriate toys and games, which are designed to allow your little one to learn whilst having fun. With something for all the children, your child will stay happy and engaged during their time at nursery.

With a walled garden featuring a playground, a woodland area, and lots more, children will be able to explore and learn outdoors. The enthusiastic team encourage children to challenge themselves and learn about taking safe risks, all while supervised.

Throughout the child's stay at Kids 1st, the devoted team help prepare every child for the next big chapter in their lives - the move into full-time primary school education.

Therefore, the fantastic team follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework which helps the development of those all-important skills - such as reading, writing, maths and understanding the world around them.

Want to learn more about the fantastic facilities and meet the friendly team at Kids 1st nursery Ferndene? Book a visit today and the team will look forward to welcoming you!

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Care Provided by Kids 1st Ferndene

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Elizabeth Charlton (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 78
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 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

Kids 1st Ferndene Reviews (11)

8.8

Kids 1st Ferndene has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.788) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Kids 1st Ferndene has 11 reviews.

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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery, the staff are amazing, they really care about the children and their wellbeing. All of the staff know each of the children by name even if they don't work in the specific room the child is in. Staff know the children really well and their likes and dislikes. They do fantastic activities
with the children and send regular updates throughout the day via the app including what the children have eaten and what they have slept. They also upload pictures of the children throughout the day which always makes me smile to see my baby happy and settled. I was apprehensive about my baby starting nursery but the transition was seamless and my baby settled straight away. I can't speak highly enough of the staff in the baby room who look after my baby. I would highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Vicky R (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Kids 1st Darlington Ferndene since September 2021 and what a lovely, nurturing environment it is and fabulous team of staff they have.
The standard of care my daughter receives is outstanding, she is very happy in this friendly and caring setting which has aided and supported
her development, encouraged growth and has massively improved her confidence. It's certainly given me peace of mind knowing she's happy, safe and well-cared for while I'm at work.
The outdoor space is a great asset. The children spend a lot of time learning, exploring and playing outside which is wonderful. The woodland area is a big hit.
I would highly recommend this nursery, I couldn't have asked for a better start for my daughter in her early years.

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Review from Emily I (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff provide a caring and safe environment for children to learn and grow. Various activities are provided to support all aspects of development. Regular photos and updates are provided verbally and through the app to help you feel at ease and demonstrating the amazing work from staff and the progress
your child is making. Staff go above and beyond to offer the best experience for both your child and you and tailor activities around the individual needs of your child.

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Review from J W (Father of Child) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been coming to Kids 1st Darlington for a year and a half now and is absolutely thriving in the environment. We are welcomed warmly every morning, I feel reassured she is safe and happy and I receive updates constantly throughout the day regarding her meals, sleep, nappies and activities.
Every member of staff I have encountered has been friendly and so enthusiastic towards myself and my daughter, even those who aren't in the room with her, always say hello/goodbye. Upon collection I receive feedback about her day and have the opportunity to see her playing and chat with the staff, communication is excellent. You can tell the staff work so hard, the nursery is kept in immaculate condition. We are kept up to date on what's happening each term via emails from the management team. I am so happy with the level of care she receives, the variety of meals offered and the creative activities provided. Thank you to everyone involved in her care.

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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everything I could have wanted for my little boy and more. He loves going to nursery and learns so much there. They are always participating in new interesting and exciting activities and they genuinely care about the development of the children. I am so glad we got a place at this nursery he is getting
the best start in life.

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Review from Samantha H (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We picked this nursery as on our initial visit, the children were in small groups doing adult led activities. The activities were engaging and the adults were at the children's level. The staff seem kind and helpful. We get a sheet which tells us about activities for that week and how they link to the
learning objectives so we can continue them at home and talk to our little boy about them. The outdoor space is pleasant and used as part of the curriculum. The menu seems varied. The opening times fit in around our work. There is a one way system in place, parents wear masks and children have a temperature check upon arrival.

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Review from Ian B (Father of Child) published on 31 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fantastic nursery. Our three boys have all been at Ferndene Nursery from early years to preschool and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The staff are friendly, caring and really take an interest in the development and interests of the children. There is a great outdoor space with a variety
of play equipment and a garden area. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The children spend a good amount of time outside each day and are really well cared for. We would recommend this nursery to our friends and to anyone looking for a safe, reliable nursery to care for their children.

Reply from Elizabeth Charlton, Nursery Manager at Kids 1st Ferndene

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Kids 1st Ferndene, this is really appreciated. Your boys have been a pleasure to care for and we look forward to continuing the care of your son over the coming months.


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Review from Ellie T (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Ferndene Nursery since she was eight months old, she's now two and a half. In fact, I went there as a child twenty fiver years ago and it's the same amazing experience I had. The manager has been there since I was a child and is always on hand to help. All of the staff
are wonderful and really go the extra mile to build relationships with the children. My daughter is really well bonded with the staff and I know she's in very safe hands. The children spend lots of time outside which they love and have varied day to day activities. I've never once worried about my daughter at nursery, it's a home from home and we feel part of the Ferndene Nursery family. I would recommend Ferndene Nursery to anyone and a friend has recently joined on my recommendation. I couldn't speak anymore highly of the staff, facilities and care received and I look forward to a couple more years of happy memories with Ferndene Nursery.

Reply from Elizabeth Charlton, Nursery Manager at Kids 1st Ferndene

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Kids 1st Ferndene, we really appreciate your lovely comments.


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Review from Victoria M (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child is incredibly well cared for at Ferndene Nursery. Staff are attentive and activities
are creative and inspirational. My son thrives here and is well stimulated. He arrives excited to start his day and leaves with a huge smile on his face.

Reply from Elizabeth Charlton, Nursery Manager at Kids 1st Ferndene

Thank you so much for your comments on Kids 1st Ferndene, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Cath R (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Ferndene Nursery for over a year now and absolutely loves it! As a mum, it makes me so happy to see her so happy. I go to work feeling confident and relaxed knowing she is having an amazing time and getting all she needs socially, mentally, physically and emotionally.
The food my daughter gets is always home cooked, fresh on site everyday and is nutritionally balanced at breakfast, snack times and lunch time, which believe me is very important to my daughter! The outside spaces are great and my daughter gets loads of fresh air and exercise playing in the woodland area, on the lawns and in the yard on the climbing frame and in the sand. The staff are amazing and always go above and beyond to support my daughter's well being and all aspects of her development. I really can't recommend Ferndene Nursery highly enough!

Reply from Elizabeth Charlton, Nursery Manager at Kids 1st Ferndene

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Kids 1st Ferndene, we really appreciate your comments and feedback.


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Review from Ann L (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ferndene Nursery is a really friendly and caring nursery. They have taken brilliant care of both of my daughters. Even during this uncertain time, they have made sure my youngest daughter has settled into the setting wonderfully. Even at one years old she accesses a range of messy, creative and imaginative
play while continuing to help develop all her essential skills. Both of my girls have always looked forward to their days at Ferndene Nursery. I would recommend this setting!

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Current Review Score: 8.8 (8.788)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.8 (8.788) out of 10 for Kids 1st Ferndene is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.8 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 4.967 for Kids 1st Ferndene is calculated as follows: ( (58 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.967

  • 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 3.821 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids 1st Ferndene 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 78 number of registered child places is 15.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.6 = 0.321

  • 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 (5)

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Meet the Team (1)

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Charlton

Job Title: Centre Director

Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I am the Centre Director here at Kids 1st Ferndene.


Frequently Asked Questions about Kids 1st Ferndene

What is the Age Range of Children that Kids 1st Ferndene accepts?

Kids 1st Ferndene accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids 1st Ferndene Open?

Kids 1st Ferndene 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 1st Ferndene have capacity for?

Kids 1st Ferndene has capacity for a total of 78 Children.

How far is Kids 1st Ferndene to the centre of Darlington?

0.8 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 1st Ferndene to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Kids 1st Ferndene has an Enhanced Service – more info.