Kids 1st Darlington

Alderman Leach Drive, Darlington DL2 2GF
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8.0 57 Reviews
  • Kids 1st Darlington, Darlington
Kids 1st Darlington is a modern and flexible nursery that looks to treat every child as an individual throughout their early years, while supporting parents in a friendly and welcoming manner.

Staff are well-qualified and respect the need for professionalism in all areas of childcare, with parents' confidence and peace of mind a core element of the service.

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Care Provided by Kids 1st Darlington

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Gerry Chapman (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 40
  • Total Places for Children
  • 108
  • 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

Kids 1st Darlington Reviews (57)

Total of 57, showing 1-20
8.0

Kids 1st Darlington has a Review Score of 8.0 (8.046) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Kids 1st Darlington has 57 reviews.

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Review from Jeff A (Father of Child) published on 1 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our youngest daughter has just left Kids 1st West Park Darlington. She attended since 2020, and our older daughter attended from 2018. We cannot express enough thanks for how the team have looked after, supported and helped raise our girls. We could not recommend this nursery more, absolutely wonderful
staff and a wonderful safe environment. Thank you again.

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Review from H R (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a fantastic team! They have worked tirelessly, not only this month but throughout the pandemic, to ensure my son isn't fazed by new routines or systems in place. Every morning we are welcomed cheerfully and have the opportunity to handover information. Every evening we are greeted by someone from
my son's class who is able to tell us about his day. We have really enjoyed the chance to find out more information via the parent app, which has helped us feel more involved in our son's day.
We have one hundred percent trust in the work the team at Kids 1st Darlington are doing to keep our son safe and can't thank them enough.

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Review from B C (Father of Child) published on 4 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kids 1st have been fantastic with my son. They follow his nursery down to every last detail and nothing is too much to ask. The girls that have cared for my son have been nothing short of outstanding.
He always comes home with a big smile on his face and you can tell he’s had lots of fun. We always
receive regular feedback on how well he is doing which is always reassuring.
I would highly recommend Kids 1st to anyone and everyone, it’s a brilliant nursery and we wouldn’t go anywhere else.

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Review from Rachael M (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kids 1st is a fabulous nursery. Every member of staff there, from the Manager, to the kitchen staff and cleaners, are so lovely and they all clearly care for the children.
There is nothing more nerve-wracking than the prospect of leaving your child with a stranger. For that reason, we looked at a lot
of different options for our then 6-month-old. As soon as we met the manager we knew our daughter would be in safe hands and the bonds our daughter has made with staff during her nursery journey are incredibly special to see.
The food the children eat is delicious (you get to try it at parents evenings) and my little girl loves the outdoor play areas, which they’re regularly allowed to use.
Another observation is that the staff seem to all have been there for a long time, which my mum, a former nursery nurse herself says, is a sign of a good nursery.
Then there’s the outstanding Ofsted inspection report which speaks for itself!

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Review from Katherine L (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son spent almost four years at Kids 1st Darlington and I had absolute confidence that he was receiving the best possible care, as well as learning and having fun. Nothing was ever too much trouble for the staff, who never complained about my sometimes unpredictable working pattern. I would recommend
the nursery wholeheartedly.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery, recently enrolled my daughter here. All the staff are always polite, friendly and approachable. Both of my children (more the oldest) is always talking about something new they've done and learned.

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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An amazing nursery. From day one with both my boys, I had no reservations about leaving them. The staff are all lovely and I was made to feel like they really cared for my children on a personal level. I highly recommend Kids 1st Darlington.

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Review from S S (Father of Child) published on 25 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely excellent. The staff are all really friendly and engage with our daughter in different activities. There is plenty to keep the children occupied. The building is purpose-built to be a nursey with dedicated rooms and outdoor space for each age group. Access is also gained with an electric
pin and fingerprint scanner so security is excellent. The food menu is excellent, healthy and rotates regularly. Our daughter always comes away happy having been well looked after.

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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son receives excellent care from the team. They are aware of his development needs and strive to meet them. He is very happy at the nursery and always enjoys going. The team are very friendly towards us and are very caring towards my son. I am so happy with his progression.

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Review from M C (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Kids 1st since she was ten months old, she was my first child so was very nervous putting her in nursery. However, the staff were friendly and I was confident that my daughter would be looked after. She is now two years old and loves going to her class, the staff are always
friendly and enthusiastic and are aware of her individual needs. The classroom is always clean and she loves taking part in the daily activities. Brilliant nursery!

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Review from Susie H (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would recommend to family, friends and anyone looking for a wonderful nursery.
The rooms, food and staff are completely faultless and so brilliant with my daughter.

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Review from Roz A (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kids 1st is an amazing nursery where the care for the children is the priority and main focus. My two children have both been to Kids 1st and the staff are the most friendly, welcoming and professional people, like one big family. Their nursery is outstanding in every way and they have always given
me the confidence and trust I need as a parent! Cannot recommend and thank them enough.

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Review from Francesca H (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having viewed many nurseries, Kids 1st was the one where I truly felt comfortable/happy to leave my daughter. Since she has started, the staff have been amazing and my daughter has a fab time. I feel totally confident and happy leaving my daughter at the nursery.

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Review from Kerry B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has absolutely loved his time at Kids 1st Darlington. He settled beautifully, made friends and built relationships with the girls who cared for him. Thank you so much for helping him grow into a funny independent and confident young man. We will truly miss all of you!

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Review from Michele H (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended between the age of 15 months to 4 years. Throughout this time we felt as parents she was very well cared for and treated as an individual. Within the last year, a better menu for my daughter was established which catered for her dietary needs. All staff were approachable, kind and
keen to teach her.

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Review from Vanessa (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been at this pre-school for a year and they have ensured that he is very ready for school. He has made excellent progress in his learning and his social skills. The staff are amazing and really approachable, nothing is too much trouble. The staff always ask how he is every morning
and give an individual report of his day each evening. The outdoor area is great for creative play and physical development. The indoor area is bright, airy and very well resourced and set out. Each week activities include cooking, signing hands and a dance/movement session, these are all included in the fees so there are no additional costs to parents. He has also been on some days out which he has loved. Our child loves going to this Nursery and is going to be sad to leave at the end of term.

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Review from Amber T (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am an anxious first-time mum and worried about leaving my daughter with anyone. However, Kids 1st Darlington were so helpful, supportive and understanding. Not only did they reassure me and talk to me about anything I wanted to as regards my daughter's care, they welcomed and fully implemented the
routine I had implemented, which allowed for a very smooth transaction into the nursery.
The staff are so friendly and welcoming and they love the children. The children love them too! Kids 1st nursery made my return to work so much easier because I knew my little girl loves it there.

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Review from Harriet E (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kids 1st Darlington is just an amazing nursery. They really get to know the children in their care, their quirks, what they like and what they need help with. They take each child on a journey through their development ensuring interaction and engagement every day. The management are superb and really
endear each member of staff to be the best they can be and deliver the best care that they can.

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Review from Suzanne L (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot recommend Kids 1st Darlington enough. The staff have been fantastic in helping our son settle in and every day since.


The setting is great and we are more than happy with the range of activities on offer. It's a daunting experience leaving your child in the care of someone else but Kids

1st Darlington make it so much easier with constant and detailed communication and friendly staff.

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Review from Sally S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff are approachable and willing to help and discuss any issue. They keep me updated on my daughter's daily activities and keep her engaged with a range of resources and activities.


It is reassuring seeing my daughter so comfortable going to nursery each morning with ease. This is due to the

enthusiasm and encouragement of the staff at Kids 1st Darlington.

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Current Review Score: 8.0 (8.046)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.0 (8.046) out of 10 for Kids 1st Darlington 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 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.0 out of 5 from 1 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 5.000 for Kids 1st Darlington is calculated as follows: ( (12 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 12 Ratings = 5

  • 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 3.046 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids 1st Darlington is based on 1 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 = 3

    • 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 108 number of registered child places is 21.6. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 21.6 = 0.046

  • 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 (8)

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Meet the Team (1)

Leanne

Leanne Bowron

Job Title: Centre Director

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


Frequently Asked Questions about Kids 1st Darlington

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

Kids 1st Darlington accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids 1st Darlington Open?

Kids 1st Darlington 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 Darlington have capacity for?

Kids 1st Darlington has capacity for a total of 108 Children.

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

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