Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Cunningham Building, Macaulay Drive, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QW
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9.6 59 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool, Aberdeen
Discover, play, and grow at a nursery in rural Airyhall near Aberdeen.

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool, located in a very quiet area of Airyhall, has been carefully designed to support your child’s education and development, from 3 months to 5 years.

The nursery in Airyhall, Craigiebuckler is conveniently located with excellent transport links to the Aberdeen city centre. It has its own car park and is within walking distance of Airyhall Primary School.

The nursery offers a warm, welcoming environment supporting the transition from home to nursery, and excellent nutritionally-balanced menus using fresh ingredients prepared by the chef. The nursery is located in the grounds of The James Hutton Institute, which is surrounded by woodlands for children to explore.

With access to three separate gardens, your child will have daily access to their very own secret garden, duck pond and vegetable plot. The team loves encouraging children to explore all of their favourite extracurricular activities and this abundance of outdoor space gives them room to learn, play and develop their love of the outdoors.

In addition, they practise a Growing Enhancement programme unique to Bright Horizons, further giving your child the inspiration and confidence to explore subjects such as mathematics, art, reading and writing well ahead of their journey into school.

The experienced team would love to meet you and your family. Book a visit today and they will show you everything the nursery has to offer during your own personal tour.

Care Provided by Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care
  • Person in charge
  • Caroline (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • 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
  • Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 1st & 2nd January

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (59)

Total of 59, showing 1-20
9.6

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.602) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool has 59 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Bright Horizon First Class has been brilliant for my daughter starting nursery. They are always so helpful and will answer any questions. It has been a transition, settling in but slowly getting easier at drop off. Thank you especially to her key worker who has really helped.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your kind words! We're glad your daughter is settling in and that her key worker has been a great support. The team are always here to help!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is a truly wonderful nursery. We have two children at the nursery with the intention of sending our third child. It is a very caring and nurturing environment for the children. We are so impressed with all the activities the children get to take
part in and love hearing about the kids day at dinner time. The staff always go above and beyond and are so loving towards the children. Thank you for being such a wonderful, fun environment.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad your children are thriving and enjoying the nurturing environment and activities. Your support means the world to us and we look forward to welcoming your third child!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with first class nursery. Our children are very happy and content at nursery. We are particularly pleased that extra care is taken with our daughters allergies.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has settled in very well. Our experience has been excellent so far. My child loves all his teachers and key worker's support in my child's learning journey is fantastic. Thank you so much!

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely superb! My son goes to nursery with a big smile on his face.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your review. We are delighted to receive your positive feedback, and we're thrilled to hear your son is thriving at our nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't recommend more. We have been so impressed with the nursery and our son has come on so much since joining.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you so much for your positive feedback! Thank you for recommending us!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone at the 2s room is excellent. You can see they really care about the kids. Our son loves coming to the nursery. 100% recommended and thanks everyone at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool!

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that your son loves coming to the 2s room and that you appreciate the care our team provides. Thank you for your recommendation.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing overall experience.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you're pleased with our manager and staff, as well as the facilities we offer.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and attention given to our child from age 9 months has been exceptional. The nursery staff have gone above and beyond in the education and early learning of our child. The communication has been excellent, and the use of the app has been amazing - especially when booking holidays and finding
out meals for the day.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you're pleased with the care and attention your child has received. It's great to know that the communication and app features have been helpful for you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After 4 and a half years of being at First Class, we are so sad our son won't be there anymore. He has come on so much since starting there. Every member of staff has shown so much love and compassion to him and everyone has really put in a lot of work to help him grow and learn. They have made him
who he is today. We have loved everything about the nursery, especially the outdoor fun and games they have, the new areas and the fantastic new experiences with helping in the kitchen. The food the kids receive is amazing and has helped with trying new foods. We are very proud to be a part of the First Class family.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear how much your son has grown and enjoyed his time with us. It's wonderful to know that our staff and activities have made a positive impact. We'll miss him too and wish him all the best as he moves forward!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has enjoyed her time and always looks forward to going to nursery.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for leaving us such a lovely five star review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has settled into nursery so well and I put that down to the staff being so attentive and caring.
He has so much fun at nursery with all of the fun activities and we see that from the photos that we see.
The room is always full of happy children and staff who clearly enjoy their job.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent. My child is very happy here.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The level of care and attention is second to none. So far, my son's gone from being upset at going in, to walking in happily in about five weeks. He is starting to sit at the table for food and play. Whenever I call for an update, there is always a welcoming and reassuring voice on the end of the phone
and the same at drop off/pick up. The app isn't updated often, but I would imagine this is because the staff are giving 100% to our little ones in real life, which is most important to us.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at First Class in September 2022. The staff were extremely welcoming and reassuring when settling my son in. He has no issues on drop-off and has settled in great. I love seeing his updates on the app and hearing about his day on pick-up.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son moved here from another nursery and since August, his progression in learning, well-being and speech is surreal. For myself, as a single, separated mum, the help through staff over the phone, in regard to his placement, has been so helpful and with daily communication from all staff, is of a
higher level than his first year of nursery.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had the best experience since our son's start at nursery. His confidence and development have come on leaps and bounds. The staff are all caring, professional and keep you very well informed on all progress. The food and resources are the best and we always leave with a happy smile.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are always so happy to see my son. They are kind and so supportive with his communication.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a lockdown baby, I was very concerned my son didn't have much experience with many people, especially other children or different activities in the first year of his life. However, when he first went to nursery, he took to it so well and has flourished ever since. The staff are absolutely amazing
and the range of activities he takes part in, is more than I could imagine doing at home! The location of this nursery is ideal for the kids getting out into the fresh air, going for walks around the pond, running about in the trees, going to the local park or even the library. My son is not yet 2 years old but his speech is coming on so well and I fully believe going to nursery has helped with this. The communication with staff is super, whether it's letting me know he's had a bump to the head, but is fine, updating the app to let me know what he's been up to, or summarising his day, when I pick him up.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The outside space is fantastic. Safety superheroes and teaching in the preschool room is brilliant. The care across all three rooms is very good. The staff communication is good and the children are happy. The response to covid and application of rules around children's temperatures has been cautious.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.602)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.602) out of 10 for Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 13 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 Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (156 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 156 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 4.602 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 13 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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. 13 Positive Reviews ÷ 21.6 = 0.602

  • 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (3)

Caroline

Caroline

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Caroline has been the nursery manager since 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to her role. She completed her Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice Level 9, reflecting her commitment to excellence in the field.


As a dedicated mother of two, Caroline’s life outside of work is vibrant and dynamic, often filled with the joys and challenges of family life. Her enthusiasm for mentoring, coaching, and developing a team is evident in her approach to leadership. She thrives on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, where both staff and children can flourish.


Caroline eagerly anticipates the opportunity to work with the exceptional First Class staff and is excited to contribute her expertise and passion for nurturing growth and development. Her dedication to creating an enriching and stimulating environment ensures that the nursery remains a place where both children and staff thrive.


Amber

Amber

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager

Amber has worked in the childcare sector for over eight years. She has taken on various roles, and she is currently the Deputy Manager at First Class Nursery. Having earned her SVQ qualification she is now working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Practice.


Passionate about promoting inclusivity and ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging, she loves supporting the team in creating welcoming and stimulating environments. Filled with loose parts and natural, authentic play materials that encourage children’s curiosity and exploration.


In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with her family.


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Kim

Job Title: Curriculum Lead

Kim has over 15 years of commitment to the childcare sector. Experienced in various roles, including Room Leader and Nursery Manager. She completed the PDA Level 9 in Childhood Practice qualification and works alongside her team to provide meaningful experiences, promote a culture of learning among colleagues, and enhance the service.


With a passion for creating stimulating and inviting environments to support the children’s learning and interests, she enables them to reach their full potential.


Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

What is the Age Range of Children that Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool accepts?

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool Open?

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool 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 Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool have capacity for?

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool has capacity for a total of 108 Children.

How far is Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool to the centre of Aberdeen?

2.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.