Kids Planet Appleton Thorn

Thorn House, Green Lane, Appleton Thorn, Warrington WA4 5NS
Review Us
9.5 54 Reviews
  • Kids Planet Appleton Thorn, Warrington
Welcome to Kids Planet Appleton Thorn! The team are super proud of their nursery, set in the Old Vicarage in the heart of Appleton Thorn. Not only is the building gorgeous with all its original and traditional features, but they also have a lovely extensive and exciting garden for children to explore too. In November 2018, Ofsted recognised their hard work and dedication to the children in their care and awarded them Outstanding in ALL areas. They were praised for their high-quality teaching and fantastic forest school, providing a rich outdoor environment for children to enjoy. The warm and welcoming staff team build up strong relationships with your child and they work in partnership with you to provide high-quality care and education. Their care for your children is genuine and the staff team are supportive, kind and encouraging.
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Funding & Fees

Full day rate £71.20

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.

Contact Kids Planet Appleton Thorn to get a personalised quote.

Contact Kids Planet Appleton Thorn to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Leanne Pinnington (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 21

Total Places for Children

  • 80

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:45-18:00
    Tuesday 07:45-18:00
    Wednesday 07:45-18:00
    Thursday 07:45-18:00
    Friday 07:45-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • The Old Vicarage has a car park located at the front of the Nursery and a carpark to the side of the building for busier periods such as drop off and pick ups.

Kids Planet Appleton Thorn Reviews (54)

9.5

Kids Planet Appleton Thorn has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.495) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Kids Planet Appleton Thorn has 54 reviews.

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Review from D T (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
The nursery setting and environment itself is very impressive and one of the main reasons we chose Appleton Thorn since 2020 with our first child. We fell in love with it instantly!
Fast forward to September 2025 until recently, under new management there have been significant numbers of staff leave
due to the changes. My little girl has been unsettled at drop offs with 3 new key workers in 3 months from August 2025 - October 2025. And new faces in pre-school. Transitions have been difficult and communication, little to none.
Having been with the nursery so long, it doesn't have the same warmth and nurturing energy of previous. My little girl only attends 2 days a week, with 1 day at a primary school pre-school and she now prefers to go to the other pre-school.
Such a shame with her last month's here, we had the most amazing experience under previous management up until my son graduated Appleton Thorn.
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Review from Ben A (Father of Child) published on 30 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our 20 month old son goes Kids Planet Apple Thorn and we couldn't speak more highly of the nursery and the staff who work there. The nursery is very well run and the practitioners have all been fantastic, coming up with fun activities and experiences every day.
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Review from Jodie M (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Love love love the preschool here at appleton thorn. All the staff are very welcoming and Ive seen huge improvements with my daughters confidence. She only goes twice a week but she absolutely loves her preschool days! Would reccomend it for any nervous first parent - everything is open and you can
see the staffs commitments from every room, its very welcoming and warm.
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Review from Robert M (Father of Child) published on 30 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been really impressed with Kidsplanet Appleton. The staff are exceptional - always warm, attentive, and proactive in sharing what the children have been up to. They take genuine care to understand individual needs and preferences, and the feedback we receive gives us real confidence that our child
is being well looked after.


Small touches make a big difference here: the fruit bowl in the corridor is a lovely idea and a great signal of the thoughtfulness that runs through the place. The Christmas event at the church was a real highlight - a wonderful way to bring families together and create a proper sense of occasion.


Parking can be a little tricky, but that's an easy trade-off for a setting that benefits from a quiet, suburban feel. Highly recommended.

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Review from S H (Grandmother of Child) published on 27 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have picked up and dropped off my granddaughter a few times. I always feel that the nursery is a welcoming place. The entry system works well, it ensures the children are safe and adults always check in with me. I'm always asked for the password too.
The environment is amazing. Lots of carefully
thought out out activities that my granddaughter loves. She's always eager to join in.
When she was ill the nursery were amazing. They contacted her parents and checked up to see how she was the day afterwards.
A lovely nursery. I would definitely recommend it.
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Review from Lucy C (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with Kids Planet Appleton Thorn. The team are wonderful, warm and caring. Our little boy settled in very quickly, which is a credit to the team. I love the fact that they get plenty of outdoor time and do lots of fun activities. The nursery is always clean and welcoming.
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Review from Danielle W (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such lovely staff who always want the best for the children in their care. Activities are based around children's interests and practitioners are always keen to know what my daughter likes doing at home so they can encourage her to participate in activities that enhance her development. Handovers are
very good and detailed. My daughter has built such strong bonds with the staff and her confidence has grown so such since she began her journey at Appleton. They have lovely, inviting areas that encourage children to learn as well as a big outdoor space with natural features. My daughter loves nursery and often talks about her preschool teachers at home. It's lovely to hear what she gets up to at Appleton as no day is the same! She is learning so much and I notice a difference in her every week! Such a lovely nursery that I would recommend to anyone!
Reply from Kids Planet Team at Kids Planet Appleton ThornThank you so much for your wonderful review and for sharing your experience with us. It's fantastic to hear you're happy with the care and education your child receives at Kids Planet Appleton Thorn. Your kind words mean the world to our team, and we're so excited to continue supporting your little one on their early years journey.
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Review from Kelly A (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff at Kids Planet Appleton Thorn are so professional, caring and overall so lovely. I couldn't wish for anyone better to look after my daughter, it is everything and more we could want from a nursery and preschool. They are compassionate, creative and develop my daughter socially and learning
so much. Thank you all!
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Review from Natalie M (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our son to Kids Planet Appleton Thorn three months ago. We couldn't be happier with the experience and the support the team have provided our son. His primary carer and all others in his room went out of their way to make him feel welcome, safe and engaged. We love how the team pick up on the
kids' interests and turn them into educational activities. His development is leaping ahead thanks to them.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are always supportive of my child who struggled to settle/transition into new rooms. They support and encourage her into new situations and as a result, she has thrived here. Good communication with staff who really know the children well. My daughter also had allergies when she started nursery
and these were followed and catered for really well.
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Review from J F (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have enjoyed all the facilities here and have been welcomed by all the staff. I feel they are really safe and well looked after when I drop them off.
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Preschool is amazing and caters to the children's individual likes and interests. My child has thrived at Kids Planet Appleton and loves his time there.
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Review from T D (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has enjoyed his time at Kids Planet Appleton. I've been really impressed with all the activities he gets up to.
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Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful staff and a great nursery all around. My son is always so excited to come in and see his friends and see what fun activities they will be doing.
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Review from Emma R (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming to nursery for two years now and has been through the baby, toddler and rising three's rooms, she is now in preschool. She has loved the staff in each room and has built bonds and relationships with each of them. She has learnt so much from each stage and I feel her confidence
has grown immensely since being at nursery. I cannot recommend Appleton Thorn enough, all the staff are so friendly and welcoming, always making you feel at ease.
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Review from Andrew O (Father of Child) published on 1 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has settled in really well at the nursery. All the staff really care about the children and it is clear to see how much support they provide for child development. When I drop my child off at nursery, I know he is going to be well looked after and this means I don't spend all day worrying about
them. The staff do lots of activities to include parents and make you feel part of your child's journey at nursery.
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Review from Amy L (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't thank you enough Kids Planet, they have been amazing with my little boy. His key worker has done so much for him and how he has come on with talking.
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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had looked at a few nurseries and was unsure, but as soon as I came to Appleton Thorn I instantly knew! The security, cleanliness, staff, everything was perfect and what I was hoping for and more!
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Review from Georgina S (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
She loves nursery. From staring in September 2022 she has come on leaps and bounds. Her speech has improved, she's learnt to sign and she's learning to share and become social. I would recommend Kids Plant Appleton Thorn to anyone.
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Review from Jade G (Mother of Child) published on 31 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My childs key worker and all the other staff have been amazing in supporting her in the room. They have great activities that they do with all the children (in-the-moment planning) and have the best resources in and outside for the children to play with. The management team are amazing as they help
you with any problems you may have and are so kind and very welcoming. Overall, I would recommend this nursery to anyone as they have the best staff, and it is the best nursery for my daughter.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.495)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.495) out of 10 for Kids Planet Appleton Thorn is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.857 for Kids Planet Appleton Thorn is calculated as follows: ( (152 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 168 Ratings = 4.857
  2. 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 4.638 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids Planet Appleton Thorn 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:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.825
    2. 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 80 number of registered child places is 16. 13 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.813
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

Meet the Team (1)

Leanne

Leanne Pinnington

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Leanne Pinnington brings over 15 years of childcare experience and is currently studying for her BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, alongside holding a Level 5 qualification. She is also a trained safeguarding officer.


As a parent of two, Leanne understands the importance of providing a caring, supportive environment for both children and families. She is passionate about helping children grow and thrive, while offering reassurance and guidance to those around her.


In her spare time, Leanne enjoys visiting National Trust sites and volunteering within her local community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kids Planet Appleton Thorn

What is the Age Range of Children that Kids Planet Appleton Thorn accepts?

Kids Planet Appleton Thorn accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids Planet Appleton Thorn Open?

Kids Planet Appleton Thorn is open: Monday 07:45-18:00, Tuesday 07:45-18:00, Wednesday 07:45-18:00, Thursday 07:45-18:00, Friday 07:45-18:00.

How many Children does Kids Planet Appleton Thorn have capacity for?

Kids Planet Appleton Thorn has capacity for a total of 80 Children.

How far is Kids Planet Appleton Thorn to the centre of Warrington?

3.2 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 Planet Appleton Thorn to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Kids Planet Appleton Thorn has an Enhanced Service - more info.