Kids Planet High Bank

Cleasby Road, Stapleton, Darlington DL2 2QE
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9.0 90 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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Funding & Fees

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 High Bank to get a personalised quote.

Contact Kids Planet High Bank to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Katie England (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 27

Total Places for Children

  • 140

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 Planet High Bank Reviews (90)

9.0

Kids Planet High Bank has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.032) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Kids Planet High Bank has 90 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 90
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Reviewer Connection to Kids Planet High Bank
  • 85
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Total of 90, showing 1-20
Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't shout it louder how good kids planet high bank is !


Our daughter Gabriella joined when she was 1 Gabriella has SEND and all I can say from day one they have gone above and beyond to help her get all the extra help she needs from services etc

All the staff that has ever been involved

with Gabriella has made her feel included & also understand her needs


Big thank you to all the management and staff that has helped Gabriella she loves high bank and is always excited to go and we couldn't ask for anything more


Thank you high bank team

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Review from Georgia G (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2026 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children attend High Bank and have since age 9 month old. I wish they could stay until 16 yrs. The staff are amazing the grounds are beautiful and the learning is excellent, children love their days at nursery, and have been well learned and prepared for school, from academic learning to
talk training getting dressed + being independant.
I would like to just add the staff are exceptional, caring.
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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with high bank nursery and the care our child receives. Since starting here in 2024, our child has grown so much in confidence, independence, and social skills. The progress we've seen has been amazing, and it's clear how thoughtfully the team supports each child's individual
development.


The staff do a wonderful job of teaching key skills through fun, engaging activities, and the nursery places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning. The udeskole approach and the many opportunities to be outside have been fantastic for our child's development, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and a real love for learning in nature.


Our child settled in extremely well and is always happy and eager to attend, which is very reassuring for us as parents. The nursery provides a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment, with excellent communication and a truly dedicated team all staff go a. We would highly recommend this nursery to any family. We have our son joining this year.

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Review from Lauren H (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have always been incredibly impressed with the provision offered at High Bank. Since joining in the babies all the way through to the toddlers room I have always felt supported as a parent and that the staff genuinely care about the children. Our son has come out of his shell, is so confident and
loves going to nursery. I can't recommend high bank enough!
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Review from Lynsey W (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, lovely down to earth staff that clearly have a genuine care for the children.
My daughter loves her time there and I know she is safe and happy in their care. I love the outdoor space the nursery has and makes use of all year round.
Communication is good.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended High Bank since he was 15 months old and has always been very happy there. Since High Bank was taken over by Kids Planet there has been a significant improvement in the communication between staff and parents and the facilities/equipment have improved a great deal too. They follow
a forest school ethos and spend as much time as possible exploring the natural environment. The outdoor facilities are brilliant and the indoor spaces are also great for rainy days.
My son is loving the weekly football and French lessons as well as visiting the animals on the farm and the recent addition of the tipi preschool classroom. I highly recommend this nursery/preschool.
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Review from Elliot E (Father of Child) published on 2 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two girls have settled so well into this nursery.
Nothing is too much trouble. We love the family app to see what they get up to.
Thank you to all the staff for being so calm, caring and making everyday so exciting for my little girls.
On pick up I get lots of detail of their day and we see
photos on the app.


Thank you for your amazing care!

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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
High Bank Nursery have been amazing in every aspect since my son began attending. The staff go above and beyond to ensure the children are happy, cared for and most importantly, having fun! My son has developed so much since attending and I am so proud of the progress he has made in such a short time.
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Review from Catherine H (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is a warm and welcoming environment for babies and young children to come to.
Daughter transitioned into the next room really well.
Really good hand overs from staff in the rooms
Very flexible in changing days .
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Review from Tom T (Father of Child) published on 10 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We're very pleased with our decision to send our child to Kids Planet High Bank. It wasn't smooth at the start, she was quite emotional in the baby room but she has thrived since. It has brought her on so much and the staff have all been brilliant. We can't speak highly enough of the staff. We love
hearing about all of the activities the children get up to. The only things that could be improved that we can think of are, the app which is being changed and some times we don't hear back about potentially swapping days.
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Review from Hazel L (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3 year old has been attending High Bank Nursery since 2021, my 10 month old started in June this year.
I wanted to write a new review as I am so impressed with the team in the babies room and how well my son has settled. He was such a clingy baby, stuck to me like glue and wouldn't go to anyone
else or play independently. The first 2 weeks were pretty rough, there were a lot of tears (from both of us!) but he's been there about 6 weeks now and the change in him is amazing. He seems to absolutely love nursery, goes to the staff quite happily and is all smiles when I drop him off and pick him up. He's completely transformed at home too, he'll go to people other than me and he's so confident now. Crawls all over the house exploring and happily plays by himself. It's a joy to see how much he's come on. Credit to the staff who are all lovely and seem to genuinely care. Makes the return to work that little bit less painful when you know he's happy, well cared for, having fun and learning lots!
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Review from Kirsty A (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn’t be happier with High Bank Nursery for my little girl. It’s in fantastic surroundings and the staff are wonderful and so welcoming.
My little girl started in baby class in March and has settled in very quickly.
I love the app as it lets you know nap times and how/what she’s eaten during
the day. The staff are always extremely friendly and supportive.
I can’t wait to see her grow and develop at the nursery.
Reply from Angela Thomas at Kids Planet High BankThank you so much for your lovely feedback. I will pass your comments on to the staff team. They will be really pleased.
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not be happier with High Bank Nursery. It is the most nurturing and unique setting for children to grow and develop. As a parent who has had many years experience in Early Years Settings, I have yet to find one that beats High Bank. The management and staff always put the children first in
everything they plan for and the resources and experiences that are available for the children are second to none. The extras such as French, Sing and Sign, and football are all included in the fees, which you just do not get anywhere else. The children get a lovely two course lunch every day which is home cooked by their own nursery chef. The food is fresh and healthy with meat sourced locally and fresh eggs every day from the nursery farm.
Thank you team High Bank - you're all amazing!
Reply from Angela Thomas at Kids Planet High BankThank you so much for taking the time to leave such an amazing review of the nursery; we are delighted you are so happy with High Bank.
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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful nursery. Our little girl goes here and has done since September. I was so anxious about her starting, especially as she was funny with taking a bottle, but they have been amazing at adapting things for my little girl and at easing my worries as well.
I haven't had a single problem
or concern with anything that they do; the staff are lovely, and they are like a little family, which makes the environment that little bit more special.
When we drop our little girl off, she literally has the biggest grin on her face and can't wait to see the wonderful staff there. Would definitely recommend this nursery.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankThank you so much for this lovely review of the nursery; we are delighted you are so happy with High Bank.
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Review from Hayley K (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a lovely nursery. My little boy absolutely loves coming here and I love seeing all his adventures on the app and social media. When I pick him up he has the biggest smile on his face and goes round giving the practitioners big hugs before he leaves, he even says in the car on the way home 'no home,
nursery mama'.
Fantastic nursery would highly recommend.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankHi Hayley, what an amazing review, thank you we really appreciate it.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been at the nursery for almost a year. They have catered well to her special dietary requirements and medical needs and as I have updated any changes, these have been implemented straight away.
The staff have always been friendly and passed on any information at the door when dropping
off or collecting my daughter, along with messages on the app and email.
When I have had any concerns, I have been able to speak to staff and managers (who are always accessible through email) and my concerns have been sorted promptly.
I would recommend this nursery to all my family and friends and I’m looking forward to the rest of the time that my little girl attends High Bank.
Keep up the fantastic work and thank you for all you do.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankThank you for the lovely review! Much appreciated.
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
One of a kind outdoor space on a working farm, which is utilised to maximum potential. The children are encouraged to learn by playing and exploring, and even get to help feed the animals and collect eggs sometimes. The staff have really genuine connections with the children and my son is always talking
about his 2 favourite practitioners at home. I like that their social media page is always being updated with photos and updates of what they are up to and it’s nice to be able to read the bios of the staff who look after my child on the nurseries website. Staff always take the time to talk to me about my child when I drop him off and collect as well. 5 stars probably aren’t enough but it’s the best I can give.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankThank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.
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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
High Bank Nursery is a wonderful nursery, my two children absolutely love attending the nursery.
The nursery has many different activities which they both thoroughly enjoy.
The staff are brilliant and really care for each child's individual needs.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankThank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.
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Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at High Bank in January this year and it was the only nursery I would consider for her after my son had such a fantastic time there a few years ago.
My daughter has settled into the routine so quickly and I can see how happy, contented and fulfilled she is by the way she excitedly
greets the team when she arrives. Her confidence and motor skills have developed greatly in a short space of time thanks to the attention of the team and the lovely safe environment. Knowing that she is being looked after by such a kind, compassionate and skilled team in a fun, safe and stimulating environment is a huge comfort. I would and have recommended High Bank to anyone considering nursery care for their child.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankThank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.
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Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended High Bank Nursery - Darlington since the age of 9 months old and is now in Preschool and is due to start School in September 2022.
Every single staff member at High Bank has been an important part of her development. She’s received so much love and learning from the staff
that she can’t wait to be dropped off and asks me not to come early as she likes to stay as long as she can each day!
High Bank have helped with every stage, from walking to potty training to gross motor skills with all the outdoor education and play to helping her already now at just turned 4 being able to write her name and many other family names confidently! She knows many phonic sounds and shapes and cannot wait to learn to read.
As a parent myself who works in education, we couldn’t have asked for a better start for our little girl! It will be a sad day when she leaves to start school.
I would highly recommend High Bank Nursery.
Reply from Zara Watkinson at Kids Planet High BankThank you for the lovely review, Much appreciated!
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Current Review Score: 9.0 (9.032)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (9.032) out of 10 for Kids Planet High Bank 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.1 out of 5 from 10 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 4.925 for Kids Planet High Bank is calculated as follows: ( (111 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.925
  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 4.107 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids Planet High Bank is based on 10 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 = 3.75
    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 140 number of registered child places is 28. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 28 = 0.357
  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 (13)

Meet the Team (1)

Katie

Katie England

Job Title: Nursery Manager

I have over 10 years’ experience in early years, which covers all age groups 0-5 years. I am a level 3 childcare educator and a level 5 in Leadership and Management, specialising in childcare education. I am passionate about outdoor learning and environments to support children's mental health and well-being.


My role as the manager is to support and inspire the staff, families, and children to settle and flourish in a loving and exciting environment, building strong bonds, imagination, and curiosity through learning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kids Planet High Bank

What is the Age Range of Children that Kids Planet High Bank accepts?

Kids Planet High Bank accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids Planet High Bank Open?

Kids Planet High Bank 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 Planet High Bank have capacity for?

Kids Planet High Bank has capacity for a total of 140 Children.

How far is Kids Planet High Bank to the centre of Darlington?

2.3 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 High Bank to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Kids Planet High Bank has an Enhanced Service - more info.