Loading...

Kids Planet High Bank

Cleasby Road, Stapleton, Darlington DL2 2QE
Kids Planet Day Nurseries Logo
Kids Planet High Bank logo
Kids Planet High Bank, Darlington
Kids Planet High Bank, Darlington
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...  

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:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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 (96)

9.4

Kids Planet High Bank has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.408) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Kids Planet High Bank has 96 reviews.

Filter Reviews
Overall Experience
Date Published
Reviewer Connection to Kids Planet High Bank
Loading...
Showing 96 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Hayley K (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 Bank

Hi Hayley, what an amazing review, thank you we really appreciate it.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 Bank

Thank you for the lovely review! Much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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 Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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 Bank

Thank you for the lovely review, Much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Really friendly. Children have lots of opportunities and the food is amazing. The classrooms are suitable. They do a lot outdoors which is great for children. Hours are flexible as well which is always handy

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review! Much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son has attended High Bank Nursery since he was one year old. He’s now two and a half and I continue to say it was the best thing I did for him.
He suffered a brain injury during his birth which has lead to multiple diagnoses/medical conditions the main one being his cerebral palsy which has led to him being tube fed in recent months. When I first started to look into him attending nurseries I expected it to be a draining process and simply put hard work to get him into a mainstream nursery without a fight.
High Bank took him on no problem, nothing is too much for the staff. His medical needs have become more demanding so a 1-1 was put in place who supports him where needed, he thrives best around the other children. The children are as amazing as the adults. They help him, they enjoy pressing the buttons on his machine and take great interest in why he has it and why he mustn’t be treat differently.

I could not recommend the nursery more.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, very much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Natalie J (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little boy loves this nursery. He started just after the first lockdown so he had a big break from social interactions and struggled with meeting new people. However, he settled so quickly here. He made great relationships with the staff straight away (started in Tweenies) and the communication from them was fantastic which really put myself and my husband at ease. Since moving up to toddlers, he has continued to grow in confidence and has developed so much. He always talks about the amazing experiences and things that they do, as well as talking about his friends and staff with such love. Each room he’s been in has had amazing play and experiences that we’ve often had to repeat at home, as well as several requests for a pet pig and goats! I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review, very much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Helen M (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My child absolutely loves going to High Bank. He has great relationships with all staff and the staff are so friendly and caring towards him. The activities provided are very stimulating and engaging for the children. The extra activities provided such as football and sing and sign are great. My child has developed his physical and social skills so much since attending nursery. My child is safe and happy at High Bank and always chats about the great friends he has and activities he has done during the day.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Steph M (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My son and daughter both started at High Bank Nursery - Darlington as babies and are now in the preschool. I chose the nursery based on its unique farm setting, the facilities are amazing and I love how much time the children spend outside. My children love going to nursery, there is always something fun going on. Their development has been aided by a huge variety of activities, Forest School, gardening club and singing and signing tots have been particular favourites! The staff have gone above and beyond in helping my son with his speech which he has struggled with, his key worker spends a lot of time with him and has even made him special games to help with his sounds, which has made a real difference. It is clear to see the hard work that goes into making nursery a wonderful experience for the children. My children are both very happy and settled at High Bank and will be well prepared for the transition to school.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely comments much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Angela O (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My twins have been attending the nursery since June 2020 as babies, and I feel so fortunate I was able to secure a place at 3 weeks notice due to their planned nursery closing due to Covid. Due to continued remote working, High Bank Nursery is now more convenient locally so getting them into this superstar nursery as babies has been fantastic. Their development has been supported largely aided by variety in daily activities and as much outdoor time as the weather allows. They have established strong bonds with the staff in each of the rooms they have progressed through, and go in happy, excited to see staff and their friends.
The menu served by the on-site chef has been great for their diet, and they are experimental with food.
I really look forward to their journey through toddlers and into pre-school before their formal education begins.

The management team are fully integrated and get to know the children and are very professional and attentive.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely review much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Mandy D (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son went to High Bank Nursery - Darlington for 1 year. He always came home a happy boy and even wanted to go in when he didn't need to. They have been so patient with him and he came on so much while he was in their care. He enjoyed the football and french, but his favourite was the music man.

Thank you High Bank team.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review - much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Rebekah (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I have sent both of my children to this nursery and they have both loved it. I frequently recommend High Bank to others, some of whom have subsequently sent their children here.
My eldest daughter only experienced preschool but from start to finish she had the most wonderful experience. The care she received from the staff was second to none and her ‘school-readiness’ was apparent when she did leave to go to school. Her reception teacher actually commented that she could tell which pupils came from High Bank Nursery as they were more than ready to start school and their handwriting and numeracy was excellent.
My second daughter started in the toddler room and, again, she has come on leaps and bounds. She was a late talker but as soon as she started nursery she really opened up and within weeks was beginning to communicate more fluently with us. She loves going to nursery and comes home happy every day.

Beautiful nursery with wonderful staff! Would recommend time and time again!

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review! Much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from L K G (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I pulled my little girl out after attending for one month. She was increasingly upset (she does not react this way at her other nursery). She is potty trained but had a lot of accidents one day she soiled herself four times (I don’t blame them for this) however they did lose all changes of clothes and a jacket. When my little girl came home I asked her about her accidents to which she started yelling yuk, this is not a word we use and was odd for my little girl to use as she is mainly non-verbal using signs. None of the staff ever asked about the signs my little girl used to communicate (many were made up). My little girl did not seem to attach to any staff and I only found out she had a key worker when asking about the app which another parent had told me about. When the deputy rang after I said my little girl was leaving as she was very unhappy as well as other reasons I was just told we think she’s happy but should I take this as your notice, which confirmed for me I had made the right decision

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

We are sorry that you feel your experience at High Bank was not a positive one. The nursery has been operating for 18 years and we pride ourselves on the excellent service we provide and the unique, Ofsted rated outstanding setting we have developed via continuous improvement and investment. This...  

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Wendy C (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little boy is been attending High Bank since he was a baby. Staff have been, and continue to be, fantastic. He is really settled and enjoys going there. He loves the cows and I would say it's great that he has the opportunity to attend a nursery on a farm. I would highly recommend High Bank.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for the lovely review much appreciated. Many thanks, Zara

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Kerri-Leigh C (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little boy has attended this nursery for almost a year and I am delighted with the progress he has made. The staff are fantastic, they are very kind, patient and attentive. One of my favourite things about the nursery is that they take the time to update a parent app throughout the day so that I can see the activities my little boy has taken part in and they include details such as meals and nappy changes. This is so reassuring. The nursery even have a dedicated chef who prepares all the meals with fresh ingredients, sometimes the children help make treats and other things. The range of activities they do is phenomenal. My little boy loves to play outside and they do this almost every day. He regularly tells me about the chickens, the ducks and the pig. It's wonderful.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you very much for your review much appreciated. Many thanks, Zara

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Charlotte K (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My Daughter has been attending High Bank for approximately 6 months. She loves it and always comes home in a good mood and seems really happy.
When she first started we had 2 trial sessions where I left her for very short periods and I found this really helpful for both of us! It meant when she went for the full days she had already met all the staff and wasn't just in a strange building.
There were a few tears the first few mornings, but it's great that you can telephone each room and speak directly with nursery staff to get updates on how your child is doing. She soon settled! Staff really made me feel like I could call as many times as I wanted, which was very reassuring.

I love the app they have; I can see exactly what she has eaten, photos of what she has been up to, and other useful information like nap times, nappy changes, etc. We are very happy with all aspects of the service we receive from High Bank and very grateful to the staff for the care they provide our daughter.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments, Much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My little boy is one year old and started High Bank Nursery in January, he was naturally unsettled initially given lockdown and not really leaving my side for the first year of his life but the staff have been so amazing with him and me. Within a short space of time, he’s gone from crying his eyes out when leaving me to smiling and laughing when he sees the staff. It’s such a relief for me.
The app is fantastic for keeping me updated in the day and is so detailed so that puts my mind at rest, it’s lovely to see the photos they upload of him having fun. I also love how the nursery have their own chef who prepares nutritious healthy meals each day. My son is a huge fan of being outdoors so I knew he would particularly love this nursery as they spend lots of time outdoors on the farm.

I would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments, much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Joanna W (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My youngest daughter is at High Bank Nursery and my oldest left in September to go to school. The staff are lovely and very friendly. Both of my girls have been extremely happy here and love the staff. I chose the nursery due to the great outside space and when I first visited, it really stood out how happy all the children were.
It's great that it is situated on a farm so the children get to see the animals daily and help to collect the eggs from the chickens. I love the activities that are included, like forest school, football, music sessions. I feel that it has really helped my eldest daughter now she is at school when it comes to learning.

It's surprising how much knowledge she has which she has gained from nursery. The nursery have really worked hard to make the environment covid-19 safe, including building extra rooms so the children have more space. I feel reassured that my daughter is as safe as she can be in this current climate. I highly recommend High Bank Nursery.

Reply from Zara Watkinson, at Kids Planet High Bank

Thank you for your lovely comments, much appreciated!

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • Posted: Tuesday 10 Sep 2024We are proud to announce that Kids Planet has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Education & Training 2024 by Great Place To Work UK! This...
Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Kids Planet High Bank.

Awards / Recognitions (14)

Meet the Team (1)

Katie England Job Title: Nursery Manager
Katie England

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.

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.