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
  • 89
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Date Published
  • 90
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  • 10
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Reviewer Connection to Kids Planet High Bank
  • 85
  • 4
  • 1
Total of 90, showing 61-80
Review from Carrianne G (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has just left to go to school after being cared for by the amazing ladies at this nursery. To say we were heartbroken when she left is an understatement. The care, attention, love and 1 2 1 time they gave her is like no other nursery could provide. The outdoor space and interaction with
the animals are absolutely amazing. We can’t rate this nursery highly enough and will also never be able to thank the staff enough for preparing our daughter for school.
Thank you
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Review from Bethany A (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery, my daughter loves coming here. They are caring and very accommodating, they’ve made education fun, meaning that my daughter is learning every day and not even realising it.
All of the staff there are amazing, thank you.
Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High BankThank you for your lovely feedback Bethany.
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Review from Georgina D (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery for 9 months and has come on leaps and bounds. The staff are very professional, helpful and friendly. My daughter loves all the activities they provide. You also cannot beat the setting, a working farm!
I also believe the fresh food that’s made on a daily
basis is fantastic.
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Review from Lisa F (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter attends 3 days per week at High Bank and we are over the moon with how well she has settled there and the care she receives. This is thanks to the wonderful staff in the rooms who are so warm, caring and confident with the children. At every drop-off and pick up, I can see that my daughter
feels cared for and safe. Yes, the farm setting and the activities are all excellent but truly it is the ladies in this nursery who are caring for my child who make the biggest difference to her day. From the moment she arrives, she gets cuddles, giggles, encouragement, play and lots more. They are wonderful and I can't speak more highly of them.
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Review from Amanda B (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are extremely caring, empathetic and nurturing of the children. The facilities are first class and the activities extremely varied and stimulating for the children. My daughter loves High Bank and I recommend them to everyone.
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Review from Fiona D (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Highbank since she was 9 months and she has been in each of the rooms. The environment is lovely and friendly. The activities are varied and linked well to key stages development. These include French, football, and music and movement classes for under threes. The provision
of meals is outstanding compared to other nurseries charging similar prices, plus all the food is locally sourced.


The nursery is based on a working farm and the children are outside at least once a day. There is a fantastic covered outside area that enables the kids to get out even when the weather is bad. They have a fantastic outside park area, animal enclosures the kids visit with chickens, ducks, goats, pigs etc. Plus the Pre-School have recently been running forest school classes which my daughter loves.


We love this nursery and will be sad when our daughter leaves for school, but we are confident that she'll be doing so having been given the best start.

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Review from Sophie K (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending the nursery since he was a baby and is now in pre school, he loves it! The children all get involved in many activities within and outside the nursery setting of which has helped our sons all-round development hugely. A firm favourite of his is helping around the farm, seeing
all the animals and playing in the wonderful park on the setting. I couldn’t recommend a better nursery!
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Review from Gillian M (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. My daughter has been going for a year and she loves it. They do a good range of activities both indoor and outdoor and it's great that extra people come in e.g. music man, French tutor.
The outdoor farm area is fab and I like the emphasis the nursery places on outdoor activities.
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Review from Laura T (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
High Bank is a great nursery. My son started here in July last year and he absolutely loves it. The staff at the nursery are brilliant they are so enthusiastic and caring towards the children. The facilities, especially the outside area which my son loves are great. We couldn’t be happier that we chose
High Bank for our son. We can go to work knowing he is happy and well looked after, which is a great feeling!
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband and I knew we wanted to send our children to High Bank even before we were pregnant and now my twins have been at High Bank for over a year now since they were 6 months old. The staff have looked after our girls excellently and they are thriving in so many ways. There is a lovely warm and
friendly atmosphere within the nursery and my girls always come home happy and very well fed. I am sure the food I cook at home is nowhere near as nice as the food they get at High Bank.


The nursery is always consulting with parents about plans they are making, changes to menus and ways to improve. They send out weekly email updates with an overview of the week and I find this so helpful in keeping in the know with what is going on.


I can't recommend this Nursery enough for all they have done for our girls and the support and guidance that they have provided to my Husband and I. It really is an outstanding nursery.

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Review from Lindsey S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fabulous nursery. I have had both children pass through from the baby room and love the emphasis on the outdoors and the farm just outside. I have always felt very secure leaving my children there and they always leave happy.
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Review from Pippa B (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery for just over a year and she and I love everything about it, from the wonderful staff to the wonderful farm and park area. I only wish you had a primary school attached.
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Review from E D (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Highbank Nursery is very welcoming and the staff in the Little Lambs Room were very loving and gentle. Our twins are now in Tweenies and are more active, coming home with artwork or baked items they have made. Neither looks back when walking into the nursery at the start of the day so they obviously
enjoy themselves. There has been a recent change in menu and a focus on healthy eating which we like, we are trying to instil these habits in our children from a young age. The nursery has fantastic outdoor areas for activities and makes an effort to get the children outside. We have been very impressed with the care provided when one of our children was unwell. I would have no hesitation in recommending this nursery to friends or family as it was a hard decision to start nursery without feeling a little bit of 'mummy guilt'. Knowing that they enjoy nursery, eat well, nap well makes it worthwhile.
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Review from Jane P (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The perfect nursery based on a working farm. The children have their own mini farm and collect eggs. There is bird watching and forest skills. I once arrived to see wild rabbits hopping around while the children played in the garden. Mary Poppins would feel at home.


The only down side is that my

child will have to leave in September to start school.
The lunches look very appetising, even for a 3 year old who mainly eats very little.
Super staff. 10/10
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Review from Ruth T (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending High Bank for just over 3 years and there has never been a day that he has come home and not enjoyed himself.
He thoroughly enjoys all the activities and knows what happens on each day of the week. He loves all the staff as do I and my husband. They are so friendly and make
you feel so comfortable. The social skills and learning development my son has received is second to none and it's all done via fun.


The outside part of the nursery is (for us) the selling point: fresh air, exercise, animals, growing fruit and veg.
All the meals he receives are homemade and fresh. He learns what is in his food even involved in making it. The weekly menu allows him to eat better than we do haha.
I shall be sending my second child to High Bank very soon and I have no doubt that they will enjoy it as much as my first. I have no concerns over sending my baby into the capable hands of the staff at High Bank.
High Bank staff really are like extended family.

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Review from Victoria D (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Public sector working + shifts = childcare nightmare. Not at High Bank, the ability to manage shifts on a monthly basis is amazing. My child has a bucketful of confidence and character, lovely manners (most of the time!) eats anything offered and can interact lovely with all ages. I put this down to
the excellent laid back environment that High Bank creates for children to develop.
Every day brings a specific activity which means he has something to look forward to and 'mess' is something actively encouraged. Meaning I don't need as much at home! I love the fact they can get properly dirty playing in soil as pretend farmers, planting veg like an allotment and painting anything and everything. The outdoor areas provide an area for all seasons regardless of the brilliant British weather.
I am always kept up to date with my child's health and even if the phone call doesn't need any parent action its great to be informed.


I would recommend High Bank to anyone and everyone!

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Review from Kim H (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We find High Bank Nursery to be excellent. Both of our children have attended since babies and thrived in the safe and friendly environment created there. Staff are professional, welcoming and knowledgeable about the different stages of your child's development. The nursery is well led and the management
is always keen to communicate and solve any issues that may arise. Staff foster excellent relationships with the children and this show in the happy and vibrant atmosphere. Our children love the extensive outdoor play areas and the opportunities that they get to experience creative outdoor play, all year round. This, coupled with the location on a working farm ensures a stimulating environment. There are always various enrichment activities on offer such as; gardening club, sports, French club and recently the lending library, which our daughter loves! The food is freshly cooked, nutritious and varied. I have highly recommended this nursery in the past and will continue to do so.
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Review from Barbra B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been there for two years and she loves it.
Never had a problem and nothing is too much trouble.
Girls in the rooms are fabulous and the extra activities are amazing. They have a football coach, French teacher and gardening club.
Outdoor space is one of the reasons I loved
it so much and I like the fact that the children can play out in all weathers due to the covered area.
Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High BankThanks Barbara, that's really nice of you.
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Review from Nicola M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery, lots of focus on outdoor learning which is what my son really enjoys. He loves the football coach coming in and the gardening sessions with the gardener. He is developing skills rapidly and has great relationships with all the staff including the manager and the owners.
Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High BankThanks for taking the time to leave such a nice review Nicola.
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Review from Tom C (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
High Bank is simply outstanding, the staff are all excellent and the environment they provide is second to none. My daughter loves attending and is nurtured and encouraged every step of the way. After all, who wouldn't want to go to school on working farm!
Reply from Hayley Grainger at Kids Planet High BankThanks Tom, that's nice of you to take the time to leave a review.
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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.

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.