Kids 1st Hexham

Maidens Walk, Hexham NE46 1DR
Review Us
9.9 82 Reviews
  • Kids 1st Hexham, Hexham
Kids 1st Hexham is located behind Hexham General Hospital and provides care for children who are encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of play resources and group activities for the early years.

The staff focus on the children's physical and mental development, as well as protecting the general health, hygiene and nutrition of children, who they respect as developing individuals. The nursery has its own music room, a creative studio and a soft play area, with family events also regular occurrences.

Funding & Fees

Fees are available on the Busy Bees website

Contact Kids 1st Hexham to get a personalised quote.

Contact Kids 1st Hexham to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Eleanor Borrowdale (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 110

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
9.9

Kids 1st Hexham has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.919) out of 10, based on 30 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Kids 1st Hexham has 82 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Kids 1st Hexham
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Total of 82, showing 21-40
Review from Helen W (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my sons have attended here since 11 months old. My eldest has left to go to school but I couldn't fault how well he has developed through going to this nursery right through to school. My youngest is still at the nursery and I can see how much he is thriving. He loves the staff, the food and
all of the activities. The staff go above and beyond for him and there is a good handover when I pick him up. The staff are caring, fun and my son is always excited to see them. The outdoor space is great for all the children and the separate rooms help them develop in their own time. Overall I am so pleased I brought both my children to this nursery as it sets them up for school life in a brilliant environment! I would highly recommend it.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st HexhamThank you I want to thank you for your excellent review. Handovers are important and an important part of the day.
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Kids 1st Nursery is brilliant my son has been coming to this nursery from being 8 months old, and absolutely loves it. He settled in very well and I felt comfortable leaving him there. He has moved up through 3 rooms and has thoroughly enjoyed each room. He usually goes into nursery without a problem
which is lovely to see. All of the staff are amazing and I know that my child is safe when left here. Overall, I am very happy that I picked this nursery for my child to go to and if I have any more children this nursery will be my first choice without a doubt.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st HexhamThank you for this review. I am pleased you chose Kids 1st Hexham to care for your son.
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Review from Beverley S (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are so friendly, my little girl has been going since she was 8 months old and loves it.
The toys are fab, I think my daughter loves song time the best as she comes home and does the actions. Her development has improved and I believe it's because of everything she learns from nursery.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st Hexhamthank you she does enjoy her time at kids 1st. we enjoy song time at nursery a great way to develop language skills
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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been with Kids 1st Hexham since June 2021 with all three of our kids. They have all been extremely happy and settled there. The staff are warm and friendly and are able to tell my identical twins apart. They treat them as individuals which has always been a priority for us. The focus on outdoor
play and the amazing outdoor space available to all the kids at the nursery is what makes it such a special place. The kids have so much fun while learning and doing loads of different activities every day. We get to see what they have been up to through regular updates which makes us feel confident in the staff. We have been really happy with Kids 1st.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st HexhamThank you the girls have their own individual personalities.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Kids 1st Nursery is a child-centred practice. They use open discussion with parents to initiate the child's routine and focus on using the EYFS to meet the child's educational needs. The family and child's personal interests are taken into consideration when planning activities and they ensure that
the children have knowledge of the diverse world around us. An app is used to update parents throughout the day and also includes snapshots of their development. Children are separated into different age rooms so that their development stage is a main focus. There is also outside areas for the children. Parent and child sessions are planned so you can see how the nursery functions. Each child has a key worker who supports their learning and gives feedback to the parents. An NHS-approved menu is included for the children so can guarantee a healthy and nutritious diet. The site has easy accessibility with a car park. Top-rated nursery.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st HexhamThank you for this review. It will benefit prospective Parents.
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Review from A M (Father of Child) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I just want to say how absolutely amazing Kids 1st nursery is! If I could give more than 5 * I would and highly recommend to anyone who has little ones. My son previously attended before starting school and had the best time and now my daughter attends and has since April 2024. The staff are absolutely
amazing, they provide some fabulous, stimulating activities to help my daughter thrive and meet her milestones as well as providing feedback all about her day so it feels as if I am right there with her. They offer recommendations of learning at home so we can get involved with her progress too which is absolutely amazing. The rooms are always set up so well and I just know she has a lovely day when she attends. The staff always make such an effort at drop off and pick ups and the bonds they have with the children from day one are always shown. If anyone is out there looking for childcare don't hesitate to contact this nursery. You won't regret it. Amazing, amazing, amazing!
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st HexhamThank you for this amazing review. It is lovely for the staff to see they all do an excellent job.
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Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children have a great time at kids first in Hexham. They're always learning, have great relationships with the staff there, who obviously care for the children, and the management is often flexible with fitting in extra days for us when needed.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st HexhamThank you for your review. It is lovely to see how your children have progressed during their time at Kids 1st.
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Review from S W (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has been at nursery for two years and he is a lot more confident since starting. The staff are very engaging and my son mostly has a good time. He enjoys his meals, spending time in the mud kitchen and reading stories. He was more settled once staff became more consistent as he did have five
key works which was unsettling for him. Also staff great with him being involved with SEN.
Reply from Eleanor Borrowdale, Centre Director at Kids 1st Hexhamthank you we do treat all children as individual and at kids 1st we have two SEN leads to support children with their learning
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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff warm and welcoming.
Child very happy there.
Range of activities.
Lots of outdoor play.
Photos shared.
Variety of food.
The graduation ceremony was enjoyed by all, a nice opportunity to say goodbye.
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Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my son turned nine months old, he began his childcare journey at a different local nursery. I had reservations regarding the level of care and the environment there, which prompted me to move him to Kids 1st in Hexham.
I was worried about how he would cope with a big change like this, but he's
thrived since being at Kids 1st (almost seven months now). Each morning, his eagerness to be dropped off is a testament to the nurturing and stimulating environment provided there. The commitment and warmth exhibited by everyone at the nursery, from the centre director and managers to the key workers and even the nursery chef, has been wonderful. Their professionalism, coupled with a genuine care for my son's well-being and development, has been evident in every interaction.
I'm so pleased I decided to move him, and I'm very happy to recommend Kids 1st to other parents looking for an exceptional nursery setting for their child.
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Review from B W (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children attend Kids 1st Hexham and they go in smiling every day. My eldest talks fondly about all the staff and my youngest flaps her hands excitedly when we say she is going to nursery. They do a lovely range of activities for both of them and the staff are always very positive and welcoming.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Kids 1st HexhamHello, Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Hexham nursery. Best wishes, Kids 1st
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Review from P G (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Kids 1st Hexham nursery is an excellent nursery. My daughter is very happy going to this nursery. Staff member is very good and caring. The nursery has a beautiful garden. When kids want to go they can go and play. Each member is so helpful. A lot of confidence in my daughter. She learns to speak
in English. She has made many friends. This nursery is very neat and clean. Good parking area. I am very happy to send my daughter to this nursery.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Kids 1st HexhamHello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Kids 1st
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Review from Kayley H (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery! All staff members are very friendly and look out for your little one! Can't thank them enough for making me feel so settled at work after having my first little one! Daily updates on how they are doing at nursery is a great thing, makes you feel so much more relaxed knowing they are
having fun in safe hands!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Kids 1st HexhamHello, We love reading feedback like this! Thank you for sharing it with us; we will pass on your lovely comments to the team at Hexham. Best wishes, Kids 1st.
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Review from P P (Father of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All members of staff are extremely friendly and great with my daughter. They were also fantastic with my eldest, who also attended the nursery. My daughter has been here since 2017, till present, and has always enjoyed her time there. Absolutely fantastic nursery from the manager to all the staff.
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Review from Rachel T (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely nursery setting! Our daughter has been very happy and settled in the nursery and loves going! They have an extensive outdoor area and are always doing different activities each day. Staff are always friendly and helpful.
The new app that the nursery has enables us to see what our child has
been doing each day, including photos and assessments. The assessments are accurate and give next steps for our child’s development.
There is always a variety of food offered.
I would recommend this nursery to all families in the Hexham area.
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Review from Amanda W (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended since 11 months old and is now 4. I am happy with all stages of his development at the nursery. Staff are knowledgeable and form great bonds with the children. The nursery opening times are perfect for me as a working mum and I don't have to find childcare during school holidays.
My
son enjoys the food and garden the most.
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Review from Kelly M (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After lockdown our little boy was shy and suffered terrible separation anxiety. It took 6 weeks of him going twice a week, and he suddenly went from clinging to me for dear life, to "bye bye Mummy" and marching off on his own. I put this down to the wonderful staff who clearly made him feel loved and
safe whilst with them. I can't recommend the place enough, they did wonders with our eldest too, who left for school in the September intake.
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Review from Elisa D (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Over the past 11 years, I have used Kids 1st in Hexham because of the professional and individualised approach the staff have. My youngest son has been at Hexham nursery for the past 2 years and is really happy. Staff are always really welcoming, they have cared for my son as I would at home, things
such as toilet training, being kind, playing outside, eating freshly made healthy food, teaching boundaries have all been fully supported by staff. I would always recommend this nursery.
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Review from Rachel S (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t recommend Kids 1st Hexham enough. Both my sons have attended since they were 16 months and they have both loved every second of it! All of the staff are so friendly and amazing with the kids!
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Review from Stephanie S (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery. My daughter has been attending since she was 8 months old and her speech and confidence has grown. She has made a lot of friends and has a good relationship with the staff. They learn something new every day and I love that they play outside in the fresh air every day which
I think is extremely important. Staff are approachable and treat children as individuals. I feel lucky to have the wonderful staff looking after and helping raise my daughter. Standards of the nursery are high and the facilities are great.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.919)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.919) out of 10 for Kids 1st Hexham 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 30 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 30 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 4.919 for Kids 1st Hexham is calculated as follows: ( (330 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 359 Ratings = 4.919
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids 1st Hexham is based on 30 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 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    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 110 number of registered child places is 22, which has been reached with 30 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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 (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Eleanor

Eleanor Borrowdale

Job Title: Centre Director

My name is Eleanor Borrowdale I have worked in childcare all my adult life. I Qualified as a level 3 (NNEB) and then completed a degree in Childcare studies.


I have worked at Kids1st Hexham since May 22 and I have enjoyed developing rooms and promoting curiosity play and natural resources. I am a SENCO and enjoy working with outside agencies to ensure all children reach their full potential.


I am proud of the success I have achieved over the last few years, and I hope to continue with this in the future.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Kids 1st Hexham to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Kids 1st Hexham has an Enhanced Service - more info.