Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Cunningham Building, Macaulay Drive, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QW
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10 85 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool, Aberdeen
Discover, play, and grow at a nursery in rural Airyhall near Aberdeen.

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool, located in a very quiet area of Airyhall, has been carefully designed to support your child’s education and development, from 3 months to 5 years.

The nursery in Airyhall, Craigiebuckler is conveniently located with excellent transport links to the Aberdeen city centre. It has its own car park and is within walking distance of Airyhall Primary School.

The nursery offers a warm, welcoming environment supporting the transition from home to nursery, and excellent nutritionally-balanced menus using fresh ingredients prepared by the chef. The nursery is located in the grounds of The James Hutton Institute, which is surrounded by woodlands for children to explore.

With access to three separate gardens, your child will have daily access to their very own secret garden, duck pond and vegetable plot. The team loves encouraging children to explore all of their favourite extracurricular activities and this abundance of outdoor space gives them room to learn, play and develop their love of the outdoors.

In addition, they practise a Growing Enhancement programme unique to Bright Horizons, further giving your child the inspiration and confidence to explore subjects such as mathematics, art, reading and writing well ahead of their journey into school.

The experienced team would love to meet you and your family. Book a visit today and they will show you everything the nursery has to offer during your own personal tour.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Caroline (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 108

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

  • Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 1st & 2nd January

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (85)

10

Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10, based on 41 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool has 85 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
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Total of 85, showing 21-40
Review from Matthew C (Father of Child) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has recently transitioned to the two's room and he has settled well with peers new and old. We are delighted that the transition was so smooth.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
We are delighted to receive your positive feedback, and we're thrilled to hear your son is thriving at our nursery.
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Review from F S (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found First Class Nursery to be excellent. I was initially nervous about my son joining nursery but I have found the transition really pleasant. The team have been very supportive of both us parents but especially our child. Since starting nursery his confidence has risen. We could not be happier
with our experience so far. The staff are amazing and we are so grateful to how caring they are.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that your son's transition into nursery has been such a positive experience. It's wonderful to know his confidence is growing and that…read more
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Review from Abbie D (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has come on leaps and bounds in a short time since joining the nursery, always seems happy and enjoying trying different foods.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your 5-star review and for sharing your positive feedback with us!
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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall very positive. The staff are great and always welcome us with a warm smile. My daughter has grown in confidence over the past 6 months. She also loves the food!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear that your daughter has grown in confidence and enjoys the food.
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Review from M D (Father of Child) published on 13 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at first class have been excellent in making sure our daughter has settled in well at nursery. Their care, attention, and the breadth of activities they provide has hugely helped her development. The quality and variety of food provided is wonderful. I would not hesitate to recommend first
class to any parent.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind review! We're so happy to hear that your daughter has settled in well and is thriving with the care, activities, and food provided. Thank you for your recommendation.
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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery, staff are fantastic and my son loves it. Plenty of activities and fabulous outdoor space. The children do lots out in the community and is great.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from Armand L (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The preschool team are great at making the kids feel welcome and safe. They spend quality time with each child, teaching important lessons and skills which shine through in our daughter. The team are professional caring and a pleasure to work with.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your 5-star review and for sharing your positive feedback with us!
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Review from Gillian M (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First class is a wonderful nurturing place for my son. There has always been excellent communication between staff and myself regarding all aspects of my son's development. Fully recommend this nursery to all.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you so much for your positive feedback! Thank you for recommending us!
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Review from S U (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is very happy at Nursery. The staff are all really supportive and caring towards him, which is so reassuring for me as his mum. He gets to take part in a range of activities, including in the local community which is fantastic.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your 5-star review and positive feedback; we truly appreciate your kind words about the team.
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Review from Laura B (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves coming into nursery to play with his friends. The nursery staff are very caring and provide very immersive and educational environment. The nursery MGR is excellent and always resolves any issues.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
We are delighted to receive your positive feedback, and we're thrilled to hear your son is thriving at our nursery.
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Review from Jon H (Father of Child) published on 22 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can not fault the staff and facilities. Kids development is key and with the encouragement of the staff. Kids are truly happy and the fully skills for school.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from Caroline F (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bright Horizon First Class has been brilliant for my daughter starting nursery. They are always so helpful and will answer any questions. It has been a transition, settling in but slowly getting easier at drop off. Thank you especially to her key worker who has really helped.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad your daughter is settling in and that her key worker has been a great support. The team are always here to help!
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Review from Jennifer T (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is a truly wonderful nursery. We have two children at the nursery with the intention of sending our third child. It is a very caring and nurturing environment for the children. We are so impressed with all the activities the children get to take
part in and love hearing about the kids day at dinner time. The staff always go above and beyond and are so loving towards the children. Thank you for being such a wonderful, fun environment.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad your children are thriving and enjoying the nurturing environment and activities. Your support means the world to us and we look forward to welcoming your…read more
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Review from M R (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has settled in very well. Our experience has been excellent so far. My child loves all his teachers and key worker's support in my child's learning journey is fantastic. Thank you so much!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from Justyna S (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely superb! My son goes to nursery with a big smile on his face.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your review. We are delighted to receive your positive feedback, and we're thrilled to hear your son is thriving at our nursery.
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Review from Elias O (Father of Child) published on 2 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone at the 2s room is excellent. You can see they really care about the kids. Our son loves coming to the nursery. 100% recommended and thanks everyone at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that your son loves coming to the 2s room and that you appreciate the care our team provides. Thank you for your recommendation.
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Review from Andrea S (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and attention given to our child from age 9 months has been exceptional. The nursery staff have gone above and beyond in the education and early learning of our child. The communication has been excellent, and the use of the app has been amazing - especially when booking holidays and finding
out meals for the day.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you're pleased with the care and attention your child has received. It's great to know that the communication and app features have been…read more
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Review from R A (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After 4 and a half years of being at First Class, we are so sad our son won't be there anymore. He has come on so much since starting there. Every member of staff has shown so much love and compassion to him and everyone has really put in a lot of work to help him grow and learn. They have made him
who he is today. We have loved everything about the nursery, especially the outdoor fun and games they have, the new areas and the fantastic new experiences with helping in the kitchen. The food the kids receive is amazing and has helped with trying new foods. We are very proud to be a part of the First Class family.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear how much your son has grown and enjoyed his time with us. It's wonderful to know that our staff and activities have made a positive impact. We'll…read more
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Review from S M (Father of Child) published on 5 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has enjoyed her time and always looks forward to going to nursery.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for leaving us such a lovely five star review.
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Review from Suzanne M (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled into nursery so well and I put that down to the staff being so attentive and caring.
He has so much fun at nursery with all of the fun activities and we see that from the photos that we see.
The room is always full of happy children and staff who clearly enjoy their job.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.974)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10 for Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 41 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 41 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 4.974 for Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (479 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 492 Ratings = 4.974
  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 Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 41 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 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 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 108 number of registered child places is 21.6, which has been reached with 41 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 (4)

Meet the Team (3)

Caroline

Caroline

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Caroline has been the nursery manager since 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to her role. She completed her Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice Level 9, reflecting her commitment to excellence in the field.


As a dedicated mother of two, Caroline’s life outside of work is vibrant and dynamic, often filled with the joys and challenges of family life. Her enthusiasm for mentoring, coaching, and developing a team is evident in her approach to leadership. She thrives on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, where both staff and children can flourish.


Caroline eagerly anticipates the opportunity to work with the exceptional First Class staff and is excited to contribute her expertise and passion for nurturing growth and development. Her dedication to creating an enriching and stimulating environment ensures that the nursery remains a place where both children and staff thrive.

Amber

Amber

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager

Amber has worked in the childcare sector for over eight years. She has taken on various roles, and she is currently the Deputy Manager at First Class Nursery. Having earned her SVQ qualification she is now working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Practice.


Passionate about promoting inclusivity and ensuring every child feels a sense of belonging, she loves supporting the team in creating welcoming and stimulating environments. Filled with loose parts and natural, authentic play materials that encourage children’s curiosity and exploration.


In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with her family.

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Kim

Job Title: Curriculum Lead

Kim has over 15 years of commitment to the childcare sector. Experienced in various roles, including Room Leader and Nursery Manager. She completed the PDA Level 9 in Childhood Practice qualification and works alongside her team to provide meaningful experiences, promote a culture of learning among colleagues, and enhance the service.


With a passion for creating stimulating and inviting environments to support the children’s learning and interests, she enables them to reach their full potential.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool has an Enhanced Service - more info.