Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool

Cunningham Building, Macaulay Drive, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QW
Review Us
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.
Show Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool on the Map

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
  • 66
  • 16
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
Date Published
  • 85
  • 19
  • 31
  • 41
  • 44
Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons First Class Day Nursery and Preschool
  • 62
  • 23
Total of 85, showing 61-80
Review from Mark R (Father of Child) published on 16 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are always very friendly and excellent with the children. The facilities are excellent and the range of activities superb. Our children always have a brilliant time and get a good rest when they need it too. Very happy with the nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Qian S (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has a really good time here in the nursery. The staff are very patient and helpful when she was not used to the change so nursery time. Her English improved a lot with the help of nursery teachers as well.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Charlotte S (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended this nursery for just over 1 year and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a nursery in Aberdeen. It is in a nice quiet part of town which I personally liked as there is a car park with no busy street close by. The staff make this nursery very special as they are all
so attentive and friendly. They do so many activities with the children relating to the time of year or special celebratory dates - arts and crafts, dancing, role play, etc. My son's confidence grew so much during the year he attended First Class. We only left due to a move abroad, all the office staff were so supportive with our changing plans. My son and the staff who looked after him were so sad when he left and they made him a special good-bye card which was very sweet.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M M (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Great staff but the building and outdoor space really let this place down. Have made suggestions before with no follow up or change. My child often falls off small plastic climbing frame onto tar. Too many children to such as small narrow strip at the rear. Large ground at the front, grass only gets
half cut and children sometimes go on there. Rent the land, gate it off and use it. This really lets the nursery down for me.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at First Class Nursery for 4 months. It took her a couple of months to settle in but now she loves it. It is sometimes hard to prise her away at the end of the day.
The nursery staff are all amazing especially when my daughter struggled to settle in at the beginning.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E F (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter is new in the nursery but settling well. The staff in her room are friendly and helpful.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kim (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been in the baby section of First Class for a few months now, attending 2 days a week. She took a while to settle in but the staff were very attentive and caring during the transition.


The environment is great and allows the kids to explore with all toys and learning aids at easy

access height for them. They carry out a wide range of activities for the children to participate in and get outside often which is great. My daughter loves the slide!


I feel my daughter has come on really well during her time at the nursery. Is confident with her own cutlery, sings all day long and her words and speaking coming on well.


All food is provided and cooked on site which would be great if my daughter was not so fussy. Second option doesn't always suit either so sometimes she comes home very hungry.


Overall, a great nursery which my daughter enjoys.

  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
First Class is a good nursery with caring staff that provide a safe environment for children. They have their own chef and the food provided is of a good standard. They have good communication with parents.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 22 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
First Class Nursery takes great care of my toddler. Our child is enjoying it a lot and seems very happy. My partner and I feel comfortable that our child is being cared for and being supported in developing necessary skills etc. The only thing that could maybe improve is the amount of time spent outdoors
during the day. Also, the outside space is a bit small (but not smaller than most nurseries I guess).
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 14 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are very happy with the service provided by First Class Nursery. Our child has settled in well and the staff are very caring and competent. The children do a wide variety of activities, painting, drawing, dancing, baking, playing with water and sand. The children go out most days for fresh air which
is good. I would have no hesitation in recommending.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Shifu C (Father of Child) published on 14 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter is very happy at nursery with the variety of activities during the day, We were very impressed with the colourful painting displayed around the classroom. It showed the progress of the children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at First Class Nursery for 3 years and I cannot praise the nursery highly enough. The staff are friendly and approachable and provide excellent care. The nursery always seeks to involve parents/carers in their child's learning and there is a fantastic range of activities for the children
to engage in. There is a varied healthy menu in place which the children and parents/carers have an input in. I would highly recommend First Class Nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Since my son has started at the nursery, he has built up really good bonds with the staff in the baby room. Only disappointment is, that there has been a large turn around in staff within the last few months. Despite this, my son still really enjoys his nursery days and the quarterly reviews are great
for us to make suggestions regarding next stages of learning, and find out what he has been up to lately ie has he started to do something which we have missed/projects etc.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ian G (Father of Child) published on 13 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have found First Class to be an excellent nursery for our son. He enjoys his nursery days and has a good mix of learning and play. The staff are excellent.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nicola S (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The space, staff and resources in the baby room are ideal. My daughter seemed to make strong bonds with the staff there and enjoyed her time playing with the variety of toys.
I find since moving through to the toddler room, space is cramped and it is very noisy with lots of older children-this is a
lot for a 2-year-old to cope with.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Katy M (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After many months of looking for daycare for my son, I ended up picking this one and I am so pleased with my choice.
The nursery went through a change of management team after my son started the nursery BUT the staff are as nice, caring, and welcoming as the previous team. The nursery is quite big
with a nice garden, it has lots of light and is very clean. They have a very busy schedule through the week, from music, PE, cooking and baking to playing in the garden and visiting the nearby library and playgrounds. My son absolutely loves it and can't wait to go back to school (as he says ;)) on Mondays. Highly recommend it!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Natalie L (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I think the staff are very friendly and caring, they provide a good standard of care. There are also good activities to engage the children's in throughout the day. I am happy with my child's development and support staff have given her.
  • 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 27 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Outstanding nursery. I have two children there. They love the first class nursery and are very settled there. Staff members have been very helpful through and through. My son will really miss everyone when he starts primary school next month. They have really been helpful with the transition process.
I highly recommend this nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kylie (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has been going to First Class Nursery baby side since January and he absolutely loves it. At first, we had a few minor concerns but since the staff change, we cannot fault it. He absolutely loves his key worker and I could not ask for anyone better. She is so enthusiastic and immediately tells
my partner and I all the details of his day regarding food, naps, activities without us having to pry the information from her. Both her and the management are very approachable and I feel at ease leaving my baby in their care. He often puts his arms out to them when he sees them which is an excellent sign as he always does that to people he truly loves.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Paige I (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended First Class Nursery for almost 4 years. I can honestly say, it has been amazing from start to finish.
The staff are attentive, caring, and put their all into caring for the children and making their days as fun-filled as possible. There were days when I would go to pick my
daughter up, and she would cry as she wouldn't want to leave!
The curriculum that they follow is outstanding. The in-depth knowledge gained in various areas from doing projects on an assortment of topics has been fantastic.
The nursery itself is clean, spacious, and has a wide variety of toys for the children to play with. It is safe, secure and enclosed.
The children are fed nutritious, varied meals every day. They are home cooked and full of flavour.
I would recommend this nursery to anyone. Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter for all of these years, and we will miss you all when she goes to school!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

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.

No image found

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.