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Barnwell Daycare

Barnwell Academy, Whitefield Estate, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring DH4 7RT
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Top 20 award
Barnwell Daycare logo
Barnwell Daycare, Houghton le Spring
Barnwell Daycare, Houghton le Spring
Barnwell Daycare, Houghton le Spring

Barnwell Daycare is situated in the Monument Centre at Barnwell Academy and was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in July 2016 and November 2021.





The daycare provision is part of the Academy which is run by the school Governors.





Barnwell Daycare offers high-quality childcare in purpose-built surroundings. They can provide care for babies and children up to five years old.

Funding & Fees

Wraparound care (1 hour extra): £6:00

Late Fee: £6.45

Children are eligible to join the nursery from birth. We accept all childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare.

30 hour funding for working parents is available for parents who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible and apply for the working parents funding you will need to visit the Government website Best Start In Life and apply through your HMRC childcare portal.

15 hour funding for 2 year olds is available for families in receipt of certain benefits.

15 hour universal funding is available to all children 3 and 4 years which starts in the term after their third birthday.

For extra sessions please visit our Daycare Admission and Fees page on our website.

Contact Barnwell Daycare 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

  • Ashley Emmerson (Trust CEO)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 12

Total Places for Children

  • 36

Age Range

  • from 0 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
  • Tuesday 08:00-18:00
  • Wednesday 08:00-18:00
  • Thursday 08:00-18:00
  • Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Parking

  • They have on-site parking.

Barnwell Daycare Reviews (58)

9.9

Barnwell Daycare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.890) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barnwell Daycare has 58 reviews.

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Showing 58 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from P S (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Excellent nursery, the staff and facilities are excellent. We were worried our little boy would have trouble setting in but they made it so easy and he now runs in smiling every time, couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

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Review from Hayley G (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The staff offer sound communication. They take a person-centred approach to my child. He has a key worker, and there is an evident bond between them. The parents are invited to be involved, such as story evenings with snacks.

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Review from D J (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My son went here and now my daughter does. Truly amazing staff and nursery. They are so committed to giving the best care to the children. My daughter is soaring in confidence and in her development. Key workers have all been there for a long time, so the children create the best bonds. The key workers also build a lovely bond with parents, knowing the family.

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Review from Tanya O (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Barnwell Academy has provided outstanding care and support to my little girl, she is a little girl who has Down's syndrome, part of this condition means she is delayed with her development. Since Barnwell staff have spent time with her I have noticed a change in her, her confidence has increased and she has developed some social skills. I believe these results have come about because of Barnwell's approach to the care and support they provide. All members of staff are extremely passionate about what they do. They have taken the time to understand my daughter and bring out the best in her. The relationships they have built with my daughter has enabled her to feel comfortable, learn and develop. Barnwell takes a bespoke approach towards each of the pupils, which is important because we are all different. They take into account where she is at now and at each stage she gets to. This to me means that the staff care.

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Review from Natalie O (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I can’t recommend Barnwell Daycare enough, they are an amazing facility and really care about the children they work with. My son has only been going here since January but the staff already have such a great bond with him.

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Review from Helen P (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Brilliant daycare nursery! My daughter started September 2020 at 2 years old and I’m over the moon with her progress and development. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. I’ve not had any issues at all. As she started daycare during lockdown I’ve not had the experience of watching her play etc but I know she is well looked after and she enjoys it, all round 5 stars!

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Review from Chloe F (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My 8-month-old has settled in so well to Barnwell Daycare. When she is there I know she is getting the best care, best playtime and best food that she could be getting. The staff are wonderful at accommodating needs and preferences and the use of a daily diary and home learning diary means that we know how much fun she is having! Highly recommend!

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Review from Lucie R (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Extremely happy with the services provided by Barnwell Daycare, my little girl loves going to school. The staff are amazing and we are always greeted with a friendly smile. I would recommend to all my friends and family.

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Review from Faye G (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter has attended Barnwell Daycare from 7 months old and I am sad she will be leaving within the next couple of months to begin her journey at school. The Daycare is a wonderful environment and the setting has helped my daughter progress in all areas of her development. I cannot say enough good things about the Daycare itself and most of all, I cannot thank and praise the staff enough for being so accommodating, nurturing, friendly and a huge part of my daughter's life and development. The entire running of the nursery is with the child’s best interests at the forefront of everything they do and I could not have wished for better care for my daughter. Thank you.

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Review from Samantha S (Mother of Child) published on 7 May 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Amazing five star nursery. My child has settled in great and is learning new things all the time. The staff are really friendly and caring towards children's needs. Overall, a great friendly and environment to get your child ready for school.

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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Hands down a 5-star nursery setting who put the children first. My daughter attended as a baby and my son has attended from being 9 months old. He is now 3 and attends 5 afternoons a week using wraparound from Barnwell Daycare's school nursery. They collect him after school nursery and he attends for his lunch and afternoon session. He looks forward to going every day and is always full of smiles when he is collected. The communication is fantastic and we are kept up to date with everything he does. The learning opportunities he is given have enabled him to learn and grow in his own way and I believe this is because the staff are knowledgeable of all their children and aim to cater for all needs. We would highly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for childcare from birth to school age. Thank you for all you have done for our two children girls!

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Review from Jade R (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2019 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Absolutely amazing daycare! All three of my children have gone here and they've come on leaps and bounds! Everyone is so friendly, helpful and approachable, they go out of their way to welcome you and your child. I could not fault this daycare in any shape or form! It is a fantastic place and I would highly highly recommend!

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Review from D C (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I honestly could not be happier with Barnwell Daycare, the have made my son, myself and husband feel so welcome. We absolutely love his little report at the end of each day. Our son is happy and settled and we both feel completely at ease dropping him off each morning. They have also been extremely accommodating when we have asked for extra sessions. Our happiest moment has to be reading our son's journal, it really made us smile looking at what he does each day. Thank you Barnwell.

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Review from Samantha T (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2018 Submitted via Website
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A fantastic daycare! My two year old was very nervous about starting nursery. I cannot fault the staff, they are all extremely good at the jobs and give that personal touch. They are unbelievably organised and I feel very comfortable leaving my child in their hands.

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Review from Catherine D (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son absolutely loves this nursery. He has been going since he turned 1 year old and the staff have been fantastic with him. They keep me up to date with everything he does, his eating, playing, toilet training or any worries they need to tell me about. He has his journal which is lovely to look through on his journey in nursery and some fab pictures too.

I honestly cannot fault this nursery at all and I am so grateful for all their support with my son. Thank you, girls.

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Review from Claire Z (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2018 Submitted via Website
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My child has settled into nursery with the help of the caring staff. I have seen his development progress since starting nursery and he enjoys attending. I would highly recommend the nursery.

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Review from Emma U (Mother of Child) published on 17 September 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Staff are friendly and helpful. They have the childs best interests. My child has learnt alot as the staff take time out to help. I would recommend the daycare to anyone.

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Review from Andrew R (Father of Child) published on 12 September 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son is just about to finish his time at Barnwell Daycare after almost three and a half years, starting when he was 18 months old.
Throughout that time we've never had a single cause for concern and have always been very happy with the quality of care, the regular feedback, and the flexibility at Barnwell Daycare.
It seems a lifetime ago now, but my son initially struggled to settle in the "baby room" for under 2's and the staff were fantastic in helping him adapt, and were always very open, honest and proactive in trying to achieve this.
He soon settled down and has gone from strength to strength and always looks forward to his Daycare days. He's made some great friends, and the impact on his reading, writing, counting and general socialising has always shone through.

Thank you to all the staff and keep up the good work.

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Review from Kar-ren M (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I have children in both baby and 2’s room. I would highly rate and recommend this nursery to anyone. The superb staff go that extra mile, to provide and deliver everything and more, that any child needs whilst in their care. All staff are approachable and both my children are easily at ease and trust them too. Well done Barnwell Daycare and thank you for your continuous hard work!

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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter loves going to daycare, she goes in happy and comes out happy. The staff are brilliant they're friendly, helpful and professional. I like how she has a journal to come home with, so I can see what she's had to eat, if she's had any sleep, what she's been up to and any other things the staff have noted down. It's a lovely clean environment for the kids, there's plenty of activities for them to learn and play. I feel reassured from the minute I drop my child off to picking her up, that's she's in safe and good hands and that's all I can ask for. Barnwell Daycare meets my standards and more.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

  • Recipient: Barnwell DaycareDate: Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
  • Recipient: Barnwell DaycareDate: Monday 31 Mar 2025
  • Recipient: Barnwell DaycareDate: Friday 29 Apr 2022

Meet the Team (13)

Kirsty Harding Job Title: Daycare Leader Joined: 2009
Kirsty Harding
Kirsty holds an Early Years Professional Status and a Degree (BA Hons) in Education & Curriculum Studies.
Kirsty is also the Designated Lead for Safeguarding and the SENCo (Special Needs Co-ordinator) here at Barnwell. She also holds a range of mandatory qualifications such as Paediatric First Aid and Food Safety.

Further areas of training include Leadership and Management; Managing Medication; Autism Spectrum Disorder training; Managing Behaviour and iCan (Communication training)

Ellis Matthews Job Title: Admin Officer Joined: 2025
Ellis Matthews

If you have any queries about Barnwell Daycare or would like to arrange a visit please contact our friendly administrator Ellis who is always happy to help.

Julie Temple Job Title: Senior Daycare Officer Joined: 2015
Julie Temple
Julie holds an NVQ level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. She also holds other associated qualifications such as Autism Spectrum Disorder training; Paediatric First Aid; iCan (Communication training) Safeguarding and Food Hygiene.

Julie is also a friendly keyworker and room leader within the 2-5 room.

Kelly Savory Job Title: Senior Daycare Officer Joined: 2009
Kelly Savory
Kelly holds an NVQ level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. She also holds other associated qualifications such as Autism Spectrum Disorder training; Nutrition Awareness- Food Safety; Sensory integration; iCan (communication training) alongside mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding training.

Kelly is also a friendly keyworker and a room leader within our 2-5 room.

Christine Montaser Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2010
Christine Montaser

Christine holds an NNEB in Nursery Nursing and a variety of other associated qualifications linked to her role as baby room leader.

These include Early Language and Development; Managing Medication; An intro to Autism Spectrum; Moving and Handling; Paediatric First Aid; Makaton and Safeguarding training.

Laura Brown Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2025
Laura Brown
Laura holds a Level 3 in Early Years.

She also holds mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications.

Vanessa Steele Job Title: Daycare Assistant Joined: 2016
Vanessa Steele

Vanessa holds a level 3 Nursery Nurse Diploma and has successfully completed her level 2 Food Safety Award

Ruby Thompson Job Title: Apprentice Childcare Assisant Joined: 2024
Ruby Thompson

Ruby holds a Level 2 in Health and Social Care and is currently working towards her Level 3 in Early Years.

Rachael Abbott Job Title: Apprentice Childcare Assisant Joined: 2024
Rachael Abbott

Rachael holds a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years and has successfully achieved a Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid.

Amy Bellas Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2024
Amy Bellas
Amy holds a Level 4 Diploma in teaching and learning.

She has also successfully achieved a Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid.

Rebecca Harle Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2023
Rebecca Harle

Rebecca holds a Level 3 in Early Years. She has also successfully achieved a Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid.

Wendy Tweddle Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2018
Wendy Tweddle
Wendy holds a Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

She also holds mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications.

Alisha Sawyers Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2018
Alisha Sawyers
Alisha holds a Level 3 in Health and Social Care.

She also holds mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications

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