Barnwell Daycare

Barnwell Academy, Whitefield Estate, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring DH4 7RT
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Top 20 award
10 58 Reviews
  • 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.
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Type of Service

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

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

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.

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)

10

Barnwell Daycare has a Review Score of 10 (9.990) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barnwell Daycare has 58 reviews.

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Review from P S (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 Catherine D (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 Samantha T (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 Claire Z (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.990)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.990) out of 10 for Barnwell Daycare 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 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.990 for Barnwell Daycare is calculated as follows: ( (201 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 203 Ratings = 4.99
  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 Barnwell Daycare is based on 17 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 36 number of registered child places is 7.2, which has been reached with 17 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 (8)

Meet the Team (13)

Kirsty

Kirsty Harding

Job Title: Daycare Leader Joined: 2009

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

Ellis Matthews

Job Title: Admin Officer Joined: 2025

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

Julie Temple

Job Title: Senior Daycare Officer Joined: 2015

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

Kelly Savory

Job Title: Senior Daycare Officer Joined: 2009

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

Christine Montaser

Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2010

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

Laura Brown

Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2025

Laura holds a Level 3 in Early Years.
She also holds mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications.

Vanessa

Vanessa Steele

Job Title: Daycare Assistant Joined: 2016

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

Ruby

Ruby Thompson

Job Title: Apprentice Childcare Assisant Joined: 2024

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

Rachael

Rachael Abbott

Job Title: Apprentice Childcare Assisant Joined: 2024

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

Amy

Amy Bellas

Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2024

Amy holds a Level 4 Diploma in teaching and learning.
She has also successfully achieved a Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid.

Rebecca

Rebecca Harle

Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2023

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

Wendy

Wendy Tweddle

Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2018

Wendy holds a Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.
She also holds mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications.

Alisha

Alisha Sawyers

Job Title: Daycare Officer Joined: 2018

Alisha holds a Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
She also holds mandatory Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene qualifications

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