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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Total of 58, showing 41-58
Review from Andrea B (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended this nursery full time since he was nine months old and he is now approaching his second birthday. There are so many positives about this setting but the main one is that my son has loved his time in the baby room; the staff are attentive and caring and my little one is socialising
and developing so well thanks to the hard work of the staff.
His home journal lets me see all he has been up to during the day and the parents' evenings are a lovely way to really catch up with how he is doing but I know the staff are available daily too to discuss anything I want to. My son often surprises me with something new he has learned and I really can't praise this nursery enough for the care and support it gives to my little one. He has already started visits to the next room to ensure a smooth transition and I know he will continue to be safe and happy.
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Review from Amber T (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. My daughter absolutely loves it here. It is run extremely well and I am kept up to date with everything.
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Review from Lauren A (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fab nursery with fab staff. My son has attended Barnwell Daycare for past 2 years and has brought him on so much.
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Review from Nick G (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son really enjoys going to this nursery. Whilst he had a difficult settling in period, the staff were brilliant and he now goes in and out happy and smiling. The outdoor area is excellent and the staff make great use of this provision when the weather allows. The facilities are well maintained and
always clean and tidy. Staff are friendly and helpful, and always provided feedback about how his day has been.
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Review from Jessica O (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. Very in tune with all the children. Wouldn’t send my little boy anywhere else, he has autism and is treated fantastically at this nursery. I know when I drop him off he’s in more than capable hands.
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Review from Kylie R (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started the nursery in January and settled really well thanks to the support of the staff. My daughter really enjoys going to nursery and has come on a great deal in her development. Thank you to all the staff. I would recommend this nursery to everyone 100%.
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Review from Mark A (Father of Child) published on 15 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my girls went to this nursery and they both loved it. They have done so much for my girls and they have come on so much. 100 % to the nursery and all the staff for the job they do, best nursey around. All staff are great and so helpful with the children. I would recommend this nursery to everyone
I know... it's that good. Thank you so much for everything they have done for my 2 girls, can't thank them enough.
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Review from Donna A (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl loves going to nursery. The staff are always friendly and it is such a happy place, she is always smiling when I pick her up and really enjoys the activities.
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Review from Claire D (Mother of Child) published on 2 June 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Barnwell Daycare for 7 months now. At first, he was very teary when he was going in but the staff were amazing and put my mind at ease and were very patient with my son. In the 7 months, he has come on great, learning new songs, numbers, colours and shapes. My son loves going
to nursery and I couldn't recommend it enough. The staff are very friendly and keep me up to date with things he has done even things like potty training they follow what you do at home making this process much better.
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Review from Kele T (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twins have been using this daycare since they were a couple of months old, they have come on leaps etc. The staff are very friendly, meets all expectations, very safe and secure environment and in loving hands.
I love all the activities they do.
My twins always say they are learning new things
and I have a journal from when they started which is a great keepsake and not many daycares do this.
I always get feedback each time I pick my twins up and they are always excited for their next nursery session.
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Review from Lyndsay F (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been attending daycare for just under 1 year now. He absolutely loves it and looks forward to going. He has made huge progress with his speech and has learnt so much since starting at Barnwell Daycare. All the staff are very friendly and keep parents updated with any progress the children
make. We are also kept informed of any changes etc. I would highly recommend Barnwell Daycare to anyone with young children.
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Review from Gily R (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From day one of my daughter attending the nursery the staff has gone beyond my expectations to make sure both my daughter and myself are happy and comfortable with all aspects of the nursery. They have put my mind at ease with each day she has attended that I made the right decision on sending her to
nursery. My daughter has come on so much in confidence and ability in the short time that she has been attending and I look forward to her progressing more in the months to come. The staff at the nursery are really nurturing and have such a friendly and personal approach to all the children, it's lovely to see. I couldn't recommend the nursery enough! Thank you to you all!
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Review from Joanne C (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Barnwell Daycare is an outstanding nursery for all children. As a parent of children with special needs, the staff go up and beyond their call of duty to make sure needs are met, whether its academic, emotional or mobility support, children at this daycare get that support and more, but not just children,
parents get support too! Nursery to home dairies really helped as I as a parent read what my child was doing daily. The staff are an absolute credit to all our children. So I'd recommend this nursery to any parent if asked. Well done girls absolute stars and needs recognition xx
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Review from Vicki R (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Barnwell Daycare has recently been awarded Outstanding by Ofsted, which is well deserved for all area's. The staff are friendly, caring and professional. They work in a clean environment which is set up with development and learning taken into consideration. Facilities within the building and local
area are utilised with safeguarding and care as a priority. Meals are well balanced and routines are established very well. I feel very happy and reassured that my daughter enjoys attending Barnwell Daycare and highly recommend them to others.
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Review from Louise J (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Barnwell Daycare for the last 2 years and we've always been extremely happy with them. She loves the activities they do and also the staff. The staff are all very friendly but professional and take pleasure in celebrating her achievements with us. We get regular updates
and discussions with them about what she does well and also if they have any concerns. We have never had any problems with her going as she enjoys it so much, in fact, she barely waves bye-bye as she runs in for a day of fun!
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Review from Zoe T (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery, my daughter really enjoys coming here and the staff are excellent with the children and create good bonds with children and parents also. Wouldn't send my daughter anywhere else as she has came on so much from attending here.
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Review from Lauren B (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think the staff at this nursery are fantastic and do a brilliant job. My child loves to be there. All the staff are lovely and so welcoming as you enter and leave. You wouldn't wish for a better daycare nursery for my child to be at.
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Review from Stephanie C (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In my opinion, Barnwell Daycare is a brilliant nursery with fantastic staff! My little boy started when he was 6/7 months and is now nearly 3. He absolutely loves it and the staff and has come on so much. He learns new things every day. Can't thank you's enough!
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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

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