Kids Planet Ainsdale

3 Shore Road, Southport PR8 2RF
Review Us
Top 20 award
10 34 Reviews
  • Kids Planet Ainsdale, Southport
Kids Planet Ainsdale nursery is set in a detached, home from home property, in the heart of Ainsdale. Benefitting from high ceilings and lots of natural daylight, children flourish in the care of the long-serving staff team. The nursery has a real family feel and having been established for over 20 years, the children really are at the heart of everything they do.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nicola Critchley (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 15

Total Places for Children

  • 48

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full day rate £67.80

  • Working parent funding available (15 and 30 hours). We accept fully funded places.
    Sibling discount, NHS discount, Tax Free Childcare.
    Rates vary by location/nursery setting.
    Please get in touch with the nursery for our most up to date fees and availability.

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 & Christmas

Kids Planet Ainsdale Reviews (34)

10

Kids Planet Ainsdale has a Review Score of 10 (9.950) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Kids Planet Ainsdale has 34 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 34
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Reviewer Connection to Kids Planet Ainsdale
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Total of 34, showing 1-20
Review from Lyndsey C (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Incredible staff. Happy environment.
Excellent, no complaints.
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Review from Sarah J (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've always described Ainsdale Kids Planet as the home from home. The staff are caring, attentive, loving & patient. Not only have our children formed close bonds with the staff - we also have.
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Review from Elizabeth O (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Kids Planet Ainsdale since he was 8 months old. Every member of staff who has been involved in his care has been amazing. They are supportive, kind, and provide a home-from-home. Special mention to the Manager (who is unbelievable at her job) and to all the Nursery Practitioners
- our son loves them so much.
Reply from Nicola Critchley, Nursery Manager at Kids Planet Ainsdale
Thank you so much for these lovely words, they mean so much to us all!
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
While my son has been at kids planet in Ainsdalehe has become so much more sociable and confident. I always knew he was in safe handstand I completely trusted each one of his caring teachers along the way. My son needed intensive speech therapy intervention for a disorder diagnosed when he was two.
All of the nursery staff immediately liaised with his speech therapist and by working together they have now helped my sons speech so that he is now on track to enter primary school. I am so thankful that I chose kids planet ainsdale to be part of my sons early development.
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Review from S F (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with our experience at this nursery. From the very first day, the staff made our son feel welcome, safe, and cared for. It's clear that the team truly understands early childhood development and puts so much thought and love into everything they do.


Our son has blossomed since

starting nursery-he's more confident, social, and excited to learn each day. The range of activities they offer is fantastic, from outdoor play and sensory exploration to storytime and creative arts. It's wonderful to see him come home talking about what he's learned and the friends he's made.


The communication with parents is also excellent. We're regularly updated with photos, learning journeys, and insights into how he's doing, which gives us real peace of mind.


We're so grateful to have found such a nurturing, inspiring environment for our little one. A huge thank you to the incredible team, you're making such a difference in his early years, and we can't recommend it enough.

Reply from Nicola Critchley at Kids Planet Ainsdale
Thank you so much for your kind words your review means a lot to us all.
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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a returning parent at kids planet ainsdale and wouldnt send my children anywhere else!
Staff are absolutely fantastic. They all go above and beyond for all the children in their care..my daughter loved attending nursery and still talks about it, despite leaving to attend reception.
Food is always
plentiful and nutritional, my child never went hungry.
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Review from Billy M (Father of Child) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
What a pleasant experience for our son, previously to this nursery he was overwhelmed by the process of starting preschool. However he settled in very well and quickly thanks to the warm, empathic, fun attitude of the staff in Ainsdale. It was a pleasure to, as his Dad, see him becoming happier day
by day.
Reply from Nicola Critchley at Kids Planet Ainsdale
Thank you for your kind words! It is lovely to hear such lovely feedback
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Review from R L (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending Kids Planet Ainsdale for 2 years and it's great to see how much she has grown in confidence and developed strong bonds with staff members in her room. All staff are lovely and friendly, and always take time to update you at the end of each day. My child very much looks forward
to her nursery days. Would highly recommend.
Reply from Nicola Critchley at Kids Planet Ainsdale
Thank you so much for your lovely review. Your kind words really do mean the world us and we are so happy your little one enjoys coming to our nursery.
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Review from D S (Father of Child) published on 12 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has recently started at Kids Planet Ainsdale in the baby room. I cannot fault this nursery they have been amazing! My daughter had never been left anywhere before so found the separation from us difficult, however they accommodated visits when she has needed them, meaning she has now settled
in really well. Management are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend Kids Planet Ainsdale enough.
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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Kids Planet Ainsdale is a fantastic nursery, they work so hard and the children build amazing relationships with their peers and key workers. I am very glad we sent our daughter to Kids Planet as she looks forward to it every week :)
Reply from Kids Planet Team at Kids Planet Ainsdale
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for sharing your experience with us at Kids Planet. It's fantastic to hear you're happy with the care and education your child receives at Kids Planet…read more
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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery, provides a brilliant service.
All the staff are very attentive and really care for the children, they supported myself and my child with the transition in to nursery and when moving up to the toddler room. I was so nervous to put my girl in nursery but she is really happy and loves
spending time with the ladies and they have taught her so much. They update me throughout the day and I have peace of mind knowing she is safe and happy with them.
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Review from L A (Mother of Child) published on 17 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found the nursery to be so supportive, especially after my anxiety regarding my son starting nursery after being at home with me for 18 months. My son was (and still can be) very upset when he gets dropped off, but I know as soon as the door closes that he stops crying. The staff update the app
so I know he's okay and my favourite parts of the day are when I get photo updates to let me know how he is getting on! I really appreciate the end-of-day pick-ups when staff can tell me how he's got on and I know that he's had fun. My son is struggling to sleep at nursery at the moment, but again I know staff are doing everything they can to try and get him to sleep. I know that if he refuses then they allow him to play quietly which I really appreciate. My son feels safe with the staff and goes to them with opened arms, even when upset which I am really grateful for. I'm so glad that I chose Kids Planet Ainsdale as it's made my transition back to work much smoother.
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Review from Rebecca F (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My three-year-old has been attending Ainsdale Kids Planet Nursery for nearly a year and I could not be happier with not only the progress he has made whilst he's been there but also how excited he is to go in each day! The staff are all brilliant! So kind and caring and I feel like they know my child
so well! I love seeing all the updates of things he is doing and would recommend anyone looking for a nursery to look no further!! Thank you everyone at Kids Planet Ainsdale for everything that you do!
Reply from Laura Howard at Kids Planet Ainsdale
Thank you so much for your kind words, your feedback is really appreciated!
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm really happy with the care and attention my children receive at Kids Planet Ainsdale. The staff are incredibly friendly, and caring, and always put the children first. A variety of engaging learning activities are put in place each day with a great emphasis on embracing the great outdoors. Additionally,
the food served for lunch and dinner is excellent, offering lots of different cuisines that my children really enjoy. I love to get updates via the app throughout the day telling me about my children's sleep, food and learning activities. I have no hesitation in recommending Kids Planet Ainsdale to any parent seeking a nurturing and stimulating environment for their children.
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Review from George H (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is the best around, ever since my daughter started she settled in so quickly due to the love and care the staff at Kids Planet Ainsdale give. It was the best decision to move her to this nursery! I am always kept updated with monthly events and things happening within the nursery. I recommend
this nursery to all in the area.
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Review from Amy O (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started at Kids Planet Ainsdale in May. He had been at home with me for his first two years so it was scary for both me and him. Everyone in the team made us both feel reassured and made the transition very easy. Everything was explained in detail so I never had any questions or was left to
feel unsure. He is now very confident and runs in without saying goodbye which I think is a huge reflection on how wonderful they all are. Can't thank you all enough.
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is perfect for my child. Every single member of staff is kind, caring, and goes above and beyond to make sure my child is happy and thriving. I receive daily meal updates and pictures on the app which are detailed and ensure I'm informed about everything my child is doing. The nursery rooms
are well thought-out and exciting for my child to explore, with new materials added periodically to meet the children's new interests. My child absolutely loves the nursery trips, which are frequent and make the most of the local area and transport. This is a homely, child-centred, nurturing nursery which I would highly recommend to anyone.
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both myself and my child love this nursery setting. She has advanced so much during her time at nursery and I cannot thank the staff enough for all they do. They always have a smile on their face and seem to genuinely love the children they look after. They do a range of activities, always have outdoor
time and give a great variety of meals and snacks. My child is eager to get to nursery in the morning and hates leaving at the end of the day as she loves it so much.
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Review from V W (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm extremely pleased with Kids Planet in Ainsdale. They do a range of activities both indoors and outdoors which keeps my son interested and happy. Kids Planet provides regular and informative updates and photographs of my son. I love seeing what activities he's doing and that he's happy. Kids Planet
have provided good communication on my son's key worker, even sending home an information sheet with a photo and background details about his key worker. This was wonderful and I really appreciated this communication.
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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Incredible. Our little boy was very nervous and upset about starting nursery and the key workers made the entire process so easy and calming from start to finish. I can't imagine him going anywhere else now and he literally skips into his sessions.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.950)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.950) out of 10 for Kids Planet Ainsdale 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 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.950 for Kids Planet Ainsdale is calculated as follows: ( (251 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 262 Ratings = 4.95
  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 Kids Planet Ainsdale is based on 22 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 48 number of registered child places is 9.6, which has been reached with 22 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 (9)

Meet the Team (7)

Nicola

Nicola Critchley

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2004

I am a passionate, early years professional with over 25 years experience in childhood education.


I have worked at Kids Planet Ainsdale for over 20 years starting as practitioner, room leader then Third in charge before becoming Manager in April 2025.

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Sarah Wolfarth

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2004

I am the deputy manager, and room leader of the preschool and the SENCO. I have a professional status and BA Hons Education degree and a level 3 NNEB qualification in childcare. I have over 20 years experience of working with children 0-5 years old.

Charlotte

Charlotte Buckingham

Job Title: Level 3 Apprentice Joined: 2023

I am currently completing my level 3 apprenticeship.

Kira

Kira Hurst

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

I have recently a degree in integrated children's and young people's practice. I am looking forward to working towards my level 3 early years educator qualification.

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Natalie Mawdsley

Job Title: Level 3 Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2023

I have 10 years + experience working with children from 0-5 years.

Victoria

Victoria Jones

Job Title: Tots Room Leader Joined: 2007

I have worked at Kids Planet Ainsdale since 2007. I hold a level 3 qualification in childcare and education.

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Ellie-Lee Gracie

Job Title: Apprentice Joined: 2023

I am working towards a level 2 and level 3 qualification in early years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kids Planet Ainsdale

What is the Age Range of Children that Kids Planet Ainsdale accepts?

Kids Planet Ainsdale accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids Planet Ainsdale Open?

Kids Planet Ainsdale is open: 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.

How many Children does Kids Planet Ainsdale have capacity for?

Kids Planet Ainsdale has capacity for a total of 48 Children.

How far is Kids Planet Ainsdale to the centre of Southport?

3.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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