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Barnwell Academy, Whitefield Estate, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7RT
View Full Details of Barnwell DaycareLatest Reviews for Barnwell Daycare
15 October 2025
Barnwell has been an amazing place for our son. The staff are professional, kind, positive and reliable. The large, well-organised and beautiful classrooms, garden, sports hall and sensory room stimulate children's various interests in nature, physical activities, arts, stories, music, science and cooking. Every corner of these rooms is made comfortable, so they can focus on whatever they want to explore. The daily activities are well thought out and prepared, offering a great balance of group and individual activities. The staff pay close attention to my son's development and provide lots of helpful suggestions. I could talk to them about any minor concerns. My son's verbal, social and physical skills, as well as his creativity and imagination, have developed tremendously. He has also learnt to be kind and understanding, to collaborate with other children, and has become more confident and independent. I cannot express how much I appreciate the wonderful staff team. Thank you so much!
18 September 2025
Barnwell daycare delivers outstanding care and education! I cannot sing the praises of Barnwell Daycare enough. My daughter has had THE best start to her educational development from the care given by Barnwell. All of the staff go above and beyond, they truly care about the children within daycare. They are a great support to parents with toilet training, and are very welcoming with educational and stay & play sessions. The bed time stories sessions for book week, have been amazing. Teams sessions to give parents an understanding on phonics have been incredible, it's important for us parents to have an understanding to support the children with the same learning techniques as daycare. They honestly exceed expectations. As a family we are pleased we have had the opportunity to have Barnwell Daycare be an integral role at the beginning of our daughters school journey, it's been a pleasure to see her look forward to attend each day. She has flourished massively with their input.
15 August 2025
We couldn't be happier with this daycare. Communication is excellent, especially around workshops and activities tailored to our son's developmental needs. Staff and management are open, approachable, and always ready to discuss any concerns. Our son's progress has been incredible-his vocabulary, imagination, singing, maths, and general knowledge have all flourished. The team puts so much thought into planning topics that run through a variety of activities, each with clear learning outcomes. The setting is lovely, with a rich outdoor area full of opportunities to explore nature, phonics, and social skills. The staff are warm, caring, and clearly dedicated to the children's growth. Best of all, our son is so happy to go in every day, which says it all. We honestly can't recommend this setting highly enough!
12 August 2025
I couldn't recommend this daycare enough! They were absolutely amazing, so loving and caring also very helpful! My daughter had the best day everytime she went. Helped her massively with speech and coming out of her shy shell.
25 July 2025
My daughter has been at Barnwell Daycare for two and a half years. I cannot fault the staff or the facilities at all. Their attention to detail is second to none. Their compassion and knowledge is absolutely incredible. The staff make parents feel like part of their little family, which is such a unique thing. I am grateful that they have been part of my this small (yet so impactful) chapter in my daughter's life. My daughter is able to count confidently and will often have outbursts with even more numbers than we knew she could count to. Recently she started using phonic's to spell ''mat' and was able to identify the word. Their dedication and love of their job is evident. You'd be hard pressed to find any other nursery that comes close to this one. That is why I am hoping to send my second little girl to experience the love and care that my first has received. It's a relief when you're at work knowing that the staff are looking after your child with so much love and care!
25 July 2025
My Daughter Loved Her Time Through The Daycare & We Were Always Well Informed Of What She Ate & Did Throughout The Day. She Was Always Happy & Telling Me What She'd Learnt Throughout The Day, She Especially Loved The Pirate Days, Parties, Photographer Days She Took Really Well To All The Staff Aswell.
25 July 2025
When my son started daycare he was not great with communication, speaking and listening/following instructions. I will be forever thankful to Barnwell daycare for putting in time to help bring him along. Me and his dad are so proud!
25 July 2025
The nursery is very clean, the staff in each room are very friendly and approachable and we trust whole heartedly. The children have lots of opportunities to play indoors and outdoors with great facilities. The children have learned so much from being there and it's very sad that it is coming to end however they have been set up perfectly to develop further. Thank you so much for everything !
18 September 2024
My son attended Barnwell Daycare from when he was 10 months old until he was 3. He has developed amazingly in that time. It was hard when he first started as he'd only been with family but the staff were so caring and professional and nurturing that he loved his time at Barnwell Daycare. He made lots of friends and everyone was so welcoming to him, staff and children. It's a lovely environment. I would definitely recommend this nursery. I am so glad my son got the chance to thrive here.
13 September 2024
My daughter has attended Barnwell Daycare since she was 8 months old, she is now nearly 2. My son also went to the same daycare from 2019 until 2023. It is an outstanding nursery in all areas. My daughter has come on leaps and bounds in every aspect of her development. The staff are friendly and professional, they go above and beyond and offer lots of support to parents too. My children both have loved coming here and I would highly recommend Barnwell Daycare to anyone!
11 September 2024
My little boy has been at Barnwell Daycare since he was 7 months old! I can't praise the staff enough! They have loved, cared and nurtured him from the start of his journey. He is currently still on his nursery journey and I don't have a bad word to say! The nursery are always on hand to answer questions and have a very open door policy with parents. My little boy loves going to nursery even after 6 weeks off! I wouldn't send him anywhere else.
04 September 2024
My second child now attends Barnwell Daycare after I was so happy with my son's experiences. She has absolutely loved her time so far (started Feb 24) and always asks to go back, she always has a lovely day and can't wait to tell me all about it. The staff are so lovely here and make me feel at ease having her on long days.
04 September 2024
My daughter absolutely loved attending Barnwell Daycare and will now be attending a local academy nursery starting September 2024. The daycare provided her with fun, exciting and educational growth that had made both me and her father so proud. She has come in so much since attending and I honestly believe it's down to the staff who are all amazing and I thank you again. I can't wait for my youngest daughter to start attending April 2025.
04 September 2024
Barnwell is an exceptional daycare, they make your child feel at home from day 1. They are always happy to see my children and they are in return, often running with open arms into daycare. They have a range of activities to stimulate and encourage development.
04 September 2024
I couldn't recommend Barnwell Daycare enough. All staff are lovely and keep you updated on what the children have down throughout the day and what they have eaten etc through the online journal. the amazing staff has brought my kids out of their shell loads since been there and they have learnt so much from them.
04 September 2024
My son attends Barnwell Daycare and absolutely loves it here. He has come on leaps and bounds since starting. All the staff are so friendly and can't help enough. The nursery is very clean and tidy with a lovely outdoor space for the children to run around in. Would 100% recommend this nursery.
09 May 2024
A fantastic nursery! My daughter absolutely loves attending Barnwell Daycare and I feel confident that she is well looked after when she is there. The staff keep us well informed and we love to see what she’s been up to via the online portal. There are always lots of well-planned activities for the children to take part in which keeps the days interesting and different for the children. We are so pleased we found this nursery!
07 July 2022
Staff are all fantastic, and the nursery is amazing. My child’s development has improved massively, and she has come on great since starting. She loves all of the staff, and she is always excited to go to nursery!
07 July 2022
I can’t recommend Barnwell Daycare enough. They are an amazing facility and really care about the children they work with. My son started going when he was 9 months and is very well settled; he loves going in there. All the staff are amazing, friendly and very helpful.
14 March 2022
The staff are fantastic, very caring, and approachable. I'm always kept up to date with my son's progress and achievements. Highly recommend this nursery.
Latest Reviews for Barnwell Daycare
15 October 2025
Barnwell has been an amazing place for our son. The staff are professional, kind, positive and reliable. The large, well-organised and beautiful classrooms, garden, sports hall and sensory room stimulate children's various interests in nature, physical activities, arts, stories, music, science and cooking. Every corner of these rooms is made comfortable, so they can focus on whatever they want to explore. The daily activities are well thought out and prepared, offering a great balance of group and individual activities. The staff pay close attention to my son's development and provide lots of helpful suggestions. I could talk to them about any minor concerns. My son's verbal, social and physical skills, as well as his creativity and imagination, have developed tremendously. He has also learnt to be kind and understanding, to collaborate with other children, and has become more confident and independent. I cannot express how much I appreciate the wonderful staff team. Thank you so much!
18 September 2025
Barnwell daycare delivers outstanding care and education! I cannot sing the praises of Barnwell Daycare enough. My daughter has had THE best start to her educational development from the care given by Barnwell. All of the staff go above and beyond, they truly care about the children within daycare. They are a great support to parents with toilet training, and are very welcoming with educational and stay & play sessions. The bed time stories sessions for book week, have been amazing. Teams sessions to give parents an understanding on phonics have been incredible, it's important for us parents to have an understanding to support the children with the same learning techniques as daycare. They honestly exceed expectations. As a family we are pleased we have had the opportunity to have Barnwell Daycare be an integral role at the beginning of our daughters school journey, it's been a pleasure to see her look forward to attend each day. She has flourished massively with their input.
15 August 2025
We couldn't be happier with this daycare. Communication is excellent, especially around workshops and activities tailored to our son's developmental needs. Staff and management are open, approachable, and always ready to discuss any concerns. Our son's progress has been incredible-his vocabulary, imagination, singing, maths, and general knowledge have all flourished. The team puts so much thought into planning topics that run through a variety of activities, each with clear learning outcomes. The setting is lovely, with a rich outdoor area full of opportunities to explore nature, phonics, and social skills. The staff are warm, caring, and clearly dedicated to the children's growth. Best of all, our son is so happy to go in every day, which says it all. We honestly can't recommend this setting highly enough!
12 August 2025
I couldn't recommend this daycare enough! They were absolutely amazing, so loving and caring also very helpful! My daughter had the best day everytime she went. Helped her massively with speech and coming out of her shy shell.
25 July 2025
My daughter has been at Barnwell Daycare for two and a half years. I cannot fault the staff or the facilities at all. Their attention to detail is second to none. Their compassion and knowledge is absolutely incredible. The staff make parents feel like part of their little family, which is such a unique thing. I am grateful that they have been part of my this small (yet so impactful) chapter in my daughter's life. My daughter is able to count confidently and will often have outbursts with even more numbers than we knew she could count to. Recently she started using phonic's to spell ''mat' and was able to identify the word. Their dedication and love of their job is evident. You'd be hard pressed to find any other nursery that comes close to this one. That is why I am hoping to send my second little girl to experience the love and care that my first has received. It's a relief when you're at work knowing that the staff are looking after your child with so much love and care!
25 July 2025
My Daughter Loved Her Time Through The Daycare & We Were Always Well Informed Of What She Ate & Did Throughout The Day. She Was Always Happy & Telling Me What She'd Learnt Throughout The Day, She Especially Loved The Pirate Days, Parties, Photographer Days She Took Really Well To All The Staff Aswell.
25 July 2025
When my son started daycare he was not great with communication, speaking and listening/following instructions. I will be forever thankful to Barnwell daycare for putting in time to help bring him along. Me and his dad are so proud!
25 July 2025
The nursery is very clean, the staff in each room are very friendly and approachable and we trust whole heartedly. The children have lots of opportunities to play indoors and outdoors with great facilities. The children have learned so much from being there and it's very sad that it is coming to end however they have been set up perfectly to develop further. Thank you so much for everything !
18 September 2024
My son attended Barnwell Daycare from when he was 10 months old until he was 3. He has developed amazingly in that time. It was hard when he first started as he'd only been with family but the staff were so caring and professional and nurturing that he loved his time at Barnwell Daycare. He made lots of friends and everyone was so welcoming to him, staff and children. It's a lovely environment. I would definitely recommend this nursery. I am so glad my son got the chance to thrive here.
13 September 2024
My daughter has attended Barnwell Daycare since she was 8 months old, she is now nearly 2. My son also went to the same daycare from 2019 until 2023. It is an outstanding nursery in all areas. My daughter has come on leaps and bounds in every aspect of her development. The staff are friendly and professional, they go above and beyond and offer lots of support to parents too. My children both have loved coming here and I would highly recommend Barnwell Daycare to anyone!
11 September 2024
My little boy has been at Barnwell Daycare since he was 7 months old! I can't praise the staff enough! They have loved, cared and nurtured him from the start of his journey. He is currently still on his nursery journey and I don't have a bad word to say! The nursery are always on hand to answer questions and have a very open door policy with parents. My little boy loves going to nursery even after 6 weeks off! I wouldn't send him anywhere else.
04 September 2024
My second child now attends Barnwell Daycare after I was so happy with my son's experiences. She has absolutely loved her time so far (started Feb 24) and always asks to go back, she always has a lovely day and can't wait to tell me all about it. The staff are so lovely here and make me feel at ease having her on long days.
04 September 2024
My daughter absolutely loved attending Barnwell Daycare and will now be attending a local academy nursery starting September 2024. The daycare provided her with fun, exciting and educational growth that had made both me and her father so proud. She has come in so much since attending and I honestly believe it's down to the staff who are all amazing and I thank you again. I can't wait for my youngest daughter to start attending April 2025.
04 September 2024
Barnwell is an exceptional daycare, they make your child feel at home from day 1. They are always happy to see my children and they are in return, often running with open arms into daycare. They have a range of activities to stimulate and encourage development.
04 September 2024
I couldn't recommend Barnwell Daycare enough. All staff are lovely and keep you updated on what the children have down throughout the day and what they have eaten etc through the online journal. the amazing staff has brought my kids out of their shell loads since been there and they have learnt so much from them.
04 September 2024
My son attends Barnwell Daycare and absolutely loves it here. He has come on leaps and bounds since starting. All the staff are so friendly and can't help enough. The nursery is very clean and tidy with a lovely outdoor space for the children to run around in. Would 100% recommend this nursery.
09 May 2024
A fantastic nursery! My daughter absolutely loves attending Barnwell Daycare and I feel confident that she is well looked after when she is there. The staff keep us well informed and we love to see what she’s been up to via the online portal. There are always lots of well-planned activities for the children to take part in which keeps the days interesting and different for the children. We are so pleased we found this nursery!
07 July 2022
Staff are all fantastic, and the nursery is amazing. My child’s development has improved massively, and she has come on great since starting. She loves all of the staff, and she is always excited to go to nursery!
07 July 2022
I can’t recommend Barnwell Daycare enough. They are an amazing facility and really care about the children they work with. My son started going when he was 9 months and is very well settled; he loves going in there. All the staff are amazing, friendly and very helpful.
14 March 2022
The staff are fantastic, very caring, and approachable. I'm always kept up to date with my son's progress and achievements. Highly recommend this nursery.