--- title: "Explorers Day Care — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted" description: "Explorers Day Care, a nursery in Bishop Auckland — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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The nursery is based at Fountain Head Business Park." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at Explorers Day Care?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm. It operates all year round rather than only during term time." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can Explorers Day Care be contacted?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery’s website is https://explorersdaycare.co.uk. No phone number or email address is listed in the available contact details." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [North East](/search?region=North+East) 4. Explorers Day Care # Explorers Day Care Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Outstanding (Jul 2022) · Fountain Head Business Park, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0LZ · Durham Number of places 111 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Jul 2022 Local authority Durham About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Explorers Day Care Nursery, nestled on a working farm in Bishop Auckland, offers a vibrant and nurturing environment for children from birth to five years old. The nursery champions a holistic approach to early years education, deeply integrating outdoor experiences, including a Forest School and farm activities, into the daily routine. Recognised as "OUTSTANDING" by Ofsted, Explorers is dedicated to fostering imagination and development across various age groups: "Babies" (0-18 months) benefit from stimulating activities and sensory play; "Tweenies" (18 months-2 years) focus on social interaction and language; "Tots" (2-3 years) enhance independence and creativity through play; and "Pre-School" (3-5 years) builds foundational literacy and numeracy skills in preparation for school. The nursery prides itself on its family-like atmosphere and a team of enthusiastic and caring individuals led by founder Jenna Whitaker. They invite families to experience their inspiring setting firsthand to see what makes Explorers unique. Our ethos Explorers Day Care Nursery champions a holistic approach to early years education, deeply integrating outdoor experiences, including a Forest School and farm activities, into the daily routine. The nursery is dedicated to fostering imagination and development across various age groups through play-based activities and building foundational skills. They pride themselves on a family-like atmosphere and a team of enthusiastic and caring individuals. What it's like Children clearly love their nursery, waving goodbye to parents with confidence. They benefit from familiar routines and are immersed in exciting, meaningful learning experiences, such as using real tools in the woodland area. Staff encourage critical thinking and nurture secure relationships with babies, leading to exemplary attitudes toward learning and a positive atmosphere. Ofsted Outstanding Farm-based Forest School Outdoor play integral ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Tax-Free Childcare 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds - Optional one-off administration fee £75 / session - Full Day (non-funded) £85.00 / day - Half Day (non-funded) £61 / session - Short Day (9:00am – 3:00pm) (non-funded) £65.00 / session - Extra Hour (non-funded) £9.00 / hour See 1 more ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Explorers Day Care Inspection date Jul 2022 Inspection no. 10246159 Lead inspector Janet Fairhurst Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50191419)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/2595516) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Phone not yet listed [ Visit website ](https://explorersdaycare.co.uk) Fountain Head Business Park, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0LZ [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-1.75193/54.64191/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Bishop Auckland - [Day nurseries in Bishop Auckland](/search?q=Bishop+Auckland) - [Day nurseries in North East](/search?q=North+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=explorers-day-care-limited-dl14-0lz-2595516) ## Key facts Session types Full Day, Half Day, Short Day, Extra Hour Opening hours 7am to 6pm, Monday - Friday Age range 0-5 years Term time / All Year All Year Established 2020 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Explorers Day Care Last inspected 12 July 2022 · Janet Fairhurst Safeguarding effective Overall effectiveness Outstanding Quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding What it's like to attend Children clearly love their nursery, waving goodbye to parents with confidence. They benefit from familiar routines and are immersed in exciting, meaningful learning experiences, such as using real tools in the woodland area. Staff encourage critical thinking and nurture secure relationships with babies, leading to exemplary attitudes toward learning and a positive atmosphere. Inspector highlights - Children are immersed in exciting learning which supports exceptional progress. - Provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is exemplary. - Children are physically active outside every day and provided with exceptionally healthy snacks and meals. - Children benefit greatly from a range of rich learning experiences through weekly 'Explorers Adventure trips' and unique farm experiences. - Staff form strong relationships with parents and work closely to support children's learning at home. Inspection #10246159 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50191419) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > I've been blown away with my child's language development > There is no place like it, it is a shining example of what a nursery should be Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is exemplary. Staff know children and their families extremely well and build strong, trusting relationships. They are skilled at identifying children's specific needs early and put the necessary adaptations in place to ensure that these children enjoy the same curriculum as their peers and join in with all aspects of nursery life. Outdoor space Children are physically active outside every day. In the woodland area and under the stringent supervision of staff, children learn to light the fire, use knives to chop food for lunch, and use real joinery tools to create a bird house. Detailed risk assessments for outings mean that children are safe at all times. Inspection history Most recent inspection 12 July 2022 Outstanding Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published. [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50191419) ## Frequently asked about Explorers Day Care ### What part of the country is Explorers Day Care in? ### What are the opening hours at Explorers Day Care? ### How can Explorers Day Care be contacted? ## Nearby day nurseries in Bishop Auckland Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Explorers Day Care. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Daybreak Nursery Bishop Auckland · DL14 0HW ](/nursery/daybreak-nursery-dl14-0hw-314085) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.4 mi ### Flowerpots Bishop Auckland · DL14 9RE ](/nursery/flowerpots-dl14-9re-ey409964) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.1 mi ### Yellow Wellies Bishop Auckland · DL14 6HX ](/nursery/yellow-wellies-dl14-6hx-2587403) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.2 mi ### Buddies Nursery Bishop Auckland · DL14 7PX 4.2(5 reviews) ](/nursery/buddies-nursery-dl14-7px-ey541824) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.5 mi ### York House Nursery Bishop Auckland · DL14 7NX 5.0(8 reviews) ](/nursery/york-house-nursery-dl14-7nx-550144) - [ Ofsted: Good 4.2 mi ### Nellie's Day Nursery Shildon · DL4 1DU ](/nursery/nellie-s-day-nursery-dl4-1du-ey563109) [See all nurseries in Bishop Auckland →](/search?q=Bishop+Auckland) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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