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Kids 1st - Darlington

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·
5.0(13 parent reviews) ·Alderman Leach Drive, Darlington, DL2 2GF · Darlington
Number of places
108 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Darlington

About this day nursery

30 am until 6 pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery received a 'Good' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection on June 3, 2025.

Children are described as very happy and well-settled, forming strong bonds with the caring and nurturing staff. The nursery prides itself on supporting children, especially those new to the setting, with abundant cuddles and reassurance to build confidence and security.

Staff provide a balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on personal, social, and emotional development, supporting children to make good overall progress. The nursery fosters a love of books through engaging storytelling and a lending library, promoting early literacy skills.

Outdoor learning is a regular feature, with children confidently exploring a well-resourced outdoor space to develop physical agility and investigate the natural environment. The curriculum is clear and ambitious, designed to promote communication, physical development, and confidence, with a particular focus on children's personal, social, and emotional development.

The nursery also provides additional support for children who require it to settle in. Parents have described the care as "exceptional," with staff who "go above and beyond" to support their children.

What it's like

Children are very happy and well settled in the nursery. They form strong bonds and build close relationships with the caring and nurturing staff. Staff provide a balanced curriculum, which has an emphasis on children's personal, social and emotional development and supports them to make good progress overall.

Happy, settled childrenLove of books fosteredRegular outdoor playAmbitious curriculumExcellent behaviourCaring, nurturing staff

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Kids 1st - Darlington

Last inspected 3 June 2025

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are very happy and well settled in the nursery. They form strong bonds and build close relationships with the caring and nurturing staff. Staff provide a balanced curriculum, which has an emphasis on children's personal, social and emotional development and supports them to make good progress overall.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are very happy and well settled in the nursery.
  • Staff help children to develop a love of books.
  • Children access outdoor play regularly in the well-resourced outdoor space.
  • Leaders and staff create curriculum that is clear and ambitious for all children.
  • Children's behaviour is excellent.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to plan learning intentions for activities that focus more precisely on what children need to learn next
  • 2provide more support for children to practise simple tasks for themselves and further develop their independence skills.
Inspection #10392843 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Those children who require additional support to settle, such as children new to the nursery, receive lots of cuddles and reassurance. This helps to develop children's confidence, happiness and security.

Outdoor space

Children access outdoor play regularly in the well-resourced outdoor space. They explore the inviting outdoor environment with confidence and independence, developing physical agility and investigating the natural environment.

Parent Reviews of Kids 1st - Darlington

5.0
(13)
Lee Mcfadyen
a year ago

Love this nursery, my daughter is thriving and so well cared for by the staff and owner. So clean and everyone is friendly and accommodating with amazing activities set up every day for the kids.

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amy peyton
3 years ago

Absolutely outstanding nursery! I would recommend to anyone. They are so supportive, understanding and go above and beyond for your children, both my boys attended here, with my youngest in pre school.

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Sandra Mtambirwa
3 years ago

Brilliant nursery, highly recommended. 5 years of experience with Kids 1st at West Park and the childcare was consistently brilliant.

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Ernesta Puzinaite
a year ago

Great nursery, very helpful staff, manager is always happy to help .

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Lee Stephenson
2 weeks ago

Excellent staff, excellent environment and real development hub for little ones!

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Reviews from Google for Kids 1st - Darlington. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2009

The most recent inspection point has been hidden because the parsed entry didn't match the headline Ofsted rating (Good). We're re-checking it against the original report.

  • March 2015Outstanding
  • March 2009Outstanding

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