--- title: "Kids 1st - Darlington — Rated 5.0 from 13 Parent Reviews" description: "Kids 1st - Darlington, a nursery in Darlington — Rated Good by Ofsted, rated 5.0 by 13 parents. See opening hours, fees 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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See opening hours, fees and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039#nursery", "name": "Kids 1st - Darlington", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Alderman Leach Drive", "addressLocality": "Darlington", "postalCode": "DL2 2GF" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 54.546737, "longitude": -1.588147 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Darlington" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 13, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lee Mcfadyen" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2025-01-24T15:37:00.011819Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "amy peyton" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2022-10-07T05:53:20.595117Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sandra Mtambirwa" }, "reviewBody": "Brilliant nursery, highly recommended. 5 years of experience with Kids 1st at West Park and the childcare was consistently brilliant.", "datePublished": "2022-08-11T09:46:03.455830Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ernesta Puzinaite" }, "reviewBody": "Great nursery, very helpful staff, manager is always happy to help .", "datePublished": "2024-09-06T05:57:55.439572Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lee Stephenson" }, "reviewBody": "Excellent staff, excellent environment and real development hub for little ones!", "datePublished": "2026-05-05T10:16:22.313262097Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "North East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=North%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Kids 1st - Darlington", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about the care at Kids 1st - Darlington?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children are described as very happy and settled, with staff helping them build strong relationships and confidence. The nursery also supports a love of books and offers a curriculum that is ambitious and clear, while children’s behaviour is described as excellent." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Kids 1st - Darlington support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children who need extra help to settle receive close reassurance and comfort, including cuddles and steady support from staff. That approach helps build confidence, security and happiness for children new to the nursery and for those needing additional emotional support." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did Kids 1st - Darlington do at its last Ofsted inspection?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Good. The latest inspection was carried out on 3 June 2025." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Kids 1st - Darlington working on next?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Leaders are focusing on sharper planning for learning intentions so activities match what children need to learn next. The nursery is also strengthening opportunities for children to practise simple tasks and build independence." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded hours does Kids 1st - Darlington accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts the 15 hours universal entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![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. Kids 1st - Darlington # Kids 1st - Darlington Compare Contact Nursery 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 children Love of books fostered Regular outdoor play Ambitious curriculum Excellent behaviour Caring, 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 - 1 support staff to plan learning intentions for activities that focus more precisely on what children need to learn next - 2 provide more support for children to practise simple tasks for themselves and further develop their independence skills. Inspection #10392843 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50280811) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Kids 1st - Darlington Inspection date Jun 2025 Inspection no. 10392843 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50280811)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY364039) 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 Alderman Leach Drive, Darlington, DL2 2GF [© 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#/-1.58815/54.54674/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Darlington - [Day nurseries in Darlington](/search?q=Darlington) - [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=kids-1st-darlington-dl2-2gf-ey364039) 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjU7XFn63PuicU385TlgbEL09YSXTsfI_KgyLZfrv9ItI1b8u4s=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfX3ZiLWlBRRAB!2m1!1s0x487e9b85d35fe1f1:0x70a523ee926e940c) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIvkZdjY5AvlCVC2Kd5CriiiVJN6jKyPU4EDaX6wqj_35ss_w=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURlaXFyTTVnRRAB!2m1!1s0x487e9b85d35fe1f1:0x70a523ee926e940c) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIu70Ckr92c-8axehqjTnKmzeU3XkW5bv8aF4_0mpIi4SKllQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR1a1Bmdk1nEAE!2m1!1s0x487e9b85d35fe1f1:0x70a523ee926e940c) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIZZIHBAc-2fIgCthEI3xNxMZlRPDeDj4fOfBs3Fer4PmEazQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Ernesta Puzinaite a year ago Great nursery, very helpful staff, manager is always happy to help . [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIaWNtOUtBEAE!2m1!1s0x487e9b85d35fe1f1:0x70a523ee926e940c) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJ8VeraNkC0qS430A4d2HXcWiZVjAPazYaxmJ0QQIeQijWbuA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Lee Stephenson 2 weeks ago Excellent staff, excellent environment and real development hub for little ones! [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21seU5IWm1NbFJhTldKblZUVXdWRjk1YzBSbE1tYxAB!2m1!1s0x487e9b85d35fe1f1:0x70a523ee926e940c) Reviews from Google for Kids 1st - Darlington. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8116933410971096076&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) 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 2015 Outstanding - March 2009 Outstanding ## Frequently asked about Kids 1st - Darlington ### What stands out about the care at Kids 1st - Darlington? ### How does Kids 1st - Darlington support children with SEND? ### How did Kids 1st - Darlington do at its last Ofsted inspection? ### What is Kids 1st - Darlington working on next? ### Which funded hours does Kids 1st - Darlington accept? ## Nearby day nurseries in Darlington Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Kids 1st - Darlington. - [ Ofsted: Good 0.8 mi ### Busy Bees Day Nursery at Darlington Darlington · DL3 9EX 5.0(11 reviews) ](/nursery/busy-bees-day-nursery-at-darlington-dl3-9ex-301131) - [ Awaiting first inspection 1.1 mi ### Kids Planet Darlington Darlington · DL3 6DX 5.0(6 reviews) ](/nursery/kids-planet-darlington-dl3-6dx-2838554) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.2 mi ### Holy Trinity Youth & Community Centre Darlington · DL3 6DG 3.9(19 reviews) ](/nursery/pierremont-pre-school-dl3-6dg-301170) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.5 mi ### Danesmoor House Day Nursery Darlington · DL3 8RH ](/nursery/danesmoor-house-day-nursery-dl3-8rh-ey442381) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.6 mi ### Upperthorpe Nursery Darlington · DL3 7PZ 5.0(5 reviews) ](/nursery/upperthorpe-nursery-dl3-7pz-ey482638) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.6 mi ### The Play Hut Darlington · DL1 3BL ](/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135) [See all nurseries in Darlington →](/search?q=Darlington) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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