--- title: "The Play Hut Day Nursery, Darlington | Ofsted: Good" description: "The Play Hut, a day nursery in Darlington — rated Good by Ofsted. See fees, opening hours, photos and contact details. Compare nearby nurseries." 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, Google 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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Compare nearby nurseries.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135#nursery", "name": "The Play Hut", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "347 North Road", "addressLocality": "Darlington", "postalCode": "DL1 3BL" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135#webpage" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 54.547034, "longitude": -1.547874 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Darlington" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 5 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 4, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "J_x _x" }, "reviewBody": "Both my Son's attended the after school club and were very happy and well taken care of. Have other family members attending nursery here and very happy.", "datePublished": "2024-10-06T23:24:28.967816Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "georgi georgiev" }, "datePublished": "2023-09-12T05:35:04.928931Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Anne Coe" }, "datePublished": "2018-07-06T09:40:37.191Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Kerri Briddick" }, "datePublished": "2017-12-02T06:17:16.121Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135#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": "The Play Hut", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What outdoor learning does The Play Hut offer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Children use an outdoor area for fresh air and active play. Younger children ride balance bikes with confidence, while older children plant vegetables and learn how plants grow. The outdoor setting supports physical development and first-hand learning through movement, gardening, and exploration." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many places does The Play Hut have?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Play Hut has 94 children on roll." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at The Play Hut?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 8am until 6pm. It operates all year round rather than term time only." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where is The Play Hut located?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Play Hut is on North Road in Darlington, County Durham, at DL1 3BL. The street address is 347 North Road." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded hours does The Play Hut accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery accepts 15-hour funding for disadvantaged two-year-olds and 15-hour universal funding for three- and four-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) [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) 1. [Home](/) 2. · 3. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 4. · 5. [North East](/search?region=North+East) 6. · 7. The Play Hut # The Play Hut Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Feb 2022) · 5.0 (4 Google reviews) · 347 North Road, Darlington, DL1 3BL · Darlington Number of places 69 places Age range 0–5 yrs Last inspected Feb 2022 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 The Play Hut, which has been operating since 1998, provides childcare for children aged 0-10 years, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, all year round. The day nursery registered as "Childcare on non-domestic premises" is located in Darlington, DL1 3BL. The care provided is rated as "Good" by Ofsted, following its inspection on 22 February 2022. Children are supported effectively, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), through close partnerships with other professionals to ensure continuity of learning. The curriculum is designed to be interesting and exciting, with staff tailoring support and challenge to individual learning needs. The day nursery places a strong emphasis on developing children's communication and language skills, incorporating songs and stories. Older children are well-prepared for school, demonstrating focus and concentration in activities like drawing and engaging with mathematical concepts. Children benefit from ample outdoor play, promoting physical development, with younger children enjoying balance bikes and older children learning about plant growth. " The manager is professional, friendly, and supportive, fostering a positive environment for both staff and families. What it's like Children show enjoyment, enthusiasm and excitement in their learning. Staff know them well and use this knowledge to prepare activities which reflect children's interests and broaden their experiences. Staff have high expectations for all children and focus their teaching to close gaps in learning. Good Ofsted rating 0-10 years age range All-year opening Strong SEND support Focus on outdoor play Excellent communication skills ## Pricing & funding Funding accepted 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm Term time / All Year All Year Registered with Ofsted 1998 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for The Play Hut Last inspected 22 February 2022 · Michelle Lorains 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 show enjoyment, enthusiasm and excitement in their learning. Staff know them well and use this knowledge to prepare activities which reflect children's interests and broaden their experiences. Staff have high expectations for all children and focus their teaching to close gaps in learning. Inspector highlights - The curriculum is interesting and exciting for children. - Staff focus on helping children to develop good communication and language skills. - Older children are well prepared for the next stages in their learning, such as school. - Staff promote children's good health, positive behaviour and independence throughout the nursery. - The manager is professional, friendly and supportive to her team and the families who attend. Areas to develop - 1 enhance staff's teaching outdoors to maintain the high-quality learning experiences for children and maximise progress - 2 review the sleeping arrangements for babies, with specific regard to the use of pushchairs. Inspection #10218256 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50180200) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of The Play Hut Inspection date Feb 2022 Inspection no. 10218256 Lead inspector Michelle Lorains Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50180200)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/301135) 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 347 North Road, Darlington, DL1 3BL ## 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=the-play-hut-dl1-3bl-301135) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection “ > parents say that they are very happy with the quality of communication they receive about their children. “ > Parents describe her as 'hands on' and 'dedicated'. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively. The manager has close partnerships with other professionals and promotes continuity of learning. Outdoor space Children benefit from plenty of opportunities to have fresh air outdoors and develop their physical skills. Young children show confidence as they whizz around on balance bikes. Older children learn about how things grow and plant vegetables. ## Google Reviews of The Play Hut 5.0 (4 Google reviews) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVngoIz8Ye_YaDjWSsyjbLUF39cj1vG6fYpHkPEKxQrmAQY92k=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba5) J\_x \_x a year ago Both my Son's attended the after school club and were very happy and well taken care of. Have other family members attending nursery here and very happy. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuMFozVEN3EAE!2m1!1s0x487e9bae79aa6e59:0xccb64d714bca4462) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVanP-alSwTV7Bp5I-tTxd4kHcYX-86FgEa5-XFTz34pITDJEck=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) georgi georgiev 2 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaNGZUZWx3RRAB!2m1!1s0x487e9bae79aa6e59:0xccb64d714bca4462) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJ8Zz7etA-W3XpQd-OZgou9TK3kGJzEWxjIwrOU4OeLtrEjPw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Anne Coe 7 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3NUlqNjRRRRAB!2m1!1s0x487e9bae79aa6e59:0xccb64d714bca4462) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJ96MUJeG5Osn7b_li8DMOODD-s5j7lq3-3yGerCSd-u9yOkA=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) Kerri Briddick 8 years ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURnckplTEtnEAE!2m1!1s0x487e9bae79aa6e59:0xccb64d714bca4462) Reviews from Google for The Play Hut. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14751062778496828514&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: September 2008 - February 2022 Good - September 2016 Good - October 2013 Good - September 2008 Good ## Frequently asked about The Play Hut ### What outdoor learning does The Play Hut offer? ### How many places does The Play Hut have? ### What are the opening hours at The Play Hut? ### Where is The Play Hut located? ### Which funded hours does The Play Hut accept? ## Nearby day nurseries in Darlington Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Play Hut. - [ Awaiting first inspection 1.0 mi ### Kids Planet Darlington Darlington · DL3 6DX 5.0(6 Google reviews) ](/nursery/kids-planet-darlington-dl3-6dx-2838554) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.2 mi ### Darlington College Childcare Centre Darlington · DL1 1DR 4.3(6 Google reviews) ](/nursery/darlington-college-childcare-centre-dl1-1dr-ey338310) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.2 mi ### Big Kids Little Kids Nursery and out of School Club Darlington · DL1 1QU ](/nursery/big-kids-little-kids-nursery-and-out-of-school-club-dl1-1qu-ey280315) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.3 mi ### Secret Garden Day Nursery Darlington · DL1 2DF 5.0(12 Google reviews) ](/nursery/secret-garden-day-nursery-dl1-2df-ey552521) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.4 mi ### Holy Trinity Youth & Community Centre Darlington · DL3 6DG 3.9(19 Google reviews) ](/nursery/pierremont-pre-school-dl3-6dg-301170) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.4 mi ### Upperthorpe Nursery Darlington · DL3 7PZ 5.0(5 Google reviews) ](/nursery/upperthorpe-nursery-dl3-7pz-ey482638) [See all nurseries in Darlington →](/search?q=Darlington) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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