Welcome to Kids 1st

Your nursery in
Darlington, Ferndene

5 /5

Looking for a safe environment where your child can learn while having fun? Kids 1st Ferndene provides excellent quality childcare in Darlington.

Formerly known as Ferndene Nursery, it's situated in what was once a large Victorian lodge and coaching house just a short way from the town centre. Its soothing decor creates a warm and welcoming environment, while the building's multiple rooms provide plenty of space for the children.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Kids 1st
Darlington, Ferndene
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery is divided into three sections, one for each age group: babies, toddlers, and pre-school-age children. The rooms are equipped with lots of toys and games designed to help little ones learn and have fun. From role-play kitchens to water tables, and train sets to building blocks - we always look to keep your child happy and engaged.

We also believe it's important for kids to get out and learn outdoors. The Ferndene nursery features a walled garden featuring a playground, a woodland area, and lots more. Here, the children can challenge themselves and learn about taking safe risks, all while supervised by our dedicated nursery team.

Throughout your child's time with us, we'll prepare them for the next big chapter in their lives - the move into full-time primary school education. We follow the Bee Curious curriculum. This helps the development of those all-important skills - such as reading, writing, maths and understanding the world around them.

Our nursery is on Elton Parade, around a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Darlington town centre. If you're planning to visit us by public transport, the nearest bus stops are a five-minute walk away - West End Hartford Road and Hartford Road. Both stops are served by 29, 72, X75 MAX and X76 MAX buses.

We have a buggy store, so you safely leave your pram or pushchair whenever you come to visit us. The building is also protected by CCTV and features secure access points on all the main entrances and exits - for complete peace of mind.

Want to find out more about our Ferndene nursery in Darlington? Book your visit with Kids 1st today to come and meet our friendly team. Not sure if Kids 1st Ferndene is the best option for your family? View all of our Nurseries in Darlington to explore all Busy Bees locations in your area.

Special things about Darlington, Ferndene

Home-from-home setting

A characterful converted house with a warm, homely feel.

Long-standing team

Experienced staff providing familiar faces and continuity.

Home cooked meals

From our NHS accredited menu.

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Sarah Geldard

Hello, my name is Sarah Geldard and I am the Acting Centre Director here at Kids 1st Ferndene.

Here at our centre, we create a warm and nurturing environment where children can feel happy, secure and at home. Our team provides engaging opportunities for children to learn through play, explore their interests and develop their confidence and independence at their own pace.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child and sharing in the exciting first steps of their learning journey.

Meet the amazing team

Assistant Centre Director

Helen Hodgson

Deputy Assistant Centre Director

Kirsten Woodward

Senior Room Manager

Mia Coates

Ofsted

Google

5 /5

When my son first started he would scream every time we would drop him off, within a couple weeks he would jump out of our car to get there. He loves going to nursery, socialising with the other children and the nursery team are amazing with him.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Kids 1st Darlington, Ferndene operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 6:00 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 52 weeks a year, Kids 1st Darlington, Ferndene helps support families around the demands of work and everyday life.

We look forward to working with you to create a plan that suits your family.

Find us

SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING

We take pride in our safeguarding policies

Safety and safeguarding are at the heart of everything we do, and your child's safety is our highest priority. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure every child in our care is safe, supported and well looked after.

Learn more

Award-Winning Safeguarding Standards recognising our commitment to protecting children across the UK

A dedicated Safety and Safeguarding Team with decades of experience, led by an industry-recognised leadership team

ISO 45001 certification supported by robust policies and procedures to help protect every child in our care

Thorough recruitment processes including enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive referencing, before joining Busy Bees

Carefully managed drop-off and collection procedures and sign out with controlled entry

Paediatric first aid trained staff in every nursery

A safe, supportive environment and a dedicated "speak up" service, where team members can confidentially report concerns 24/7, 365 days a year, through a variety of channels, without fear of retaliation

Curriculum and education

Giving your child the best start in life

Our Bee Curious curriculum is at the heart of everything we do, helping your child grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

Centred around your child's interests and pace, we combine purposeful play with a carefully designed curriculum that fosters curiosity and confidence. Bee Curious guides every moment in our nursery, from caring routines to planned activities, placing the unique child and their key person at the heart of learning. From encouraging independence at mealtimes, to supporting friendships in the playground, to celebrating every milestone with enthusiasm, our curriculum sparks a love of learning from the very beginning.

Using our 40 years of industry leading childcare experience, Bee Curious is a blueprint for playful learning. It is:

Developed by industry-leading experts and using over 40 years of global expertise

Based on the latest child behavioural science research and findings

Developed through collaboration with Busy Bees educators across the world

Led by Gill Jones MBE - Busy Bees Group Chief Quality Officer

Alongside structured learning, we encourage your child to express themselves freely and explore the world around them through creative and outdoor experiences that support every area of development. We do this by:

Using role play and storytelling to strengthen communication

Exploring art, music and movement

Learning outdoors in a safe, stimulating environment

Developing physical coordination and confidence

Our teams nurture your child's curiosity and confidence, preparing them not just for school, but for life. We do this by:

Early reading and writing through storytelling and mark-making activities.

Strong number sense through counting, patterns and problem-solving.

Hands-on, purposeful play to encourage critical thinking and curiosity.

Strengthening focus and listening skills with guided group learning sessions.

Understanding childcare funding and nursery fees can feel complicated. Our aim is to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, helping you to find the right options for your family.

Use our funding fees calculator to estimate how your childcare hours could reduce your weekly nursery fees. Before using the calculator, please check which funding you might be eligible for here.

Calculate your fees Fee Sheet Funding Eligibility

Children arrive from 7:30am and are warmly greeted by our team.

Children can enjoy fresh fruit with a selection of cereals or porridge.

Every morning, children are introduced to activities that engage their interest.

Focused sensory activity

Exploring colours and textures

Outdoor exploration

With educators to guide the play.

Snack time

A nutritious snack and/or formula milk (if required) is provided.

A story with calm time or a nap

The children may have one or two naps in the day depending on their home routine and we will always offer these in line with their home life.

A nutritious lunch. Our full NHS-accredited menu is available here.

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Engaging your child with activities based around our Book of the Moment.

Outdoor guided play

In purposefully themed play spaces.

Tea time

A light evening meal.

Our last available pick up is at 6:00pm.

Children arrive from 7:30am and are warmly greeted by our team.

Children can enjoy fresh fruit with a selection of cereals or porridge.

Every morning, children are introduced to activities that engage their interest.

Focused learning activity

A warm welcome with a morning song

Snack Time

Age-appropriate sensory or learning activity.

Outdoor learning

Exploration and connection with nature, whatever the weather.

Story time and reflection

A calming period before lunch.

A nutritious lunch. Our full NHS-accredited menu is available here.

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Engaging your child with activities based around our Book of the Moment.

Curious Mind

Maths, sensory experiences or problem solving.

Tea time

A light evening meal.

Outdoor play

In purposefully themed play spaces.

Our last available pick up is at 6:00pm.

Children and staff sharing a healthy meal at nursery

Food

Our weekly menu

NHS-accredited meals, drinks and snacks available.

Prepared daily by our on-site nursery chef

Variety of fresh ingredients throughout the week

Supports healthy growth and development

NHS-accredited nursery menu; our two seasonal menus are accredited by NHS Startwell, ensuring the food we serve is balanced and offers optimal nutrition.

If your child has any dietary requirements, allergies or cultural preferences, please speak with the Centre Director. Our team will work to ensure safe, suitable alternatives are provided.

See our food & menu

Track Progress

Our mobile App

Throughout the day, keep up to date with your child's progress with our Busy Bees App.

Learn More

Welcome to Kids 1st

Welcome to Kids 1st

Your nursery in
Darlington, Ferndene

Kids 1st
Darlington, Ferndene
Nursery Facilities