Welcome to Kids 1st

Your nursery in
Darlington, West Park

5 /5

At Kids 1st Darlington, we provide a secure and welcoming environment where children can learn, play and grow in confidence. Our spacious nursery offers plenty of opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers to explore their interests, make friends and develop new skills.

With engaging activities, dedicated spaces and a large outdoor area, children can enjoy learning through play while being supported by our caring and experienced team.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Kids 1st
Darlington, West Park
Nursery Facilities

Our spacious nursery rooms offer a variety of activities and resources to support children’s development, from sensory water play and imaginative role play to open-ended opportunities for creativity and exploration.

Our large outdoor area gives children plenty of space to be active and enjoy fresh air, with climbing equipment, rope bridges and balance challenges providing opportunities to develop physical skills and take safe risks under supervision.

Our Foundation Class helps prepare preschoolers for their next steps, with a Smart Board and experiences designed to introduce children to some of the routines and skills they will encounter at school. Our Bee Curious Curriculum supports children’s learning through play, helping them develop confidence, curiosity and independence.

Located on Alderman Leach Drive in West Park, on the outskirts of Darlington, our nursery is conveniently positioned for families in the surrounding area. The nearest bus stop on John Fowler Way is around a five-minute walk away and is served by the 1 Sapphire, X1 MAX, X26 and X27 MAX routes. Holderness Drive also provides access to the 16, 19, X26 and X27 MAX services.

We have plenty of on-site parking for convenient drop-offs and collections, as well as a secure buggy store for families arriving on foot or by public transport.

We’d love to welcome you and your family to Kids 1st Darlington. Book a visit to explore our nursery, meet our friendly team and discover what we have to offer.

Special things about Darlington, West Park

Strong family partnerships

Working closely with families through communication and shared learning.

Fish tank

A fascinating feature encouraging children’s curiosity and observation.

Home-from-home environment

Helping every child feel safe, valued and confident.

Large garden

Plenty of space for outdoor play, exploration and learning.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Leanne Bowron

Hello, my name is Leanne Bowron and I am the Centre Director here at Kids 1st Darlington.

Here at our centre, we create a warm and nurturing environment where children can feel happy, secure and at home. Our team provides a variety of engaging experiences that encourage children to explore, learn through play and develop their confidence and independence.

We work closely with families to build positive relationships and create a welcoming nursery community where every child feels supported, valued and encouraged to thrive.

I 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

Shannon Dunn

Deputy Assistant Centre Director

Caitlin Heseltine

Chef

Sharon Gray

Ofsted

Google

5 /5

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

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.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Kids 1st Darlington, West Park 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, West Park 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, West Park

Kids 1st
Darlington, West Park
Nursery Facilities