Welcome to Kids 1st

Your nursery in
Durham

5 /5

At Kids 1st Durham, we provide a warm and welcoming environment where children can learn, explore and grow in confidence. Located in the heart of Durham within the grounds of Durham University Hospital, our nursery offers carefully designed spaces and engaging experiences for children at every stage of their early years journey.

Our experienced team create a nurturing environment where children can learn through play, develop their independence and build the skills they need for their next steps. From babies through to preschoolers, each child is supported at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities to discover new interests, make friends and grow in confidence.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Kids 1st
Durham
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery is divided into rooms based on children’s ages and stages of development, with each space thoughtfully designed to support their individual needs. Every room has access to its own well-equipped outdoor area, providing age-appropriate opportunities for children to explore, play and develop their physical skills.

In the academic year before children start mainstream school, they move into our dedicated Kids 1st Pre-School, where they can build confidence, independence and the skills they need for their next educational adventure.

Our Bee Curious Curriculum supports learning through play, encouraging children to develop their curiosity, communication, confidence and independence throughout their time with us.

We’re also here to make life a little easier for parents, with our complimentary ‘Coffee to Go’ breakfast service available every morning.

Located in the heart of Durham within the grounds of Durham University Hospital, our nursery is conveniently positioned for local families and those working at the hospital or within the city centre.

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

Special things about Durham

Smart Board

Interactive technology supporting engaging learning and discovery.

Large garden spaces

Sectioned spaces offering different opportunities for outdoor play.

Sensory room

A calming space for sensory exploration and discovery.

Coffee to Go

Complimentary breakfast drinks for parents every morning.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Leanne Rewbury

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

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

Building strong relationships with families is an important part of our nursery community, helping every child feel supported, valued and settled throughout their time with us.

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

Rebecca Whiteford

Senior Room Manager

Kate Scott

Senior Room Manager

Kathryn Bell

Ofsted

Google

5 /5

I was comfortable with the staffs and they are all ready to help when approached.

Staff go above and beyond, always welcoming and friendly. Leanne and Rebecca are always accommodating and will try their very best to help where they can which is amazing. My little boy loves his time at kids 1st xx

Warm and caring staff, very welcoming and my son loves attending

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Kids 1st Durham 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 Durham 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
Durham