Welcome to Kids 1st

Your nursery in
Hexham

5 /5

Looking for a nursery that goes the extra mile to give your child the best start in life? Look no further than Kids 1st Hexham!

Discover a space bursting with wonder, packed with exciting things for your little one to see and do.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Kids 1st
Hexham
Nursery Facilities

Whether they're curled up in a cosy book nook, teasing their brain with wooden puzzles, or fizzing themselves up on an indoor soft play area, there's always something to do at our spacious, custom-designed nursery.

Our mission is to spark your little one's curiosity and set them spinning on a lifelong learning journey, equipped with all the tools they'll need to make a seamless transition to full-time education. During their time with us, your little one will participate in a mix of free play and structured activities designed to support their development into a confident, independent learner.

Is your little one the super-energetic outdoorsy type? No drama. They'll love our spacious garden, which is packed with evergreen trees and bushes perfect for discovering the natural world and getting a daily dose of outdoor play.

You'll find us on Maiden's Walk, just behind Hexham General Hospital, off the A695. Arriving by car? We've got ample on-site parking, making drop-offs and pick-ups swift and safe. Arriving on public transport? Get on the 683 bus and hop off at the hospital: we're just around the corner. We even offer super-handy buggy storage, where you can stow bulky strollers and prams until the end of your little one's session.

Kids 1st Hexham is overseen by Centre Director Eleanor Borrowdale, who pours a lifetime of childcare experience into cultivating a vibrant, engaging environment that your little one will love. Want to see our nursery in Hexham for yourself? Book a visit today. Eleanor and the team will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

Special things about Hexham

Home cooked meals

From our NHS accredited menu

Individual gardens

Dedicated outdoor spaces for each age group to play and explore.

Qualified teacher

Master’s-qualified teacher supporting children’s learning and development.

Dining room

A welcoming space for children to enjoy meals together.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Eleanor Borrowdale

Hello, my name is Eleanor Borrowdale and I am the Centre Director here at Kids 1st Hexham.

I have worked in childcare throughout my career, beginning with my Level 3 NNEB qualification before completing a degree in Childcare Studies. I joined Kids 1st Hexham in 2022 and have particularly enjoyed creating engaging environments that encourage curiosity, exploration and learning through natural resources. As SENCO, I also work closely with outside agencies to ensure every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.

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

Annabel Saxon

Senior Room Manager

Sarah Brown

Chef

Dean Smith

Ofsted

Google

5 /5

The center manager has been supportive and flexible during a difficult family period. The staff have been sensitive to my daughter’s needs and kept structure for her day to day life.

Helpful staff. My little boy is happy to go every week.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Kids 1st Hexham 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 Hexham 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
Hexham