Welcome to Kids 1st

Your nursery in
North Shields

At Kids 1st Rake Lane, we provide a warm and welcoming environment where children can learn, explore and grow in confidence. Located just a stone’s throw from North Tyneside General Hospital, our purpose-built nursery offers carefully designed spaces and engaging experiences for children from babies through to preschool age.

Our experienced team support every child through their early years, helping them develop independence, confidence and the skills they need for their next steps. With a strong focus on learning through play, children have plenty of opportunities to follow their interests, discover new things and build friendships.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Kids 1st
North Shields
Nursery Facilities

Our purpose-built nursery features eight individual playrooms, thoughtfully divided between babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Each room is equipped with age-appropriate toys, games and activities designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and development.

Children can also enjoy our secure outdoor spaces, with plenty of opportunities to get active, enjoy fresh air and take supervised safe risks. From riding trikes to exploring the climbing equipment, outdoor play is an important part of the nursery experience.

Our Bee Curious Curriculum supports children’s learning through play, helping them develop key skills and prepare for the transition to school. Every child also has a dedicated key person who gets to know them and their individual needs, while keeping parents informed about their progress and experiences at nursery through the Busy Bees App.

Located just a couple of minutes from North Tyneside General Hospital, our nursery is ideally positioned for families working at the hospital and those living in North Shields, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and the surrounding areas. We have a large on-site car park for convenient drop-offs and collections, as well as a secure buggy store for families arriving on foot or by public transport.

The Rake Lane, Cedar Court bus stop is located just outside the nursery, providing access to several local bus routes.

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

Special things about North Shields

Free-flow gardens

Accessible outdoor spaces connected to every room.

Experienced management

Knowledgeable leaders providing strong support and guidance.

Sensory room

A calming space for sensory and SEND support.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Hollie Cox

Hello, my name is Hollie Cox and I am the Centre Director here at Kids 1st Rake Lane, North Shields.

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

We also place great importance on building strong relationships with families, creating a welcoming and supportive nursery community where every child feels 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

Rebecca Mcilroy

Senior Room Manager

Amy McNally

Ofsted

Every member of staff from the office, rooms, cleaning and kitchen are so welcoming and friendly everyday. You are always greeted with a smile and a welcoming hello acknowledging yourself and your child.

My little boy has been attending since he was 4 months and has come on leaps and bounds. He is always content and settled during the day and always has lots of fun and inviting activities to get involved in. He is comfortable with staff and has made some lovely bonds with them

Fantastic nursery and fantastic staff.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Kids 1st North Shields 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 North Shields 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
North Shields