Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Experts in Knaresborough
Established in 1994, we have dedicated ourselves to providing high-quality childcare that prioritises safety, development, and individualised attention. Our nurseries and kids clubs cater to children from infancy through teenagers, offering stimulating environments equipped with age-appropriate resources. With two Ofsted-rated 'Good' nurseries in Lingerfield and Pannal, alongside a mobile crche service nationwide, we combine structured learning with purposeful play.Our team of qualified professionals undergo rigorous training in child protection, first aid, and food hygiene, ensuring exceptional care standards. We foster strong partnerships with parents through regular communication and family engagement initiatives, maintaining transparency in all operations.
Services
Nursery Care
Kids Club
Mobile Crche
Ofsted-Registered
Home-Cooked Meals
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have 21 years' experience in childcare provision across North Yorkshire
- Our staff hold current paediatric first aid and child protection qualifications
- We maintain Ofsted 'Good' ratings at both Nidderdale and The School House nurseries
- Our menus feature home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients
- We offer nationwide mobile crche services for special events
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Loved her time with you all
Confident little boy today
Amazing team
Purposeful play opportunities
Wholesome home-cooked meals
Services
Nursery Care
Our Ofsted-registered nurseries provide comprehensive childcare for children aged 0-5 years. With dedicated key workers and structured learning environments, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while maintaining a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio. Daily activities include heuristic play, outdoor exploration, and social skills development through shared mealtimes.
Kids Club
Woodlands Kids Club offers supervised care for school-aged children in Harrogate. Our facilities include age-appropriate activities, homework support, and physical play areas. Operating outside school hours, we provide continuity of care while promoting independence and social development through structured group activities.
Mobile Crche
Our nationwide mobile crche service provides professional childcare at special events and functions. Qualified staff deliver age-appropriate activities in temporary settings while maintaining safeguarding standards. This service allows parents to participate in events knowing their children receive quality care in a secure environment.
Home-Cooked Meals
On-site chefs prepare balanced meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients across all settings. Menus follow nutritional guidelines with daily breakfast, two-course lunches, and afternoon snacks. We accommodate special dietary requirements while educating children about healthy eating choices through interactive mealtime experiences.
Parent Partnership
We maintain regular communication with parents through daily diaries, progress reports, and scheduled meetings. Our closed Facebook group and family events foster community connections. Parents receive copies of policies and prospectuses to ensure transparency in all aspects of their child's care and development.
People
Julie Shaw
General Manager
Founder of Kids At Heart with BA Hons in Childhood Studies, Julie brings 21 years' experience in early years education. As an Early Years Professional Status holder, she chairs advisory committees and focuses on maintaining high care standards across all settings.
Hannah
Area Manager
Hannah holds BA Hons in Childhood Studies and was nationally recognised as NDNA's top nursery practitioner. With expertise in child development, she oversees operational standards and staff training while maintaining hands-on involvement with children.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children from infancy through teenagers, with nursery care for 0-5 years and Kids Club for school-aged children up to 16.
Are your nurseries Ofsted registered?
Yes, both Nidderdale and The School House nurseries are Ofsted-registered and have received 'Good' grading in recent inspections.
What food provision do you offer?
Our on-site chefs prepare balanced meals using fresh ingredients. Menus include breakfast, two-course lunches, and afternoon snacks with special dietary requirements accommodated where possible.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use daily diaries, progress reports, parents' evenings, and a closed Facebook group for regular communication, ensuring parents remain informed about their child's development and care.
Do you offer flexible childcare options?
In addition to our permanent nursery placements, we provide mobile crèche services for special events nationwide, offering professional childcare in temporary settings.
