Darlington College provides a wide range of childcare services at its modern purpose built Childcare Centre for children aged 6 weeks to school age all year round, which has been rated “OUTSTANDING” by Ofsted in January 2019.
Download our BRAND NEW Childcare Centre guide HERE
Currently we have FREE places for three and four year olds.
If you require any further information regarding the Childcare Centre please call 01325 503144 or email childcare@darlington.ac.uk
Services Offered
- Nursery
Full day, half day and sessional care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
- Holiday Club services
The centre provides professional childcare for parents/carers whether you are accessing a programme of study at Darlington College or working full or part time. The centre is open to the public; however Darlington College students and staff have priority for places.
Our Vision: to provide Excellence in Childcare and Early Learning, where learning is fun!
Our Aims
- To maximise every child’s potential
- To respect and value partnership with parents, families and professionals
- To deliver outstanding care in a safe, healthy and inclusive environment
- To continue to develop a dynamic professional workforce.
Our Values
- Commitment
To maintain outstanding care and learning for all children, their families and communities.
- Ambition
To support every child to fulfil their potential.
- Respect
Respect each and every child and their family’s views, needs, cultures and beliefs.
- Excellence
To be outstanding in everything we do and share good practice.
Funding For Students
Student support may be available to provide free childcare subject to status. Please contact the Student Finance Team on 01325 503037.
Early Education Grant
The centre is registered to receive funding for two, three and four year olds.
Working Tax Credit
The Centre can be used as a childcare provider for the Working Families and Childcare Tax Credits for more information visit www.gov.uk
Childcare Vouchers
We do accept childcare vouchers from employers.
Early Years Ofsted
The centre is registered with Early Years Ofsted and recent inspection reports can be obtained at the centre. Our current Ofsted Report can also be found HERE.
The Childcare Centre has been designed with children’s safety and security as a priority. The Centre has quality educational equipment and a highly qualified childcare team.
The Centre Offers:
- A welcoming, warm and spacious environment.
- Individual nursery rooms that provide the ideal environment for the different ages and stages of development.
- High quality educational equipment, including up to date IT facilities.
- Separate enclosed outdoor areas for each age group.
- A highly qualified and experienced childcare team.
- Quality assured by Early Years Ofsted.
All these features will ensure that your child will get the best possible start in the vital early years.
Partnership with Parents and Carers
The Childcare Centre is committed to promoting open and positive relationships with the parents/carers of the children within our care. We recognise that parents/carers are the primary educators of their child and their views, wishes and values are paramount.
We welcome parents to join in the fun at the Centre and accompany the children on visits and trips. We also would welcome any parents to share their skills with the children to enhance the curriculum that we deliver.
Students on Placement
We support childcare students and school pupils by providing work placements throughout the Centre, to enable them to gain vital practical childcare experiences with all ages of children.
Students will always be supervised by a member of the childcare team and will never be left alone with children.
To put your child on our waiting list fill out the application form and return to us.
Childcare Centre Documents