Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Knaresborough
Established in 1994, Kids at Heart has been dedicated to providing high-quality childcare across North Yorkshire for over 21 years. Our nurseries and Kids Club settings prioritise child-led learning through purposeful play, offering tailored environments that foster confidence, independence, and social development. With two Ofsted-rated 'Good' day nurseries and a mobile crche service, we cater to children from infancy to teenagers, ensuring each child receives individualised attention through our Key Person approach.Our qualified staff team, supported by ongoing professional development, delivers structured yet nurturing care aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards and focus on holistic development, combining nutritious home-cooked meals with diverse learning experiences. Regular parental engagement through daily diaries, progress reports, and family events strengthens our commitment to creating a secure, happy environment where children thrive.
Services
Day Nurseries
Mobile Crche
Kids Club
After School Care
Holiday Provision
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 21 years of experience in early years childcare provision
- Our settings are Ofsted-registered with 'Good' grading ratings
- We provide home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients
- Our Key Person approach ensures individualised child development plans
- We offer mobile crche services nationwide alongside fixed settings
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Fantastic staff
Safe environment
Positive energy
Nothing too much trouble
Amazing nursery
Services
Day Nurseries
Our Ofsted-registered day nurseries provide childcare for children aged 0-5, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Qualified staff deliver individualised learning plans through purposeful play, with home-cooked meals and outdoor learning spaces. Each child receives dedicated attention through our Key Person system, ensuring their specific needs are met in a secure, stimulating environment.
Mobile Crche
We offer bespoke mobile crche services nationwide for events and functions. Our qualified staff create safe, engaging environments tailored to children's ages and interests, allowing parents to participate freely in events. This service operates alongside our fixed nursery locations with flexible booking options available.
Kids Club
Woodlands Kids Club provides childcare for school-aged children, offering structured activities and homework support. Our facilities cater to children up to 16 years old, with experienced staff facilitating social development and creative learning outside school hours. The service includes nutritious snacks and varied play opportunities in a secure setting.
Home-cooked Meals
On-site chefs prepare fresh, locally sourced meals daily across all settings. Our menus follow nutritional guidelines to promote healthy eating habits, with special dietary requirements accommodated where possible. Children learn about food choices through participation in mealtime activities, with menus displayed for parental visibility.
Parent Partnership
We maintain regular communication through daily diaries, progress reports, and parent evenings. Our staff actively involve families in their child's development journey, offering flexible contact options and hosting family events. This collaborative approach ensures consistent support between home and nursery environments.
People
Julie Shaw
General Manager
Julie founded Kids at Heart in 1994 with a vision for quality childcare. Holding a BA Hons in Childhood Studies and Early Years Professional Status, she contributes to local children's services as a committee member. Her leadership ensures consistent quality across all settings.
Hannah
Area Manager
Hannah manages nursery operations with a BA Hons in Childhood Studies. Recognised nationally for excellence in nursery practice, she focuses on staff development and maintaining high care standards across all Kids at Heart locations.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children aged 0-16 years across our nursery and Kids Club settings.
Are meals provided at your nurseries?
Yes, we offer home-cooked meals and snacks using fresh, locally sourced ingredients throughout the day.
How do you support child development?
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, combining structured learning with purposeful play activities tailored to each child's needs.
Can I visit my child's nursery?
Parents are welcome to visit settings anytime - we recommend contacting us to arrange a convenient viewing slot.
How do you handle special dietary requirements?
We accommodate special dietary needs wherever possible, with menus displayed in all settings for parental review.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have childcare qualifications or are working towards them, with mandatory training in child protection and first aid.
