Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Knaresborough
Red Kite Nursery has been dedicated to providing exceptional childcare and early education since its establishment. Our team, with over 80 years of combined experience, fosters a nurturing environment where children thrive through play, exploration, and structured learning. We prioritise individualised care, working closely with parents to support each child's unique development. Our facilities include age-specific classrooms, outdoor play areas, and a nut-free kitchen serving fresh, nutritious meals. We embrace the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to create tailored experiences that prepare children for school and beyond.With flexible government-funded options for children aged 9 months to 4 years, we aim to make high-quality childcare accessible. Our staff, many of whom have worked here for decades, are trained in first aid, food hygiene, and safeguarding. We offer additional support for children with special educational needs, collaborating with therapists to integrate therapy goals into daily activities. Regular parent communication ensures transparency about your child's progress. From themed play sessions to community events, we create a joyful, engaging atmosphere where children feel safe, happy, and inspired to learn.
Services
Baby Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
Special Needs Support
Spanish Lessons
Outdoor Play Areas
Nut-Free Catering
Highlights and features
- Experienced team with over 80 years combined childcare expertise
- Government-funded places available for children aged 9 months-4 years
- Specialist support for children with special educational needs
- Nut-free kitchen serving fresh, home-cooked meals daily
- Secure outdoor environments with age-appropriate play equipment
What people say
Outstanding staff
Special needs support
Clean environment
Development progress
Engaging activities
Services
Baby Care
Our Hedgehogs class provides nurturing care for infants aged 3-24 months. Specially designed activities promote sensory development and early learning through play. Each child's individual sleeping and feeding routines are carefully followed in our dedicated baby room with separate sleep area.
Toddler Programs
The Squirrels class offers structured learning for 2-3 year olds through play-based activities. Our curriculum develops motor skills, language acquisition, and social interaction in a safe environment with qualified Level 3 practitioners leading daily educational sessions.
Preschool Education
Badgers class prepares 3-5 year olds for school with focused learning activities. Our experienced team delivers curriculum-based education through creative play, literacy and numeracy development, and outdoor exploration to build essential school readiness skills.
Special Needs Support
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs, integrating therapy goals into daily activities. Our SENCO collaborates with NHS and charity specialists to deliver individual progress plans with regular parent updates and multi-disciplinary involvement.
Outdoor Play Areas
Our extensive outdoor facilities include age-specific play areas with climbing equipment, mud kitchen, sports facilities, and natural exploration spaces. These environments promote physical development, imaginative play, and environmental awareness through structured and free play sessions.
People
Katy
Owner / Director
With childcare experience since 2007, Katy purchased Red Kite Nursery in 2014. A qualified primary school teacher, she brings educational expertise and leadership to ensure high-quality care and continuous improvement across all nursery operations.
Lauren
Nursery Manager
Joining in 2022, Lauren brings Level 5 childcare expertise as both Nursery Manager and SENCO. She oversees daily operations, staff training, and special educational needs provision while maintaining health and safety standards.
Tanya
Deputy Manager
With 20 years' experience at Red Kite, Tanya transitioned from baby room supervisor to Deputy Manager. Her NNEB Level 3 qualification and practical parenting experience inform her approach to child development and parent communication.
Sophie
Room Supervisor
As Hedgehogs Room Supervisor since 2019, Sophie specialises in infant care. Her NVQ Level 3 qualification supports her in creating developmentally appropriate activities that balance learning with emotional nurturing for the youngest children.
Suzy
Room Supervisor
A dedicated childcare professional since 2013, Suzy progressed from senior practitioner to Squirrels Room Supervisor. Her Cache Level 3 qualification and experience enable effective leadership in toddler education and staff mentoring.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 3 months to 5 years through three distinct classes: Hedgehogs (3-24 months), Squirrels (2-3 years), and Badgers (3 years to school age).
Do you accept government funding?
Yes, we accept up to 30 hours of government funding for children aged 9 months to 4 years. Please contact us for specific eligibility details and registration requirements.
How do you support children with special needs?
Our SENCO coordinates individualised support plans, integrating therapy goals into daily activities. We collaborate with NHS and charity specialists to ensure comprehensive care and development tracking.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our extensive outdoor areas include separate play spaces for each age group with climbing equipment, mud kitchen, sports facilities, and natural exploration zones with a pirate ship and balancing beams.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates, care diaries, and formal progress reports. Parents receive notifications about menu changes, staff updates, and nursery events via our transparent communication system.
What extra activities are offered?
We provide Spanish lessons, themed play sessions, community visits, and special events like fire engine demonstrations. Our curriculum includes music, art, physical development activities, and social engagement opportunities.
