Enjoy, learn and achieve
We believe it is important that children have a caring, inspirational environment to promote their development. We provide every child with the individual support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.
It is important to us that the children at our setting enjoy learning and grow up happy and healthy to help them succeed. Our ambitious curriculum and focus on quality play and learning give young children the strong foundations they need to achieve in every area of learning.
About Us
Upperthorpe Nursery opened in 2015 and is operated with a team of experienced practitioners. We aim to provide high quality care and education for children aged 0-5 years old in a spacious environment. The education we provide is based on the areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and development is tracked using tracking tools based on Birth to Five Matters development guidance and observations sent to parents on Tapestry, our parent communication system.
Upperthorpe Nursery is set in an acre of secure ground to allow children the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor garden area daily. We offer a happy and nurturing environment for your child whilst always ensuring the need of the parents/carers are catered for. Our friendly staff team are cheerful and attentive towards your child’s needs to ensure their happiness and safety whilst in our care. All staff working with your child are first aid trained and the nursery is fitted with a CCTV system to ensure the safety of the children and staff.
Our building has dual biomass boilers to reduce our carbon footprint to ensure we continue to promote sustainability. All nursery areas are finished to a high standard using modern resources and equipment to promote children’s learning. Each age group has access to their own garden area with age-appropriate resources to encourage their physical development skills.
We have four themes in the nursery, click on each to view our rooms
Hedgehogs
Squirrels
Owls
Wise Owls
Upperthorpe Nursery
info@upperthorpenursery.co.uk
Location
Booking & invoice line
For existing clients only
01325 362212
Children's Nursery Darlington
01325 482111
Upperthorpe Nursery
90 WOODLAND RD
DARLINGTON
DL3 7PZ
A Safe environment where play,
fun and enjoyment go hand-in-hand
with learning and discovery
for the children in our care
Interested in a great preschool education for your child?
Reserve your spot at the top children's nursery in darlington
Opening hours Monday to Friday 7am-6pm all year with the exception of the Christmas period.
Reserve a place today
Upperthorpe, a brief History
The impressive Victorian villa, Upperthorpe, was built in 1868, a fine example of architecture of the period. The mansion’s façade is constructed from iconic white brick, with a slate roof, typical of the era. Upperthorpe served as the residence of prominent Civil Engineer and committed Quaker, William Cudworth, his wife Mary, and their staff below stairs.
Mr Cudworth, who was a significant figure on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, resided at Upperthorpe throughout his dotage, until his death in 1906. Following his demise, the house passed into the ownership of his niece, Jane Mary Jefferys, originally from Melksham in Wiltshire.
Ms Jefferys, who was a community-cornerstone in her own right, was the leader of the Skinnergate Men’s Adult School, and treasurer of the Darlington Women’s Temperance Association, lived at Upperthorpe until she died in 1943.
Following the departure of Ms Jefferys, Upperthorpe appears to have been uninhabited until 1948, when it was used for unexplained “military purposes”.
In 1951, the property passed into the ownership of Helen and Walter Bishop, who moved their secretarial college into the building. The prominent Upperthorpe Secretarial College operated until December 1992, offering a range of administrative qualifications in typing, book-keeping and shorthand to generations of the area’s administrators.
In 1993, Upperthorpe was leased to the Health Authority, and became the headquarters of South Durham Health Care. In July 2013, the building was purchased by entrepreneur Mike Odysseas, who undertook a significant, but sympathetic renovation of the building to extend its life further into the 21st Century.
As a result of the renovation, Upperthorpe Nursery became the current tenants of the building, offering day and overnight care for children aged 3 months to 11 years. The features of the building have been well preserved through the years and during its last transformation, including prominent bay windows with sash frames and Flemish bonded brickwork.
While in the heart of town, the location is secluded and private, with all wildlife and vegetation growing in the extensive grounds protected within the Conservation Area, which only enhances both the property and streetscape.
Upperthorpe remains the last remaining example of Victorian heritage within the West End Conservation Area, its arresting architecture undisturbed after a century and half, and an array of functions.