Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School

Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Dryhurst House, Calow, Chesterfield S44 5BL
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10 152 Reviews
  • Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School, Chesterfield
Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is situated close to Chesterfield city centre within a listed building with a fabulous garden. The nursery has been refurbished to offer children from birth to five years a warm, welcoming and stimulating learning environment. Funded places are available for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds.

The nursery features age-appropriate rooms and a large outdoor garden with outdoor classrooms, a mud kitchen, a fort and a woodland area, which offers the children a chance to explore their surroundings.

Highly trained and experienced staff undertake exciting forestry school activities, musical funky feet sessions and baby ballet. The children also have access to the local swimming pool and are offered classes by qualified instructors.

A healthy menu is created and prepared by a dedicated chef who develops nutritionally balanced meals and caters for any specific dietary requirements.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Katie McNamara (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 73

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School Reviews (152)

10

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has a Review Score of 10 (9.954) out of 10, based on 49 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has 152 reviews.

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Total of 152, showing 21-40
Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started nursery in November last year and we were very nervous about leaving him for the first time when he was still young. The nursery team were great at settling him in and putting our minds at rest, saying it was fine to ring anytime to check in on him. He loves going to nursery and we love
the photo updates and can really see how he is progressing at nursery. The online system is very easy to use and it helps me feel, as a mum, I can keep checking on how he is doing and see areas he is learning and developing in.
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Review from Mary J (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The daycare takes good care of my daughter as is evident from the way she excitedly goes to the nursery from day one. I love the food options and the outdoor play area which is well maintained. I love that periodical observations are made about her personal, emotional and physical developments, it keeps
me on track of the same.
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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having had two children attend this nursery since 2018, we have experienced care from most staff members and could not fault the team in the care of our little ones. With additional care needs for allergies as well as medical emergencies happening on site, through to support for our children during
family difficulties and bereavement of their grandparent, we have had wonderful, caring and supportive care from the manager and the whole team. We cannot thank them enough and would not place loved ones at this precious stage of life anywhere else. The level of care, training and attention to detail is next to none.
Fantastic all round.
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Review from N S (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant service and very accommodating. Friendly staff who care for children with empathy and compassion whilst remaining professional. I would recommend Children 1st nurseries to my family and friends especially Chesterfield Royal Hospital base.
Catered really well for my child’s additional needs
and introduced extra physio, speech and language and sensory desensitisation sessions into nursery play.
Nursery rooms are all spacious with a lot of developmental toys. Outdoor space is brilliant.
Only recommendations I would suggest is to complete referrals timely to provide extra funding and support for nursery staff for children with additional needs. Also to complete more baking facilities for children with allergens, to allow children with allergies to be involved in baking time more often.
Overall brilliant nursery. My child absolutely loves attending and seeing her nursery teachers.
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery, my son absolutely loves being there and I feel so comfortable leaving him there with every single staff member. From the food, they give to the activities it’s all-round brilliant. Thank you.
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Review from Becky M (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at the nursery in January 2024, they were understanding of our worries and our nerves in putting our little boy in nursery for the first time when we had to return to work after having our little girl. They put our mind at rest from the very beginning and couldn't have done more to settle
him in! Staff were attentive and caring way before he started and went out of their way to get to know him and embrace him from day 1! At little notice, they were able to offer the same care and time to look after our youngest daughter and made the whole starting experience as stress-free as possible. They are always happy to see them and always there to help us. 2 under 2, with both parents in full-time work isn't for the faint-hearted but it's easier when you know they are happy, safe and cared for by the best of the best.
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Review from Georgina S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery was recommended to me by other parents at a playgroup we attend and I’m so glad it was. I was apprehensive about if my son would settle in ok but he absolutely loves it and being able to ring for updates was very reassuring. The staff have all been amazing and it really is appreciated. My
son particularly enjoys the very impressive outdoor area and loves getting involved in the arts and crafts.
Thank you so much to all the staff at Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital!
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A brilliant nursery, my little one loves going. 100% satisfied with the care they provide. Communication from the nursery is brilliant with monthly observations provided. Lots of things for the little ones to do. My little one loves joining in with all the activities, especially the forest school.
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Review from Megan T (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough about the incredible care and dedication provided by the staff at Children 1st. From the day we enrolled her, they have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure her safety, happiness, and development. The staff at the nursery are not just caregivers; they are nurturing
mentors who foster a stimulating environment for the children. They engage them in enriching activities, encourage their curiosity, and celebrate their milestones with genuine joy.
Every child is welcomed with open arms, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the little ones. The communication between the nursery and parents is great. They keep us informed about our daughter's progress and share insightful observations. Our experience with this nursery has been exceptional. We are so grateful for the love and care they provide to our daughter. We wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to any parent seeking a nurturing and supportive environment for their child's early years!
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Review from Gemma H (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended this nursery and I can't speak highly enough of the nursery as a whole. The facilities are fantastic and in particular, the outside area is a real plus, offering a fantastic space to play, be creative and spend as much time outdoors as possible.
For me what really makes
this nursery so special is the staff. Both my children have created really lovely relationships with the staff who are always engaged, open, friendly and professional. You can see how much they care for the children and are always ready to listen to any concerns you or your child may have. I am so pleased that we found Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital. As a family, we couldn't have asked for a better experience or place for our children to be nurtured and grow. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this nursery to any other family.
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Review from G W (Father of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic Nursey. All the staff go beyond expectations, always happy to help with any concerns. They are professional and friendly keep up the good. Parking can be an issue at times but that’s nothing to do with the Nursey.
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Review from Nancy P (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A brilliant nursery that has really helped my son to develop. He always looks forward to going and the staff are brilliant with him. I have full confidence he is being looked after well while at nursery. Thank you!
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Review from Helen L (Mother of Child) published on 29 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended this nursery. My second is currently loving her time here. She loves going and talks often about her key workers and friends. The staff are amazing at making children feel secure and included. I know without nursery my daughter wouldn’t have progressed so much with her
speech and social skills. I definitely recommend Children 1st at the Royal as a great nursery.
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Review from Andy F (Father of Child) published on 29 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I took my daughter into nursery with a ponytail in her hair (done rather poorly). On arrival, one of the nursery nurses noticed it was slipping out and offered to rectify this. My daughter came home with a lovely ponytail, clearly she sits still for the individual at nursery (which never happens for
me). More recently, she was playing with her little dolls at home and naming them all after her nursery friends... 'this one is X, this one is Y and this one is Miss XX'... clearly she sees the same nursery nurse mentioned previous as one of the gang. She also often comes home singing songs about subjects they are learning, which is a great method of teaching (which served my son well too, who has recently started school after attending the same nursery). Watching your child happily toddle off into nursery (as opposed to having to be dragged away from you) is great peace of mind before heading off to work.
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Review from Katie C (Mother of Child) published on 29 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery, we absolutely love it. Children 1st is brilliant and we have no complaints. Our daughter has loved it since day one. All her key workers have all been incredible! The food options and outside space is what drew us to the nursery and it really doesn’t disappoint.
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Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Children 1st Nursery and really couldn’t be happier with the care they have received. The nursery is extremely well organised and all the members of staff are lovely. From day one, both children have loved going here and they really adapt to their needs. The range of activities
they get involved with are great including forest school and visits from ‘people that help us’ for the older ones. As parents, we are always well informed with what has happened during the day and get regular newsletters/ what to expect for the coming term. They are also very accommodating to working parents and try to be flexible with last-minute needs e.g. early drop-offs. I really can’t fault this nursery. One of the best decisions we have made for our family.
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Review from Megan R (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter (almost 2) has been here for nearly a year now. When she first started I had terrible anxiety around leaving her, but all of the staff made me feel so at ease, sending me lots of updates and making sure I knew she was ok throughout the day in those first couple of weeks. They have such
great facilities and do so many different activities with the children. The staff always have such positive attitudes and there is great communication with parents. Our daughter absolutely loves it here! She doesn’t ever want to leave when we go to pick her up! Attending nursery here has helped transform her into such a confident and creative little girl. I couldn’t have chosen a better nursery for her to go to and I know she is safe, well nourished and cared for every day she is there. I would recommend this nursery to anyone. Thank you all for making our experience with the nursery such a positive one!
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Review from Charis L (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff care for the kids. It really is a 'children first' mindset. My daughter is still very new here, 1 month in and she is settling in well. This reflects at home too when we observe her development. I'm not surprised though, this nursery was recommended to me by 3 mums. Cheers to the nursery and
its staff.
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Review from Sadie M (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started at nine months old and is now 19 months old. Over the last ten months, he has settled into the nursery and built positive relationships with the staff. The staff are always friendly and approachable, and I feel confident the care they offer my little boy while I am at work is excellent.
The communication is excellent from nursery staff to parents.
The range of activities they cover is vast, and my boy always comes home having learnt something new or gained confidence in his own abilities.
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Review from Joanna N (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a first-time Mum it worries me leaving my baby at nursery, on our first visit we fell in love with this nursery. It is clean, well equipped for my baby's needs. Staff are well trained, experienced and very hands-on. They also often send me reviews and photos of what she's been doing which is so reassuring.
I can also call anytime to check on my child. My daughter loves going here especially playing on the slides.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.954)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.954) out of 10 for Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 49 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 49 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.954 for Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (562 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 587 Ratings = 4.954
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is based on 49 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 73 number of registered child places is 14.6, which has been reached with 49 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (1)

Katie

Katie McNamara

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2010

Hello, I’m Katie Macnamara, Nursery Manager at Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have worked in childcare for 9 and half years and completed level 3 in Child Care And Education at Chesterfield College in 2009.
I then worked in my first nursery to gain experience and joined Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital in June 2010 as a Qualified Nursery Nurse working in the toddler room. After 9 months I started to work with children aged 3 and above to support with the transition to school. I moved back into the toddler room in 2012 to help support younger children.
In October 2013 I was promoted to Senior Nursery Nurse of the toddler room where I gained experience in leading a room. I built up good relationships with the staff team as well as parents and children. I also supported new staff with their induction period.
In September 2014 I became the Deputy Manager. I now support the manager with her duties, I also support with new parents and children during their settling in period ensuring they feel welcome and valued and help them to settle into a new routine. I am enjoying my new role and learning new things about the job, working with Children 1st and what the company stands for.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has an Enhanced Service - more info.