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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Review from Rebecca W (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I currently have a little boy at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and I can honestly say I feel happy and safe leaving him in the care of the staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The security is amazing, the daily books keep me informed of what he has been up to and what he has eaten. The things my little
boy makes are sometimes so personal with hands and footprints, things I will keep forever. My little boy walks in and waves goodbye to me in the morning he clearly loves nursery. My firstborn went to the same nursery and the things he learnt and the experience he had was amazing, it’s nice to see the same staff that are now looking after my secondborn and they always remember my firstborn and ask about him which is so lovely. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.
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Review from Samantha Y (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have loved starting at this nursery. Our daughter has been really looked after and accommodated for and the staff are also really aware of the parents' needs too.
Nothing is ever too much and communication is really clear and open.
For Christmas they did such thoughtful gifts and activities, just
the little touches that make it even more special.
We’re really pleased we chose here and would highly recommend to other parents.
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Review from Grace H (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter’s experience and care has been exceptional.
All of the staff really care and we feel are fully invested in the children’s development and well-being. We feel in the loop with decisions and situations that may arise and the level of contact is great.
Our child enjoys her days at nursery
with her friends, her key workers as well as the wider staff. Hand on heart, it was the best decision we made for our daughter’s childcare. 10/10!
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Review from V E (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Picking Children’s 1st at Calow was the best decision we made for our son. The nursery was recommended to me by some friends and it was by far the best feeling we got from any nursery we had looked at. The minute we walked in it felt welcoming and friendly. The manager showed us around and made us feel
we would be safe and happy to leave our son with her and her team. We were so impressed that she knew all the children’s names and they all said hello to her.
Our son’s development has come on leaps and bounds since being at nursery and you can really see the things they are teaching him.
We’d highly recommend Children’s 1st at Calow to any of our friends who are looking for a nursery.
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Review from Lizzie B (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Children 1st Chesterfield Royal since September and she absolutely loves it! We as parents couldn’t be happier with the settling-in process, care and support we have been shown by all members of staff. The staff genuinely care for our daughter and they have taken the time
to really get to know her. While starting nursery can be an apprehensive time we were assured by excellent communication and welcoming smiles. Our little girl is always happy to pull up in the car park and goes into nursery happy and excited for the day ahead, a true reflection of the special place that Children 1st is!
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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had an excellent experience so far. My son has been here since he was 1 and will be at this nursery until he starts school in September. He loves it. Some days I struggle to get him to come home. They give him the chance to do lots of activities I can’t provide at home. Plus the social benefits
and skills he’s acquired from being enrolled there are invaluable. I’d recommend this nursery to everyone.
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Review from Oliver C (Father of Child) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been with Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital since he was 9 months old and he is now 3 years old. He absolutely loves going to nursery and sometimes it's all he talks about. The staff, facilities, food, activities and learning are brilliant and we are so glad that we decided to
send him to this nursery as we believe that he wouldn't have developed into the smart, kind and caring boy he is today. He has just had a little brother born and we will definitely be sending him to this nursery as well. Thank you so much to everyone at Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
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Review from Sian M (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started attending in September and he has come along so much.
The staff are very friendly and my son loves going so much he waves me off to leave! The nursery staff have gone above and beyond meeting my son's additional needs. The food offered at meal times is great and it's so nice that allergies
are catered for so well. They have made us feel so welcome and I have no concerns about leaving my son there. He absolutely loves it and the staff feel more like family. They always have a smile on their face and are always positive. The staff are a credit to the nursery. I cannot thank them enough.
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Review from Dionna S (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is beyond outstanding - my daughter adores all of the lovely staff and looks forward to going each week. Since starting the nursery in April 2023 her confidence has soared, and I can’t thank them enough for that. That is, of course, in addition to all the new skills and knowledge she has
come home with. She makes me so proud. What an absolutely wonderful team!
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Review from Hannah D (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have been through this nursery and I can honestly say it’s the best childcare setting either of them have been through. Always well cared for, fantastic indoor and outdoor learning areas, lovely and friendly staff, welcoming to children and their parents and always a report as to
how your child has been doing. Something new for my daughter, which wasn’t in place when my son was there, is the regular visits to the woods, more fun and outdoor learning.
Management always approachable and helpful. Home-cooked meals and evening tea, always great reviews from my children. My eldest still thinks they are much better than school dinners! Thank you for taking such great care of our children, the nursery staff looking after them are a credit to nursery.
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Review from Rhys A (Father of Child) published on 4 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our boys have been at this nursery since April 2023 when Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital came as a recommendation following the closure of our previous nursery. From giving the nursery a call up until this day, they have been outstanding. Very informative throughout the whole sign-up process,
supportive through settling in sessions and their first few days. Compared to our previous nursery, we are kept highly up to date with our children's progress with online access to an app where progress reviews are posted regularly, messaging system that is always answered promptly and options to book sickness and holidays. I cannot recommend this nursery enough. All the staff have helped so much with our children's progress and learning and have come on so much. Their progress is outstanding. Very clean and professional. Our boys adore all the staff. 100% recommend.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
I’m so pleased to hear about your little one’s experience with Children 1st @ Chesterfield. It’s great to know the procedures we have in place to keep you updated throughout the nursery day are…read more
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Review from V B (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Children 1st Chesterfield enough.
The resources are fantastic, the surroundings are lovely but it’s the people that really make it what it is.
My daughter is about to leave for school soon and I think one of the big factors in her being who she is now is the impact everyone at
nursery has had. From her joining at 10 months to leaving at 4 years she has flourished and grown due to the love and care they have given her.
My son is now in nursery too and we toyed with moving him to the nursery at the school my daughter will go to but decided not to, solely down to the great care we know he will get at Children 1st.
I have recommended Children 1st Chesterfield to a few friends who will now be sending their little ones there.
A wonderful nursery full of fun, care and laughs.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this lovely review regarding our Chesterfield setting. It’s great to hear about your little one's Children 1st journey and good luck to your other little…read more
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Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since she was 9 months old. She is now 4 and will be leaving soon. The staff at the nursery have been absolutely brilliant. When working full time it is stressful leaving your child with someone you do not know however all of her key workers throughout her time
at the nursery have been outstanding and have had my complete trust. I have felt not just that my daughter's needs were being met but that her workers actually really cared about her and created a wonderful bond. She has been very happy whilst attending the nursery and I truly believe that she has excelled in her development through attending this nursery.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Dear Emma, I’m so pleased to know that you felt confident within our Chesterfield setting making drop-offs that little bit easier! It’s amazing to hear about the key workers she has been assigned…read more
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are delighted that we chose Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal for our sons. Following a relocation to the area, we were nervous about the impact of the change on our three year old. However, the staff could not have been more reassuring or welcoming in their approach. My son has struggled with moving
house but the staff have gone out of their way to welcome him each day and provide him with an excellent experience.
The outdoor facilities in particular are exceptional and really set the nursery and pre-school apart from others. My youngest is due to start in August and the staff already call him by name and welcome him each day when we drop off and collect his brother.
My eldest also has several food intolerances which the preschool have dealt with without any fuss, still providing him with a balanced diet.
We are so pleased with our choice and would highly recommend the setting to other parents.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Dear Rachel, I’m so pleased to hear about how the staff have helped with your little one with adjusting to a new home, a new area and a new nursery. It's also wonderful to hear that your youngest will…read more
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Review from Jasmine W (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery since he was 13 months old, and I really could not wish for a better nursery to care for him when I’m at work. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, greeting him with a smile. I receive lots of updates about his development and what he has been up to, lovely
photos on the app, and he always eats a fabulous range of healthy home-cooked meals when he is there. He loves his key worker, and I am not in the least bit nervous about him transitioning to the next room because the staff are all just wonderful. He has recently started to point out shapes to me, which isn’t something we have started at home yet. His language has come on leaps and bounds recently, and the care and attention he receives is second to none. He has recently had a new baby brother, and staff have done everything they can to help him with this new big change in his life, offering lots of extra cuddles and care. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone!
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Dear Jasmine, I’m so pleased to know that the procedures we have in place for updating parents throughout the nursery day are meeting your needs. It's lovely to know that he has been able to develop a…read more
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Review from J C (Father of Child) published on 23 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at the nursery for nearly a year now and she absolutely loves it. She adores both of the key workers she has had and all other staff too. We were really quite anxious about her going to nursery for the first time, but she settled in straight away and we wouldn’t want her to be
anywhere else.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Children 1st @ Chesterfield. I'm delighted to know that she was able to settle in so quickly and has been able to develop good relationships…read more
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Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery! The amount of different activities they provide are second to none. The level of care given by all the nursery team is just exceptional and nothing is too much bother. The nursery staff go above and beyond for the children and this is telling in how happy
the children are. My daughter is always learning new skills and the food provided by the chef is always nutritious and well balanced. My daughter has been attending nursery since she was 9 months old and is now 20 months and has never had a bad day! I feel completely at ease with her being at nursery knowing she is well looked after and enjoying her day. Thank you Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal. It will be a sad day when she has to leave! Keep up the great work. Fully recommend 10/10.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time to share this fabulous review. I can't wait to pass these comments back to the Chesterfield setting. Thank you for the 10/10!
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Review from Shannah W (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in May 2023 and on the morning of his first day, I can’t express how anxious I was to leave my 6-month-old baby for the very first time. Walking into nursery with a homely environment, greeted by my son's key worker (who he adores) with open arms and a smiley face, being able
to stay with him for a few hours over a couple of days really helped my nerves and was so lovely to see my son enjoy every minute of his time at nursery. Now going full-time, three days a week, my son started getting giddy walking down the path towards the nursery gates. He absolutely adores his school, couldn’t ask for a better nursery for my boy to attend. Nothing is ever too much hassle and the office is always there to hand if you ever need to know anything or even just a cheeky check-up. Thank you so much Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
Thank you, Shannah, for sharing these lovely comments about our Chesterfield setting, I can't wait to pass these comments back to the nursery.
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Review from Lauren F (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Not only is the nursery outstanding from an Ofsted perspective, it came highly recommended by family friends. The nursery is clean, bright and both indoor and outdoor space is not an issue the way other nurseries have. Our 3-year-old and 9-month-old settled in without any fuss and we’ve been lucky enough
to spot them playing during collection times before they see us where they always seem happy! We couldn’t be happier with our experience so far.
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Review from Z O (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming to this nursery since 2020. It’s a fantastic nursery and I would highly recommend it. All staff are friendly and professional. The facilities are bright, colourful and clean. The outdoor space is also great. There are lots of events/dress-up days that happen across the year. It’s
a brilliant nursery all around.
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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

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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.

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