Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School

Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Dryhurst House, Calow, Chesterfield S44 5BL
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Top 20 award
10 160 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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Funding & Fees

Contact Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

Contact Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

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 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School Reviews (160)

10

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has a Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has 160 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 160
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Reviewer Connection to Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
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Total of 160, showing 41-60
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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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 SchoolI’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 meeting your needs! As well as the development and progression your little ones have made during their Children 1st journey. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely comments.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (10.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (10.000) 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 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 5.000 for Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (335 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 335 Ratings = 5
  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 28 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 28 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 (10)

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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