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 61-80
Review from Georgia B (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not recommend this nursery enough. The staff are very welcoming and as a nervous parent, I was made to feel at ease straight away. I can walk away each morning knowing that my boy is looked after, cared for and in very safe hands with all staff that work at Children 1st.
The nursery is very
clean and activities set out for the children look very inviting with different activities available each day I know my child will not be bored and is being challenged so he can learn new skills. My child’s development has come along amazingly since starting in January and believe this is down to the help of the staff here.
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Review from Julia B (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Justly perfect!
We arrive at the nursery to the beautiful smell of a member of staff's homemade food, it smells delicious. We walk in to see another staff member who is friendly and smiley.
Two other staff members are around to greet us and ensure my little girl enters her room safely and happily.
In the afternoon when I collect, Im first greeted by a smiley happy little girl, who adores her keyworker who is welcoming and warm and treats the children like her own as do all the girls that work in the Babies and the toddler room! (Can't comment on the Early years yet).
We love this nursery the setting is beautiful but the staff are amazing!
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Review from M N (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We chose this nursery due to recommendations. When we went to look around we knew exactly why it was recommended. From entering the door with our son we were made to feel at ease by all staff. The nursery itself was immaculate with plenty of outside space to play. Even the safeguarding went above and
beyond.
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Me and my daughter love this nursery, all the staff are amazing and friendly. My daughter has learnt so much since starting here. Highly recommended. The nursery is always clean and tidy and staff are always doing lovely activities with the children.
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Review from Samantha K (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent communication with the whole team, all are welcoming and friendly. I asked for my son to bring some Christmas crafts home as it's not his favourite thing to do. I've got a beautiful Christmas card that I'll treasure forever.
I was recommended the nursery by a friend and I'm so glad I chose
you!
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Review from Gemma W (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery! My little girl and all her cousins attend or have attended Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital Day Nursery from being very young. The best part is the large outside area, it is a little explorers paradise. The kids love this nursery so much and have all made special relationships
with the staff and children. Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital is a nursery that really cares and gives so much to all the children that they look after. I always recommend to everyone I know.
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Review from Clare H (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used this nursery for all three children, recently bringing my youngest. I am extremely pleased with the set-up, all staff are polite and very pleasant. Individual members of the team do their very best to nurture the children and clearly develop their own bonds with the children. All of mine
have and do thoroughly enjoy their days at nursery - the people, other children, toys and equipment. The outside space is amazing, especially in the spring/summer/autumn months. I am very happy with the nursery and have no issues recommending it to other parents.
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Review from Hayley G (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff have been amazing at welcoming our little boy into his new setting and, as a result, he has settled very quickly and absolutely loves going to nursery! The staff are lovely and friendly, very helpful and keep us up to date with everything. The nursery is very well equipped and has a lovely
all-weather outdoor garden/play area, the activities are varied and very well thought out and organised.
After moving to the area we had to change nurseries which was a concern as our little boy had already formed friendship groups and relationships at another setting, we need not have worried, he is very happy here and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital Day Nursery to anyone.
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Review from Jyothsna R (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends just two half days of pre-school group. Sadly, we couldn't get more dates. He had a bit of speech delay and he was not eating by himself. He shows a lot of improvement when he attends the nursery. He speaks more and eats most of his meals. My son also loves the vast garden area with activities.
Thanks.
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Review from M A (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This relates to my child's whole attendance here. We are so happy with the care they provide. Keep you up to date with activities and information. The staff are all lovely! Would highly recommend to other parents.
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Review from Darja S (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm very happy that my child with special needs is included in all activities and I see him enjoying going to the nursery. This nursery is special as there is a large outdoor space. All staff are very caring, approachable and supportive.
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Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My daughter has been here since she was 9-months and is due to leave this August to attend school and this is the only reason she would leave. If she could stay there throughout her education I would be over the moon. I’m certain she will miss everyone as they’ve
been such a big part of our lives.
The outdoor space is amazing and it’s nice to know that they’re outside whatever the weather. The meal choices are nutritious and a great variety catering for all palates. She comes home most days with a new song, picture or exciting things to tell me what happened that day.
Thanks so much for all their help, guidance and most importantly love!
Five-stars.
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Review from Bilal F (Father of Child) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has developed good interpersonal skills in this daycare. I am very thankful to the staff who have looked after my son well. He is eager to go to daycare in the morning; which is very healthy for his successful future.
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Review from J B (Father of Child) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were very nervous about sending our kids to nursery but from start to finish they have been nothing short of perfect.
Settling in was done very professionally, the manner and reassurance we received during the Covid pandemic, the development of our kids and everything from the food they eat to
the activities they do have been superb.
The nursery manager is unbelievably proactive and helpful and it really shows through the amazing work the team do. It never feels like anything is too much to ask and the conscientiousness and care of the staff who clearly really care about the work they do is fantastic.
100% would recommend to absolutely anyone considering where to send their children.
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Review from Holly W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending the nursery in the baby room since November 2021. Like any mother, it was an emotional time transitioning to going back to work and leaving him with other people but from the start, the staff were so lovely with both him and me that I was really reassured. He has settled in
really well! He naps longer than he does at home and eats really well. I love getting his daily update telling me what he has done and seeing some photos of him having fun. The nursery is a nurturing environment and provides lots of opportunities for him to explore and develop. I am so glad we found Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital Day Nursery. Thank you!
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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’m so, so pleased with the nursery. First off, the facilities are wonderful - the outside has so much to offer, and that was a really important element for us when choosing. My daughter was born in the first lockdown and had really been quite shy as a result. The nursery has really bought her out of
her shell. She gets on with all the staff. They communicate brilliantly and have been able to be flexible (obviously within reason and with proper notice) to match mine and my husbands changing work needs. I couldn’t imagine leaving her with anyone a year ago now, I couldn’t imagine not having the nursery. She asks about it on her days off! Thank you for being so amazing - keep doing what you’re doing!
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Review from Lyndsey H (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been excellent from start to finish. My son has been happy, engaged and blossomed under their care. It has been so reassuring to know that he is happy, well cared for and thriving from such an early age, and I'm sure that the staff's efforts have greatly prepared him for school. The
ties with the EYFS framework, homework topics and learning structure whilst still fun and creative have been a real highlight of the whole experience.
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Review from Lucy B (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery, wouldn’t change one thing! My daughter particularly loves the outside area which I may say is what sold it to us when she started at seven months knowing full well she would benefit from it when older and I was so right now being nearly three, she loves to be outdoors rain, snow
or sunshine. The staff are fantastic and are always accommodating in whatever needs to be changed around your little one. Very clean and well organised too.
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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
One hundred percent recommend this nursery! My daughter is really happy here and comes home full of stories about all the different activities she has been doing. It is welcoming, clean and the outside space in particular is fantastic. You are made to feel like the staff really care about your child,
meaning you can relax knowing they are safe and having so much fun.
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Review from Sam B (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely environment and staff. Like the extra touches like fruit at the door. Great partnership between home and nursery with clear objectives each week and ideas for home. Good communication. Our boys love going and have settled in really well.
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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.

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