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 61-80
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 SchoolThank 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 one starting! Also thank you for recommending us!
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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 SchoolDear 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 throughout her Children 1st journey have been able to help aid her development while meeting both of your needs. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, it is deeply appreciated.
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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 SchoolDear 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 be attending our Chesterfield setting in August and that he is already welcomed by the staff each day which will help with his adjustment! Thank you so much Rachel for taking the time to share this review and I’m so glad that we have been able to meet your little one's needs while still providing him with tasty food!
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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 SchoolDear 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 good relationship with his keyworker, giving you the confidence that once he moves up to the next room he will be just fine! Thank you for the recommendation.
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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 SchoolThank 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 with her keyworkers past and present. Thank you again.
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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 SchoolVictoria, 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 SchoolThank 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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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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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

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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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