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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  • 28
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Reviewer Connection to Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School
  • 138
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Total of 160, showing 81-100
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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Review from Katie R (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital has been fabulous during a year of turmoil providing a safe, interactive and innovative learning environment for my twin girls as they have grown from babies to toddlers. They love going to nursery and skip in for their sessions. Children 1st @ Chesterfield
Royal Hospital has been able to accommodate extra sessions really reducing my stress as a working mum. It is really evident at home the fabulous work the staff do helping encourage their speech, supporting them through weaning, now using cutlery and promoting their physical well-being and dexterity. The outdoor space at Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital is wonderful and probably one of its best features as there is nothing the girls love more than being outside and exploring the garden.
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Review from Emma W (Mother of Child) published on 30 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at eight months and due to lockdown is very wary of strangers and very clingy to me. The staff at Children's 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital have been fantastic at helping her to settle in. Her key worker has gone above and beyond to help my daughter feel comfortable and even start
to enjoy herself. She's not quite there yet but I am confident over the coming weeks that my daughter will come to enjoy her time in nursery and I can go to work knowing she is safe and happy.
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Review from Chris O (Father of Child) published on 30 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can’t praise this nursery enough. Our little girls loves going here and has fallen in love with one member of staff. There is so much outdoor space and different activities that has bought her development on so, so much. Thank you all for your hard work.
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Review from Jessica A (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son left at the beginning of September this year and attended the nursery from 11-months old to 4-years. There aren't enough words to explain how amazing this nursery is and its staff.
Very clean, so organised and so so friendly. We have enjoyed our time with you all, and you have done such an amazing
job with my son, he wouldn't be the little boy he is today without your help.
Throughout covid, you were all amazing and so helpful and supportive.
If your child doesn't attend here, then you and they are truly missing out!
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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has just started school, and I am confident a big part of the reason he has done well with the transition is down to his time spent at nursery. From being 8-months-old, he has recieved the best care from the staff. They are a caring, nurturing and a supportive team, and the facilities are fantastic.
The outside space is unrivalled in Chesterfield, and they definitely make the best use of it.
I would highly recommend (and have).
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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Outstanding nursery very clean and modern with a big garden to run around in with lots of activities. Staff are well presented in smart uniform. The nursery is a good size so children don’t get lost in a big crowd but have plenty of friends.
My little one has been attending since 1 year old and is
now 3. Staff are friendly and caring, my little one doesn’t stop talking about the staff and also asks to go to nursery at weekends, loves it that much.
The diary provides a good overview of what they eat and do throughout the day, plus lots of good EYLog updates/photos/videos.
I love all of the crafts they bring home, they do so much with them.
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Review from Elaine K (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery, my little girl who is 2 has been going here since she was 1 and my little boy who is now 6 went from 1-3 years old. The nursery staff are so lovely and caring which gives me complete peace of mind when leaving my little girl so I can go to work without worry. Nothing is
ever too much trouble for the staff. My little girl always comes out of nursery so happy. I would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Rebecca B (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy is 2 and a half. He's been at this nursery for a few months now and it's the best thing we ever did! The staff are doing all they can to get him the right support. I honestly can not thank them enough. I just wish he went to this nursery first off. My little boy loves it here!
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Review from K F (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are always friendly and helpful. Never had any problems. Always give good feedback from the day.e
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Review from Margot S (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends this nursery and loves it. The staff are supportive, welcoming and have a great relationship with children. I have no concerns leaving him there which allows me to get on with my day knowing my child is being cared for in a lovely environment.
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Review from Neil J (Father of Child) published on 13 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience of Children 1st @ Chesterfield has been fantastic - the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and always helpful. Our daughter really enjoys the variety of activities and the parent/home engagement through the quarterly topic guides is really useful. The facilities (particularly the outside
area) are second to none and I would not hesitate to recommend this nursery. We'll definitely be sad to move on.
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Review from Louise M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the initial visit prior to our daughter starting in the baby room we knew that this nursery was right for our family. Staff are welcoming and quickly made me feel at ease when leaving my daughter for the first time. The key workers and staff involved in her care are supportive and approachable
and our daughter really loves to see them every week. Communication from the nursery is excellent, we love the regular updates via the app. Our daughter takes part in varied learning-based activities and has grown in confidence since starting at the nursery. Most importantly, she is happy and we would not hesitate to recommend Children 1st at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
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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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