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 81-100
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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Review from Emily H (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended for almost 2 years and I have always felt confident with the care, attention and encouragement he receives. Communication between staff and parents I have found to be easy and consistent. My son's learning is fantastic and he regularly tells me about the fun activities he has taken
part in at nursery. He speaks fondly of the staff and the friends he has made. The staff are always willing to give cuddles and support if he is upset on first arriving. I think the meals offered are healthy and have broadened my son's choices. When he had food allergies the nursery staff provided suitable and appetising alternatives.
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Review from Leah H (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going two afternoons for the last year and a half. He has loved it since day one. The staff are amazing and made my transition back into work so much easier and less stressful.
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Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been coming two half days a week since May 2019. He absolutely loves it and has made such good progress due to the care and attention he has at Children 1st. His key worker is very supportive and my son adores them, but all the staff are lovely. I feel 100% confident to leave my child
here and will be sending my younger child when the time comes. Amazing day nursery with a wide range of activities for the children.
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Review from Saeed R (Father of Child) published on 10 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Children 1st nursery at Chesterfield Royal since he was six months old. Excellent learning and recreational opportunities. He is happy child and loves to go to Nursery. He has a very good relationship with his staff and friends which is a true reflection of the nursery. We are
very thankful to Children 1st for looking after our child so well. Thanks.
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Review from Rachel B (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending nursery since she was 11 months old and is coming up to 2 years old. During her time at nursery, we've seen so much progression and development in her speech, motor skills and general understanding. She absolutely loves the staff at nursery and we've never been anxious
about leaving her because we know she has the best time - she always comes away happy. She loves all the activities and eats so well at nursery which shows just how nice the food is. The communication between nursery and home is fantastic and we cannot thank the staff enough for making such a fun learning environment for our daughter. We would highly recommend Children 1st at Chesterfield Royal.
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Review from Helen C (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is my second child at the Nursery and she absolutely loves it! She goes full time and it really helps to ease the mum guilt when I know she is so happy every day. The staff are lovely and caring and she goes to them without a worry. Her day is varied and she is always well fed and changed regularly
and well cared for. The team listen to my requests and we work together on routines and developments and I always feel I am listened to.
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Review from Nusrath S (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter had a wonderful time at Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I work in the hospital full time and it was quite convenient for us to send our daughter there.
The staff are polite, welcoming and courteous and helped my daughter settle in quite well within a month's time. Our key worker
was very caring and approachable at all times and it was nice to have her updating the handy Early Learning Log where I would be updated on new skills and pictures of my child in the nursery. They are usually quite adaptable with regards to additional bookings which is helpful especially when you're working full time.
My one-year-old has learnt to sing, appreciate routines and enjoys her day at nursery. I would definitely recommend this nursery to friends and family as they have provided us, as anxious parents with a safe, warm and friendly environment for our child.
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Review from Yen K (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest is always keen to go to nursery. There are events thoughtfully organised for the early years learning including performances at Christmas and graduation, space day visit to the 'space', sports day, fathers stay and play on fathers day etc. My son's language and arithmetic skills have improved
dramatically over the last 9 months. My youngest now 19 months has also attended this nursery since he was 9 months. Staff in baby room were exceptionally caring and very accommodating to his needs including different meal and sleep times. I have always felt confident that the boys are getting the best care and I never have to worry about them at work. Their opening times also cater for hospital staff in that they are open all year round, and if I have to stay a bit later at work, they have always kindly allowed the kids to stay for a bit longer. The only wish I have is that they have less sugary dessert menu but I accept it's my individual preference and they have fruits/yoghurt alternative.
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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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