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
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Total of 160, showing 101-120
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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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl absolutely loves nursery - she happily goes and is always smiling when I pick her up. I know she is cared for so well and I get a full account of what she's been up to over the course of the day. Everyone is so friendly and kind. I really couldn't ask for better.
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Review from Rebecca DH (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves coming to nursery. The staff are fabulous and are very helpful, especially her key workers. I love seeing the pictures and reading the notes left on the Eylog app of what she has been up to.
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Review from Claire W (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an excellent nursery, the staff are all very friendly and provide an excellent standard of care. The facilities are great and my child does something different and exciting every day. I feel 100% confident in the ability of all staff and I feel really reassured that my daughter will be well
looked after each day. Nothing is too much trouble for the team and they go above and beyond to offer the reassurances that a parent needs when leaving their child in the care of others. I would highly recommend this nursery to others.
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Review from Jodie G (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our family love this nursery! All the staff are so friendly and lovely. I love dropping off our son and seeing him excited to see everyone. He eats and sleeps really well there and his development has come on so much since he’s been there.
They do great activities and the facilities are brilliant.
Couldn’t recommend it more!
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Review from Kirsty P (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery with genuinely caring and friendly staff. Would highly recommend. Great outdoor spaces.
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Review from Jacquelyn P (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended nursery for just over a year and we are confident we made the right choice. The staff are brilliant and made the process of going back to work so much easier. Since attending nursery, my son has become so confident playing well with other children. I am reassured that he is getting
the best possible care whilst I am at work. It is a safe and happy environment and I can't recommend the staff and the nursery enough.
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Review from Anil (Father of Child) published on 8 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This is one of the best nurseries. Staff are very good and polite. I definitely recommend to anyone. The only suggestion I can give is there should be good ventilation. Windows are always steamed up and quite warm inside. May need some upgrading works.
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Review from G D (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have been impressed with this nursery for the most part, my little boy has improved dramatically with speech etc since moving rooms and I think teaching is of high priority here.
There have been a lot of staff changes recently which has been a little upsetting for my child, he no longer goes in to
the room willingly as he is less used to the staff.
A longstanding issue has been incorrect use of nappies (coming home in wrong nappies) which has been happening since he started.
Overall impressed with management, clearly hold safeguarding at high importance, just maybe look at organisation in room better (clothes missing, wrong nappies).
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Review from Lisa (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter continues to flourish at this Nursery. All of the staff are lovely and she has a real bond with a number of them. We aren’t well informed about what is happening at Nursery and encouraged to support the subjects at home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the service.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has come on so much since attending Chesterfield Royal Hospital Nursery.


He only attends two afternoons a week but always comes home happy and keen to tell us what he's been up to.


The staff are incredibly friendly and caring and have gone to great lengths to help him settle in and gain

confidence, particularly around other children.


His speech has come on in leaps and bounds and we like the gentle encouragement of his learning and development.


We viewed a number of nurseries and this had the most homely feel by far. We much preferred the small, friendly environment and our son appeared really comfortable here when we first came to visit.


The outdoor space was also a real selling point. It's important to us that our son has plenty of time outside and that he enjoys it. This nursery has a wonderful garden with great facilities and a lovely outdoor classroom.


We know when our son is here he's safe, happy and well cared for.


Would highly recommend.

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Review from Thomas P (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery for about 6months, she really enjoys it. All the staff are fantastic and really care about all the children and there welfare. They are really flexible with when we can drop her off and pick her up, which is really handy for us. The nursery has fantastic facilities
and is set in really big grounds. Really looking forward to summer so my daughter can enjoy playing outside at nursery. My daughter is really coming along well since she started nursery and I cannot thank the staff enough.
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Review from Gary H (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all friendly and happy to help. I feel that the development of my child both in a social setting and education standing, have improved dramatically over the years. I feel she will be able to adapt to school with ease due to the nursery's hard work, and have no issues making friends in
the future. I would always recommend this nursery to anyone.
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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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