Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School

55 Forest Street, Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9BZ
Review Us
9.7 114 Reviews
  • Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School, Loughborough
Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School is situated near the centre of Shepshed, close to the M1. The nursery has been refurbished throughout; with bright, open areas for babies, toddlers, early years and out-of-school children, from birth to 12-years-old.

The friendly, enthusiastic staff are all fully trained and very experienced, and child to staff ratios are even lower than Ofsted requirements.

Outside there is a garden designed to maximise the potential for outdoor play, and children are encouraged to choose their own activity with a huge variety of options both in and outside.

The nursery offers funded places for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

A fantastic nursery school environment, with the added care and attention that comes with a designated early years practitioner, and a ratio of only eight children to each member of staff.
Show Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School on the Map

Funding & Fees

Contact Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

Contact Children 1st Shepshed 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

  • Amy Sharpe (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Total Places for Children

  • 120

Age Range

  • from 0 years 4 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School Reviews (114)

9.7

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.749) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School has 114 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 99
  • 12
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
Date Published
  • 114
  • 12
  • 17
  • 19
  • 95
Reviewer Connection to Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School
  • 99
  • 15
Total of 114, showing 1-20
Review from Paige J (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children's 1st is an amazing place to be. My son leaves for school later this year , after joining at age 2. He has been shown so much care and patience from all the staff there.
We are greeted every morning by reception staff and by room staff who Welcome him into the room for breakfast.
The outdoor
space here is outstanding, its never ending and I know his favourite place to be :)
I couldn't have asked for a better nursery for him to start his learning journey.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been here just under a year and she is so happy there! As expected she struggled to settle at the beginning but the staff were so supportive and empathic, really giving all the love and attention she needed when I was leaving. She's bonded with them tremendous amounts to the point she
doesn't want to leave! We get art work on a regular basis as well as updates throughout the day of what she's getting upto, eaten, nappy changes etc. I would recommend this nursery to anyone :)
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter goes to this nursery and honestly i cant fault it at all, best nursery ever, everytime i pick my daughter up shes always so happy and always says "had a good day again mummy" which is so lovely to hear.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emily B (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended and have and are thriving.
The staff are supportive and attentive and care deeply about what they do.
Th facility is clean and well maintained and has recently been renovated to provide the best for the children
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Chantelle L (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff are absolutely amazing! My son has been attending the nursery since September and after the new year we increased his days as the experience and structure he gets has benefitted him greatly. Their SEN support is brilliant and always happy to support where needed creating a fabulous environment.
Would
highly recommend this nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Siobhan T (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been so helpful with my son hes in the process for autism diagnosis and the nursery have been helpful with everything weve asked of them and due these changes the nursery have done for him my son enjoys going to nursery and they have so much equipment he enjoys playing with and the
loves the soft play they have and the staff are so lovely.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Vanessa R (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Childrens 1st in Shepshed is safe, clean, all of the staff in my experience over the last 3 years are outstanding and the level of care and attention to detail for each child is impeccable. There is cctv throughout. I have experience of sending my children to two different nurseries in Shepshed and
I can confidently recommend Children's First to be a safe environment where I know my children are cared for with appropriate staffing levels, no inconclusive accidents and they come home happy. There are so many children excited to go there first thing in the morning which speaks for itself. It really is a wonderful place and so reassuring to know the most precious little person or people in your life are so very well cared and provided for. As a parent, the communication is spot on and all the staff are professional. I would recommend Children's First in Shepshed to any parent looking for a nursery. My children have been and are incredibly happy there.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Anjali P (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We joined Children's 1st Shepshed when my son turned 1, and it's been the best decision ever! The staff are incredible-so caring, supportive, and always ready to help. Thanks to them, my little boy has grown into a kind, thoughtful, and confident 4-year-old. Every concern we've had has been handled
brilliantly, and the guidance they've given me as a parent has been priceless. This nursery truly feels like a second home, and we are so grateful for everything they do. Absolutely amazing!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nicole J (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have used the nursery over 3 years for two children and have had the best experience. The staff are amazing and form real connections with the children and always take the time to get to know them. We feel well updated and are so pleased with our child's progress before school.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nicki S (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Children 1st since she was one year old, and every member of staff we've encountered has been wonderful and caring. She often talks about the people who look after her and is always happy to go in and see them - even during phases when she didn't want to leave us in the mornings,
the team made her feel safe and comfortable.
The rooms are warm, welcoming, and full of toys and activities that keep them busy and happy. The food provided is always healthy and well balanced, and I never have to worry about what she's being given to eat.
One of the biggest reasons we chose this nursery was the garden, as my daughter loves being outdoors. It's lovely knowing the children get outside every day to play and explore.
The app is also fantastic - we receive regular updates about what she's been up to and can easily message the team whenever needed, which gives real peace of mind.
Overall, it's a fantastic nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rhea B (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started just under a year ago and straight away we seen a massive difference in her! She is so much happier here and has made so many new friends (which she has found difficult in the past) and has great relationships with the staff. She comes out happy every day and always runs straight
in and gets involved in all the activities. They have a great range of meals and snacks. Great handovers. They always try to get out in the garden at least once a day (even when it's raining) which my daughter loves!! I couldn't be happier and will be sending my youngest daughter when she's ready to start!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J O (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter goes to this nursery and has been well supported throughout with settling in and developing her skills. The staff are very welcoming, caring and very knowledgeable.
Would 100% recommend this place and have my son starting shortly
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We wanted to express how impressed we are with the nursery and all staff. Care and enrichment have been outstanding. Your early years educator has been an amazing addition to an already fabulous team. During transition days for our daughter's primary school, teachers commented on how effectively the
nursery and early years lead had prepared the children, actively ensuring their curriculums align. The early years educator's background in primary has not gone unnoticed! Our daughter has developed excellent skills (notably, phonics, maths and writing) and has thrived socially too. Thank you Children 1st!
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Shepshed Nursery SchoolThank you for your kind words. We're so pleased to hear how well your daughter has developed and how smoothly her school transition is going. It's great to know our team's efforts and curriculum alignment have made such a positive impact. We really appreciate your support!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Chris D (Father of Child) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is due to leave here in the coming weeks, we couldn't be happier with his development over his time with Amy and her team. Especially one staff member in particular. His confidence is sky high and his ability to confidentially achieve all the next steps required to help in him at his next adventure
are all conquered! Cannot thank these guys enough!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E L (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing and have been amazing with my daughter, she's grown so much in confidence since staring and has grown so many special bonds with staff and other children! She always comes home happy and tells us about everything she's got up to that day and always asking if she has nursery even
at the weekends!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This review is in relation to the graduation ceremony held for the children leaving to go to school. I cannot thank the staff at Children's 1st enough, from start to finish it was fantastic and just so special. Everything was so wonderfully planned and thought of, with the children having such a wonderful
time. I am so grateful for this and will remember it forever - thank you
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Shepshed Nursery SchoolThank you so much for your lovely feedback about our graduation ceremony. It means a lot to hear how special the day felt for you and your family. The team worked hard to make it a memorable occasion for the children, and we're so pleased it was enjoyed by all. Thank you for being part of such a special moment with us! I will be sure to pass on your words to the team! They will be thrilled.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from James R (Father of Child) published on 27 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming here for nearly 2 years, and we cannot fault his development and the support he gets here. The outside space is brilliant, and the staff are all very friendly. would absolutely recommend
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Shepshed Nursery SchoolThank you so much for your lovely feedback. It's wonderful to hear how well your little one is developing and that you're happy with the care and support from our team. We're so pleased you enjoy our outdoor space too - we know how important outdoor learning is for young children. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Fredrica N (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Child 1st provides very competent care for all age groups. Two of my children have attended the setting from babies and I couldn’t fault the staff, environment, and management. I travel an hour round trip for my children to attend because I have every confidence in the day-to-day running and the care
provided. While it’s as home from home as it can be, children's learning, behavior, and well-being are clearly at the forefront of the centre’s agenda. All staff are personable and try to accommodate as best as possible. Big thank you, long may it continue.
Reply from Lisa Wills, Director of Operations at Children 1st Shepshed Nursery SchoolThank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Cassie P (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children attend Children’s 1st. Both started around ten months of age, and my eldest is doing her last few months before starting school!
I cannot recommend this nursery enough! The staff are fantastic. A special shout out to the preschool department staff, who really get your child to where
they should be before starting school.
I have never had any issues or complaints.
One of my children have food allergies, and the nursery have been fantastic. As the food is prepared freshly onsite, they cater for her needs.
A massive thank you!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to nursery and enjoys her time with friends and staff.
Will be sad to see her go to school this year!
Going to this nursery has brought her on no end.
She enjoys all of the food here too.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.749)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.749) out of 10 for Children 1st Shepshed 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 19 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 4.982 for Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (224 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 227 Ratings = 4.982
  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 4.767 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School is based on 19 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 = 3.975
    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 120 number of registered child places is 24. 19 Positive Reviews ÷ 24 = 0.792
  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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (6)

Meet the Team (1)

Amy

Amy Sharpe

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2006

Hi, my name is Amy Sharpe and I am the Nursery Manager at Children 1st @ Shepshed. I have worked for Children 1st @ Shepshed since the company took over the nursery I had worked at for 4 years in April 2010. I have had experience in all of the age groups throughout my career but found my passion was the Early Years age group. I worked as the Early Years Practitioner in the nursery for 3 years before being given the opportunity for the position as Deputy Manager. I still enjoy spending lots of time doing activities with the children in all of the different age groups in nursery. I have completed my degree, which I worked towards alongside working at nursery. I enjoy horse-riding lessons at the weekend and can usually be found with my nose in a book when at home!

Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School

What is the Age Range of Children that Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School accepts?

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School accepts Children aged from 0 years 4 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School Open?

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School is open: 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.

How many Children does Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School have capacity for?

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School has capacity for a total of 120 Children.

How far is Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School to the centre of Loughborough?

3.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School has an Enhanced Service - more info.