Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School

55 Forest Street, Shepshed, Loughborough LE12 9BZ
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9.6 105 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.
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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 3 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School Reviews (105)

9.6

Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.609) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School has 105 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 90
  • 12
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
Date Published
  • 105
  • 5
  • 5
  • 17
  • 88
Reviewer Connection to Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School
  • 90
  • 15
Total of 105, showing 61-80
Review from Megan F (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Nursery is absolutely lovely and well laid out. My child loves going and happily talks about the staff members when not at nursery. I feel like there could be more of an update on different things such as a newsletter for parents who do not visit or collect their child every day. I also feel that observations
should be submitted at least once a week, as I am currently getting them barely once a month.
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Review from Paul A (Father of Child) published on 10 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nursery is really good, staff are all friendly, they seem to have really good activities for the children throughout the day. Lots of space for the children inside and out. Staff always take the time to say hello/goodbye and do a really good handover when picking up my son. They send nice pictures and
videos of my son throughout the days he is in nursery to show what they are doing, which I think is a nice touch.
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Review from Kelly B (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely lovely nursery, grounds and the staff are wonderful. Both of my girls have attended and I have and still am very happy with the care they receive. Keep up the great work.
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Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We only recently started using Children 1st @ Shepshed and since our first visit, we've been made to feel welcome. Staff are friendly, the rooms are lovely and our child has settled in so well, which is always reassuring. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.
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Review from Tamara (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our son loves attending nursery and has made lots of friends. He has made lots of progress with his speech and other skills and the staff make sure that there is always something fun and exciting happening for the children. The outdoor facilities are fantastic - particularly as it is such a built up
area and they make the most of it whenever the weather is decent. We have generally been very happy with this nursery but recently communication from nursery to home has been lacking and we have had to query the same things a few times. Also, it has become far more expensive than when we first started here and I am not sure where this extra cost is going. Overall, this is a good nursery, our son enjoys being here and we know that he is being looked after very well. As parents however, we are not as satisfied as we once were.
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Review from Ana T (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very organized nursery, with wonderful people who helped my child understand my separation, I highly recommend :)
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Review from I G (Father of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. The nursery is going through an amazing transformation and refurb at the moment. Nothing is too much trouble for the girls that work there and my son loves to come and he has been at the nursery since he was nine months old. They’ve helped him grow into the little boy he is today.
The grounds of the nursery are fantastic and give great opportunities for children to play outside, they do amazing activities and nothing is ever too much trouble for the girls or the management. They go out of their way to help.
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Review from Paula W (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children 1st Shepshed is an exceptional nursery, they have gone above and beyond to accommodate my son. Every member of staff is always welcoming and genuinely happy in their job I really couldn’t wish for a better nursery for my son to be part of.
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Review from Hannah F (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, friendly and helpful staff who go that extra mile to help your child or you with queries/questions you may have.


A safe, relaxed and happy environment for your child to develop and learn their next steps.

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Review from Jennifer P (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very friendly and welcoming. My son enjoys all the activities and interacting with the staff. He also loves playing outside.


My son has a few food allergies and the staff have been great at catering for this.

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Review from Jess P (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had 2 children attend Children 1st @ Shepshed and will send my youngest as well. The staff are all lovely and so friendly. My kids have always loved going, they have an amazing outdoor area which my children have loved. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my babies.
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Review from Katy D (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery which is currently undergoing a complete transformation; the refurbishment in the babies room looks like there has been no expense spared, from gorgeous toys, cosy corners, sensory lighting, looks absolutely brilliant and it’s only just begun!
The staff are completely dedicated,
they go out of their way to ensure that parents and children are looked after, nothing is ever too much trouble for them and the manager is an absolute gem of a woman!
The activities on offer for each age group and superb, the children are always trying out new things and every day is something new. The staff have such great imaginations and encourage the children to use theirs too.
I would highly recommend this setting for your little ones; if you’ve ever looked around here before but didn’t sign up in the end, I would strongly urge you to go and visit it again, there have been many many changes over the last year or so: it was good before but it’s brilliant now!!
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Review from Sarah W (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends Children 1st and is very happy. This is the best nursery any of my children have attended, I would highly recommend.
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Review from Matthew D (Father of Child) published on 7 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children attend this nursery, using the nursery as well as before and after school club and holiday club and they both really enjoy their time here. The staff are patient and always helpful, keen to offer support when required and seem so genuinely happy al the time! The gardens are beautiful
and although the building is old they really do make the most of the space with fantastic display, activities, cosy book corners and truly beautiful furnishings. The children bring home some amazing artwork and always have plenty to talk about - not forgetting the delicious and varied menu, all home cooked on site. Fantastic place!
Reply from Cathy Griffin at Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School
Thank you so much for your review. We welcome all feedback, and especially appreciate the time you have taken to submit this review.

Many Thanks

Cathy Griffin.
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Review from Ian V (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son came to this nursery just after turning 18 months old.
His development became obvious to see, 2 days a week, his physical confidence and eating all came on in a big way.
The care he received was excellent, very loving, encouraging, stimulating. I am very, very pleased with his development,
I would highly recommend this nursery and the staff are incredible, they care about the parent's concerns as much as the child.
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Review from Des (Father of Child) published on 19 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Shepshed Nursery is great! First child and now second has started there! The location ‘White House’ is lovely and warm and functional.
But like any nursery confidence in staff is most important- I could a name several who make the Nursery what it is, without them caring as they do, I would only rate
it as average.
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Review from Joanna (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have had a child at Children 1st Shepshed since 2014 and have been extremely happy with the service I have received. Both my girls have been very happy there, and I feel they have always been well cared for. I have found the Managers to be very supportive in their roles of managing the nursery; it
makes a huge difference as a parent to have a communicative and personable nursery manager.


We have particularly found two of the nursery nurses to be exceptional and if more of the staff shared their work ethic and dedication to the role then I think the nursery could really excel. Take note Children 1st, you need more staff like them!

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Review from Sean (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
My son has attended this nursery for the past three years and whilst I am happy for him to attend I have to say the standards over those three years has declined. If this nursery wasn’t so convenient to us as a whole family I would consider moving him out.
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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Communication from the nursery management is very poor. Staff turnover is way too high. Never introduced to new staff and they never introduce themselves either and you are expected to feel comfortable leaving your kids with them.
Reply from Catherine Griffin, Director at Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School
Thank you for your review, as a company we value all feedback and have shared your comments with the Manager, who I understand has spoken to you regarding a meeting to discuss. Please be assured that…read more
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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 25 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are always very friendly and welcoming and show a genuine interest in all the children.
The outdoor space is great and is designed well for all ages.
Healthy meal options every day of the week.
The Ey log keeps me updated with Photos and activities.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.609)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.609) 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 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 17 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 4.901 for Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (183 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 202 Ratings = 4.901
  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 4.708 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st Shepshed Nursery School is based on 17 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 120 number of registered child places is 24. 17 Positive Reviews ÷ 24 = 0.708
  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.

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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!

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