Children 1st @ The Marina is set in a modern building in Brayford and is convenient for parents working in Lincoln city centre. The nursery provides the perfect environment for children to grow and to learn in small groups.
The early years setting is managed by highly skilled early years teachers who have vast experience and in depth knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The staff support the children to leave The Marina independent and happy, with a real thirst for the next stage of their development.
Children 1st @ The Marina works closely with local schools in order to make the children’s transition to school an easy and happy experience and continues to nurture and maintain close relationships and links with the local community.
Children 1st Day Nurseries has been an award winning, family-run childcare provider since 1988, and are an accredited training centre.
The nursery team are passionate about offering exciting learning opportunities and would be delighted to show families around the nursery.
Group: Children 1st Day Nurseries
Person in charge: Elaine Cox (Nursery Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Lincolnshire County Council
Number of Staff: 18
Service Offered: Day Nursery (Privately Owned), Open all year, Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care
Total Places for Children: 88
Age Range: from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months
Opening Days: Mon-Fri
Opening Hours: 0800-1800
When Closed: Bank Holidays & Christmas
The Review Score of 9.4 (maximum of 10) for Children 1st @ The Marina is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Children 1st @ The Marina in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 11 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Day Nursery / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Day Nursery receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.772 for Children 1st @ The Marina is calculated as follows: ( (174 Excellents x 5) + (33 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 215 Ratings = 4.772
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Day Nursery to friends and family?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 4.625 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st @ The Marina is based on 11 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 17.6 positive Reviews (88 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 11 Reviews ÷ 17.6 Target = 0.625
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Children 1st @ The Marina has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.397)
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sophie K (Mother of Child) on Monday 5 February 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Absolutely brilliant, my little boy loves going and had learnt loads, they have varied activities and food offered. Really friendly and patient staff always welcoming and approachable. Would recommend this nursery to all friends and family.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Julie V (Mother of Child) on Monday 5 February 2018. Relates to February 2018.
Our son started attending Children 1st @ The Marina on a part-time basis when he was 6 months old, he is now two and goes full-time. We all love Children 1st @ The Marina, and in particular the wonderful staff. I drop him off each day knowing that he is in excellent, caring, and fun-filled hands.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Farhan A (Father of Child) on Thursday 1 February 2018. Relates to December 2017.
My daughter's key worker has been with her since September 2017 at Children 1st. From my dealings with her, she is a highly motivated individual who works exceptionally hard and is amazing with my daughter on a consistent basis. She has an engaging and friendly personality that makes her an asset to your organisation and the nursery. On a more personal note, having known my daughter's key worker for this past term, I am so grateful that my daughter is under her care as I know she is happy, cared for excellently and safe. All of the factors are down to her and the wider team. My thanks and appreciation for all you for.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Joanne B (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 30 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Outstanding nursery with loving caring and attentive staff and management. My children are always well looked after, do lots of exciting activities and have fun with all their friends. The staff and management are very supportive with all aspects of child behaviour including manners, discipline, sharing, potty training and are always approachable should you have any issues. You are always made to feel very welcome and the children also receive books at Christmas which I think is wonderful. It is very safe and secure with key fobbed access to ensure complete safety. My children look forward to going to nursery to see all their friends and the staff.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by E P (Mother of Child) on Thursday 18 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Our boy joined since January in 2017. He just loves to go to the nursery and he has learned so many things such as numbers, shapes, colours and etc. All staff are so kind and always welcome the children. They've got floor heating so it is perfect for winter season.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Neil (Father of Child) on Thursday 18 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Friendly nursery with lovely staff. Not much feedback on development at present unless it's somewhere I'm unaware of.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Lorna S (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 17 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
The care my child has had at this nursery has been excellent. The wishes of the parents are always considered. I have always felt that that staff truly care for each child. My child also gets to experience a wide variety of activities. They are doing really well in terms of development! Management excellent with children but minor in communications with parents.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Hayley T (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 17 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Clean, modern setting. Staff are amazing. Make you feel at ease and always on hand to help develop your child. They take the time to know your child and routine. Always give lots of information at the end of the day as to how your child has been. My daughter is 10 months old and seems to love it here (she’s been going since she was 8 months old).
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Ruth C (Mother of Child) on Sunday 14 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My daughter loves nursery and has flourished during her time at The Marina. All of the staff are very friendly and happy to answer queries and help whenever they can. The children have a wide range of activities to do and have a mixed timetable each day. The staff keep me up to date with what my daughter has been doing each day when I collect her and her development through the EY log. At Christmas they took my daughter and her class to see a play at the nearby theatre which was a fabulous treat for the children and my daughter certainly enjoyed it.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Amy (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
The Marina is a good nursery offering very attentive and caring staff and a clean, modern premises that is conveniently located. It offers reasonable value for money however it could maybe do better in terms of the learning/educational transition between nursery and reception year - or at least communicating those steps taken with parents.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Dan E (Father of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Our children have all used this nursery and had a great experience there and it has helped with their social skills and educational development greatly.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Charlotte C (Mother of Child) on Monday 27 February 2017. Relates to February 2017.
Such a homely environment. Both my children have grown so much. My daughter's key worker is always happy, caring and always gives me lovely updates. I would recommend and do recommend regularly. I will be very sad when my daughter leaves.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Amy (Mother of Child) on Friday 24 February 2017. Relates to October 2016.
Staff are all lovely, and my daughter has a great time at nursery three full days a week. Very attentive to her when she's not 100% and keeps you informed. The facilities are also great and my daughter loves being outdoors! When she started I was very impressed with the daily diary which let you know important things about her day, such as how many of her 5 a day she has had.
My daughter has come on leaps and bounds, singing songs she's learned and counting at home!
Such a lovely nursery and I'm very happy with their input into my daughter's life as she grows up! Making me feel that she's safe when she's there whilst having a fun time!
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sarah D (Mother of Child) on Thursday 16 February 2017. Relates to February 2017.
Both of my boys have been to this nursery (eldest now 5 at school, youngest is 2) and I can't recommend it enough. The staff that work there become a true extension of the family and we gained so much trust from them all.
My children were always safe and I could tell they have lots of fun.
A truly fab nursery and I would recommend to any parent.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Dawid F (Father of Child) on Sunday 28 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
I am very pleased with the service that they provide in the nursery. My older one has just finished and is going to school and my younger one will play there for 2 more years. Both of them love to play and learn. We had lots of tears at the beginning but they were soon gone and now only smiles left. Never had a problem with staff or management and they are doing their best to make sure that everything is in the right place. Even the snacks for the home time. I recommend the nursery for all parents.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Shiren Q (Mother of Child) on Monday 22 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
Children first provide a child-friendly atmosphere for the children and the parents. The staff are very helpful, understanding and considering. My kids are enjoying themselves and having fun all day.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Emma (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 2 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
This nursery is truly amazing really impressed with everything they do day to day. All the girls in the babysuite are so lovely and it feels they go above and beyond their job roles.
Always inform us of my son's daily food, toys he's played with and activities he's done. I know he's always eaten well, slept well and played all day, what more could a mum ask for!!
My son is close to moving over to Peter Rabbits and I know he will gain even more to suit his age but I will truly miss going to the baby suite and having a chat with the girls in there.
Thank you doesn't cover for the work u do...you protect and help develop and grow my son.
Thank you again.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Extremely Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Louise (Mother of Child) on Friday 22 July 2016. Relates to July 2016.
We've had 2 introductory sessions and now on second full day. So far, all seems to be going well. The staff in the baby room seem very friendly and caring.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ The Marina? Likely
Overall Standard
Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
March 2018
July 2016
Job Title: Nursery Manager
Joined: 2016
Description:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all my families. My name is Elaine and I have been working within the childcare sector for 27 years with 12 years experience as a manager working in both Newbury and Scunthorpe. Previous to this I worked with children who have special needs.
My qualifications are in NVQ level 3 in childcare and a First Line management qualification. I have a firm understanding of the EYFS and child development. I am committed to safeguarding and the protection of children. I believe children learn through play and given the correct environment and relationships all children can flourish irrespective of their abilities, culture or backgrounds and every child has the right to the very best care possible.
As a mother, stepmother and grandmother I understand the importance of parent’s partnerships and the need to feel reassured and happy with your childcare choices.
I welcome the opportunity to become part of an established family business that understands the importance of high quality childcare and education and how this can shape the children of our future.
I am available at the nursery at anytime and looking forward to meeting with you all very soon.