Children 1st Newark Nursery School

Muskham Road, Newark-on-Trent NG24 1DP
Review Us
9.7 113 Reviews
  • Children 1st Newark Nursery School, Newark-on-Trent
Children 1st Newark Nursery School is situated very close to the A1 and A46, with good access to the town centre and train station.

The nursery has been refurbished throughout with designated areas for babies, toddlers, early years and children aged up to 12-years-old. It has a huge garden complete with fort, mud kitchen and woodland area for children to explore.

The children benefit from eating healthy food to help fuel the development of their young minds and bodies.

The nursery's friendly, enthusiastic staff are fully trained and very experienced. Child to staff ratios are lower than Ofsted requirements.

Children are encouraged to choose their own activity with a huge variety of options both indoors and outside in the garden.

The nursery offers funded places for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds.
Show Children 1st Newark Nursery School on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sophie Price (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 23

Total Places for Children

  • 96

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

Children 1st Newark Nursery School Reviews (113)

9.7

Children 1st Newark Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.720) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Newark Nursery School has 113 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 106
  • 6
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 113
  • 0
  • 7
  • 15
  • 98
Reviewer Connection to Children 1st Newark Nursery School
  • 99
  • 14
Total of 113, showing 1-20
Review from Hannah H (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a wonderful nursery that my Son loves. The setting is so homely, set in large grounds with a superb garden spacious enough for all of the children to play in and with plenty of equipment to use.
The staff are lovely, you can really feel confident that they know your child and are tailoring their
care to the best interests of your baby. The activities for the children are so varied and they spend lots of time outdoors.
The meals are great; nutritious, home cooked and there are always alternatives offered if needed.
This nursery is exactly what I was looking for when I started visiting different nurseries in the summer for my boy, I'm thrilled I found it and I couldn't imagine a more perfect fit for us!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kirsty J (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the nursery are very welcoming, my son can be quite shy at times and they have all helped him to feel welcome and come out of his shell much more and to have the confidence to approach them all now. All will chat about the day he's had and make me feel at ease if he has been more on edge
during the drop off. Any concerns I've had I have felt able to discuss these with the ladies and these issues addressed well.
There is a fantastic outdoor play area and are out there utilising this space most days. Overall my son loves being here and I am happy to know he is happy.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear your son is growing in confidence and enjoying his time with us. It's great to know you feel supported and reassured. Thankyou for…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Couldn't recommend the nursery enough, my daughter loves coming into the setting it's like a home from home. She settled in so well staff are lovely and I love being able to see what she gets up to and watch her development.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your daughter feels so at home with us-it really means a lot. It's lovely to know she settled in so well and is enjoying her…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kathryn K (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery! My daughter loves coming here and happily waves me off at the door. The outdoor space is why we chose this one and it's great to see them all running around outside when you pick them up. My daughter has had nothing but positive experiences here and the staff are friendly, approachable
and highly committed. I have recommended this nursery to friends and will be sad when my daughter has to leave!
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that your daughter loves coming to nursery and that our outdoor space has made such a positive impact. It's great to know that she's…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children's 1st @ Newark is a fantastic setting for your little one. I have been using the nursery for the past 5 years having had both my daughter and son in. Both experiences have been without a single grumble.
The nursey were really supportive with a difficult potty training journey for my daughter
and made every effort to help her when she was in.
Both my babes have been really happy there and the staff genuinely care about all the children.
Really great enrichment timetable and lots going on.
Communication is fab and the app is great for getting updates on your little one.
Staff are all really nurturing and enjoy their job which is no easy feat. All of my littles ones Kay workers have been fab.
The setting is pretty busy now the free hours have been introduced and it can be tricky to get extra sessions ad hoc but the girls do try to accommodate you whenever they are able.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're so pleased to hear that both your daughter and son have had such positive experiences with us over the years. It's wonderful to know that both your…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sinead M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are amazing. You need to check out the outdoor space is like nothing you will see anywhere else. I love that they can go outside whatever the weather. Overall the place has a homely feel and my little one loves it.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that you appreciate our outdoor space-we truly believe that fresh air and outdoor learning are so important, and we're really proud of…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been attending for three years now and couldn't recommend this nursery enough. It is a trustworthy, safe, caring, fun nursery that both my boys love!
The staff couldn't be more attentive to the physical, emotional and educational needs of the children and made us, as parents, feel totally
at ease from day one.
My children definitely feel loved, heard and safe here and have fun every day!
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that both your boys love their time at Newark and that you've felt supported from day one. Your kind words mean the world to us. Thank…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rose H (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
“A home from home” is a statement most nurseries try to replicate but for Children 1st, this is exactly what it is. They ensure they get to know you and your little one and everything they enjoy or makes them happy. It’s nice to see our little boy excited to go to nursery and even calling out their
names at home. I recommend Children 1st to everyone and I’m taking the time to write this review because every one of the staff put every effort into making the nursery memorable for our boy.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After moving to the area in August 2023, this nursery was first on our list mainly due to the large garden area it has to offer. My son started at 10 months old, he settled in straight away and made himself at home! The staff are lovely which puts you at ease, especially on those first few settling-in
days. The nursery has a variety of toys and activities and his daily diary gives us an insight into what he likes to play with as he’s growing and developing. My son really loves going to nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter loves coming to nursery.
The team are lovely. The only thing I would say needs improvement is some staff could be more forthcoming with verbalising about how my daughter’s day has been, rather than just us reading the book.
We are genuinely really happy with the nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is very happy there. She likes the outdoors a lot. She is learning a lot every day and we get notified through the app of her progress with notes and photos. It was very difficult for me when she started nursery as she was very upset all the time at drop-off. The nursery staff were brilliant.
Helped us through the process. Also, the staff and the manager are very accommodating to our family needs. We had to change dates, take some time off, and come back again and everyone was helpful and supportive.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending since she was 12 months old, she's now 3 and a half and absolutely thriving thanks to the care and attention every member of staff provides. We're so pleased with the nursery, it feels very friendly and welcoming, and they provide varied food - she's always eating things
she never would at home! She has learnt so much since being in nursery and really developed her social skills, which is great to watch.
The facilities are great, especially the outdoor space, and they're outside a lot which my daughter just loves.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Zoe G (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff here are amazing, both my children are thriving and love attending. The staff help with their development, improving their communication and social skills ready for starting school.
Highly recommend this nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rachel L (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have sent both of our boys to Children 1st @ Newark and have always appreciated the care, compassion and high level of service each member of staff has always provided. Our youngest struggles each morning but there is always a staff member available to give him a cuddle which I appreciate so much
every single time. We get a really good understanding of what his day has been like by way of a breakdown in his daily diary and also a great handover by a staff member. All members are staff are extremely approachable with any queries or concerns I have and are always open to helping try different things in regard to his routine for example. The nursery itself is a lovely place, the rooms are well thought out for the age ranges, the outside space is incredible and what sold it to us initially. The meals they have as well are balanced, nutritious and always smell amazing. I would recommend the nursery to all. They have given my boys the best start in life and I will always be grateful.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jason H (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started back in September as a 9-month-old and she settled so well due to the care and attention of the staff. She is now a year old and loves going to nursery. She has developed so much and comes home with story sacks and paintings. Thank you to all the staff for giving my little girl the
love, care and attention that she is thriving off. When in the nursery, it feels like a home away from home which is why we chose this nursery and the food always smells amazing when going in.
  • 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 29 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We loved Children 1st. They have helped our little boy grow into a confident, loving and curious little person. We have always felt they love him unconditionally and celebrate his individuality. The staff know all of the children and their families so well.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you for taking the time to share this review. I’m so pleased to hear how positive you experience has been with Children 1st @ Newark. I can’t wait to share your lovely comments with the setting.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kirsty B (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my sons currently attend Children 1st Newark and I often refer to the nursery as our extended family. If you are looking for a nursery in Newark that has great facilities, professional processes and fantastic outdoor space but that still manages to maintain a close-knit, family feel for the children
then this is your nursery. The baby room is exceptional with the recent refurbishment and the staff are so caring, they’ve helped guide my youngest through major milestones and he’s so obviously happy there. In the early years, my son plays outside, climbing, digging, and being super imaginative and somehow they manage to fit learning in too. His school have commented on his educational level already and so much of that is down to this setting. Also, allergy parents- please accept my recommendation. My youngest, in particular, started with a complex and long list of allergies, we’ve had no slip-ups and they’ve bent over backwards to work with us to ensure they’re safe and fed well.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you, Kirsty, for your ongoing support to our Newark setting, I’m so pleased to know that we have been able to support both your little ones throughout their Children 1st journeys. Thank you so…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from D C (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have only been using Children 1st @ Newark Day Nursery for the last couple of months, we have moved from another local nursery that we had multiple issues with. We have been well supported and all staff have been warm and friendly and my mind is totally at ease. It’s taken so long to find our perfect
fit. Highly recommended.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lacey W (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son (22 months) has been going here since he was 12 months and we’ve been massively impressed over the last ten months. Staff are knowledgable, fun and happy, engaged with play, and genuinely committed to his social/physical/cognitive development. The rooms are comfortable and lively, full of books,
toys, different activity zones, but with special lights and music for nap time. He has a lot of autonomy in deciding how he plays. They take them outside a lot, and the baby garden and patio areas are great (the garden for bigger kids is really impressive). Food is cooked on site with care given to quality, balance, and enjoyment of meals. When he’s been ill or had a little accident, the staff are wonderful with caring for him and contacting us immediately. He loves going in the morning and is happy, well fed, and well rested at the end of the day. The updates provided are always really informative. We are so happy with this nursery, we recommend them highly.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Dear Lacey, I’m so pleased to hear about the development your son has made since starting with us at Children 1st. I’m also very happy to hear that both your and your son's needs are being met on a…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emily R (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves coming to this nursery.
All the staff are kind and caring, this makes such a difference in the whole experience.
They also have a fabulous outdoor area for the children to enjoy!
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Newark Nursery School
Thank you, Emily, for taking the time to share both yours and your daughter's experience with the nursery, I look forward to letting the staff at Newark know just how valued they are.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.720)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.720) out of 10 for Children 1st Newark 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 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 15 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 4.939 for Children 1st Newark Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (169 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 180 Ratings = 4.939
  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 4.781 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st Newark Nursery School is based on 15 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 96 number of registered child places is 19.2. 15 Positive Reviews ÷ 19.2 = 0.781
  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)

Sophie

Sophie Price

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2014

Hello, I’m Sophie Price, Nursery Manager at Children 1st. I first joined the company in 2015 as an apprentice and have loved every step of my journey since.


Over the years, I’ve gained both my Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications through our apprenticeship programme and worked across both nurseries in the Newark area. Each role I’ve taken on has helped me grow, develop new skills, and build lasting relationships with the wonderful children, families, and staff I work alongside.


One of the parts of my role I enjoy most is supporting my team to develop and succeed. Seeing practitioners grow in confidence, children flourish, and families feel truly at home in our setting is what makes this job so rewarding.


I’m passionate about making sure every child has access to high-quality childcare and meaningful early years experiences that set them up for the best possible start in life. I’d love to welcome you into our nursery to show you what makes our community so special.

Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st Newark Nursery School

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

Children 1st Newark Nursery School accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

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

Children 1st Newark Nursery School is open: 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.

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

Children 1st Newark Nursery School has capacity for a total of 96 Children.

How far is Children 1st Newark Nursery School to the centre of Newark-on-Trent?

0.8 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 Newark Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Children 1st Newark Nursery School has an Enhanced Service - more info.