S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre

Carlisle Road, Blacon, Chester CH1 5DB
Review Us
9.8 20 Reviews
  • S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre, Chester
Set in Blacon Children’s Centre in the heart of the community, Blacon Nursery and Preschool is a warm, supportive setting where children aged 0 – 4 can grow through play, creativity, and learning. With dedicated baby, toddler, and preschool rooms, each space is thoughtfully designed to support every stage of your child’s development.

Babies benefit from a bright and airy space with a calming sensory den; while toddlers and preschoolers enjoy their own large, spacious rooms, both segmented into engaging play-zones that spark curiosity and imagination. The setting’s experienced early-years team balances creative play and exploration with guided learning, helping children build their independence, confidence, and the essential skills they need for a successful start at school.

Outdoor learning is at the heart of the team’s approach, with each room opening onto its own secure, covered garden spaces, so children can explore the outdoors in all seasons. From role-play and seasonal exploration to nature-based adventures, every day is filled with meaningful opportunities for little ones to learn, grow, and thrive.

Building strong relationships with families and local schools is a top priority for the nursery and preschool, ensuring every child feels safe, inspired, and supported as they take their next steps through their early-years journey.

Parents are always more than welcome to pop in for a visit at their earliest convenience.
Show S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • David James (Managing Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Total Places for Children

  • 72

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Breakfast Club (08:00 - 09:00) £7.63
    AM Session (09:00 - 12:00) £22.89
    Lunch Club* (12:00 - 12:30) £3.81
    PM Session (12:30 - 15:30) £22.89
    After School Club (15:30 - 18:00) £19.07
    Full Day (discounted) (08:00 - 18:00) £64.31


    Funded Hours Fees;
    Hourly rate for hours over funding - £8.50
    Hot meal charge - £3.20

  • All Funding Types Accepted

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

Parking

  • There is ample parking available to the rear of the children's centre building.

S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre Reviews (20)

9.8

S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre has 20 reviews.

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Total of 20, showing 1-20
Review from Diane R (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter attended S4YC Blacon from the age of 2-3 and really enjoyed it. She was in the Toddler 2 room. All of the rooms are very spacious and clean. The nursery has two entrances, this helps as there is less congestion at drop off and pick ups. I found it really handy to use the childrens centre
entrance on rainy or cold days. We like the flexibility of using our funded hours how we would like and booking the times that we wanted her to attend. There's lots of really good outdoor space. The staff are all so friendly and do an amazing job! Overall lovely nursery and we will be attending again in the near future.
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
4/5 of my children have been to this nursery as I've felt my children are properly cared for and safe here, they have all always been excited for nursery and happy to be there. My daughter has additional needs and I feel her needs are being catered for, if there is any change with her diet/sleep/home
life etc I always discuss this with staff and they adjust anything they can to fit her needs, I feel safe and comfortable speaking to staff about any worries no matter what it is. Staff are professional and nursery is clean. My daughter had a fantastic key worker who she absolutely adores and gets on so well with which makes me feel more at ease for my child and myself.
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Review from Kelly D (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Gorgeous nursery and staff!
Both of my children attended this setting between Jan 2020 and Aug 2023, until my daughter left for reception.
The nursery is bright and engaging, and the staff can’t be beaten. The care and attention given to my children was amazing, and they still talk about the staff
eight months on.
My children developed hugely and thoroughly enjoyed attending.
I can’t thank the team enough for the early years of support they gave to my family, allowing me to return to work without any fear or hesitation.
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Review from Ben W (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has started at S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre three weeks ago and from the very first visit, I was very happy with how professional the staff have been and how they interact with all the children in the setting.
The daily update sheet covers all my daughter's food/drink and activities
for the day, this is a brilliant feature, lets me feel like I am not missing out on what my daughter is up to. The photos that are regularly uploaded help too.
I am extremely happy with my decision to choose this setting to send my daughter to.
Reply from Sarah Holding, Manager at S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre
Thank you for your fantastic feedback. We are pleased to hear how happy you are with the setting and the service we provide.
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Review from James C (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really kind staff, as a first-time dad, the information they give me is really useful, I love hearing about all the lovely meals my child eats, what he gets up to throughout the day and where he is in his development, can't fault them.
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Review from K F (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are so attentive and really care about the children. They get to know your child and offer a home-from-home feel. So understanding of my child when she was struggling to separate from me. She loved going in to see all her friends and teachers! Have recommended this Nursery to friends and family
without hesitation.
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Review from Mary C (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl really enjoys nursery; she is learning lots of new things words, etc.
The staff are all lovely and helpful and have built a good relationship with my little girl.
My little boy has also started his first week, and I’m hoping he enjoys it as much as his sister.
My only negative comment
is I think sometimes the personal touch is lost as parents have to wait outside the building where previously you could enter the building to collect children, observe them interacting, playing, etc.
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Review from Richard A (Father of Child) published on 22 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The teachers have been awesome. My son is enjoying being at the nursery. He’s always excited when it’s time for the nursery and can’t wait to rush in as soon the teachers open the door. Since he has started his confidence has grown and we’ve seen a great improvement in his communication.
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Review from Lucy S (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Two of my children attend the children's center, one in preschool and one in the toddler room. The staff are absolutely amazing, my youngest struggled with me leaving her but she only took a couple of weeks to settle in and now goes in with no problems. She absolutely loves her teachers, as does my
other daughter. The staff are extremely vigilant not only about the welfare of the children but also the welfare of the parents. They were concerned after I dropped my daughters off as I had a black eye and contacted me to check everything was ok. The outdoor space and equipment is fantastic the girls love it and I love getting pictures of them on the new school app.
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Review from Michelle H (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is amazing, my little boy just turned 2 and he's learnt so much already. Staff are so kind and keep me updated with my child's day. My son loves all the fun activities they do such as painting, playing with bubbles and much more, thank you.
Reply from Sarah Holding, Manager at S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre
Thank you for such a lovely review. It is great to hear about all the activities your son enjoys.
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Review from Barry H (Father of Child) published on 16 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
S4YC is incredible and has done wonders for my son. He absolutely loves it here and always tells us about his day. He often mentions how nice the teachers are and who has helped him and played with him. We have seen a positive outcome from my son since starting here and has come on leaps and bounds.
The setting is great, the teachers are brilliant and always communicate with us and we love that they invite us in every now and then to see my son in his classroom setting. It’s a ten out of ten from us.
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Review from Sion H (Father of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic setting, with very engaging and caring staff.
The setting is clearly there for the child's needs and they adapt to individual needs also.
Provides food that my daughter loves, and assists with any medicine she needs.
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Review from Sharon D (Guardian of Child) published on 24 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the members of staff in their cheerful approach and the explanations of how our granddaughter's daily interactions have been. Her learning progress, along with her achievements and the staff's hindsight into her separation anxiety, have helped build her confidence.
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Review from K B (Foster Parent of Child) published on 23 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very understanding of our child’s needs. Always giving feedback at the end of sessions, any bumps and bruises shown and relevant paperwork filled in. Altogether a very good nursery with amazing staff.
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff, my little girl has loved coming to nursery since she started in September 2023, very helpful with her settling in also. Always friendly when arriving in the mornings and at pick up also. Overall a great experience.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all very friendly and my daughter has settled in well. I get pictures in the day, which is reassuring. My daughter has returned home with arts she has done, which is lovely. She always comes home with what I sent her in with. The staff are very helpful and on pick up we hear what they
did all day.
Reply from Lianne, Admin/Finance Manager at S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre
Thank you for such a lovely review. Thank you for entrusting the care of your daughter to us, the happiness of the children is so important to us and receiving feedback such as yours is always nice to…read more
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Review from Lucinda B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
With having a child with autism and bringing him into this setting has been an amazing experience. My son has thrived so much from the care he has received here. During his time, the staff catered for his every need, especially his one to one and I could not praise a particular staff member enough for
her efforts with him,


I have been supported, not only with my oldest son but as a family unit with the meetings.

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Review from Reahan W (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Always very welcoming staff. Manager keeps me informed of all activities and great idea offering discounts in half term. Excited boy looking forward to the zoo!
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Review from Hayley M (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been very happy at the nursery and has been well looked after. The staff are very friendly and good with the children. She has loved her time there and will miss going.
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sky High Achievers is a fantastic nursery and what makes it extra special is its kind, supportive and nurturing staff. They work hard to understand, care for and ensure the children are ready for the future. We have had 2 children attend Sky High and the facilities are fantastic, particularly the large
outdoor space where the children spend a lot of time exploring and enjoying the fresh air. Having a child with additional needs, the nursery have supported both him and us through assessment and diagnosis and have been proactive in ensuring the right support is in place for him. The nursery are always keen to include parents/carers in developing and improving the service and nursery management are always available for you to discuss any concerns.


The fact that both children run in at the beginning of the day and have to be dragged out at the end is testament to how much they love it there.


I would definitely recommend Sky High to anyone looking for childcare.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.833)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10 for S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 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 S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre is calculated as follows: ( (143 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 143 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 4.833 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre is based on 12 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 72 number of registered child places is 14.4. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.833
  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 (2)

Meet the Team (12)

Sarah

Sarah

Job Title: Manager and DSL Joined: 2020

Qualification: BA Hons in Early Years Studies
Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)
Paediatric first aider


I first started my childcare journey 20 years ago. During this time, I have developed a love for working with children and their families.


I am a Mum of one and spend my free time with my family and friends.

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Melissa Bristow Boyd

Job Title: Deputy Manager and Preschool leader Joined: 2023

Qualifications
- Level 3 and studying my Level 5 lead practitioner
- Paediatric first aider


I have worked in the early years for over 15 years. During this time, I worked in a range of settings in both the UK and abroad


My passion is early years and travelling the world

Chloe

Chloe

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2016

Qualifications – level 3
Paediatric first aider


I have always wanted to work with children and really enjoy working in the baby room. I love seeing them grow from tiny babies into Toddlers with their own personalities.

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Claire Rowley

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2021

Qualification
Level 3 Diploma in early years practice (early years educator)
Paediatric first aider


I have worked in childcare for around 9 years prior to that I did face painting.
I have 3 children, In my spare time I really enjoy gardening and spending time with my friends and family.

Debbie

Debbie

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2009

Qualifications
Level 3
Paediatric first aider


I have worked in childcare for over 25 years. I have worked with lots of different age groups but I am currently based in the preschool room which I love! I am so passionate about enhancing children’s opportunities and love watching them grow and develop through the different ages and stages.

Bethany

Bethany

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2023

Qualifications –
Paediatric first aider
Studying level 5 lead practitioner


I love working in all the rooms but currently work in Toddler 1. I enjoy doing crafts with the children. I am really interested in psychology, and in the future, I would like to work with children and young people supporting mental health.

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Megan -

Job Title: Early Years Teacher Joined: 2025

Qualifications
Nursery Nursery level 3
BA hons Childhood and Youth Studies
PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)


I have worked with children since 2018 and nurseries and schools. I love seeing and supporting the progress that children make particularly in the early years


I enjoy going to the gym and for hikes particularly around North Wales

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Chloe Houghton

Job Title: Practitioner - with QTS Joined: 2025

Qualifications
BA hon Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS )


I have worked with children for around 3 years as a Teacher in various provisions including an SEN school, prior to this I volunteered supporting children with additional needs.


I enjoy ice skating, photographer and reading

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Mel Fox

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2021

Qualifications: NVQ level 2 Childcare Learning and Development
Paediatric First Aid


I have worked in childcare for around 18 years in a variety of roles and settings. I have recently enrolled on my level 3 in childcare and I am also studying Health and Social care at the Open university.
I am a Mum to 3 girls we enjoy mountain biking as a family. I love ice-skating and I used to play ice hockey.

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Hema Shanmugam

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2024

Qualifications


I have worked with children for around 5 years in Schools and nurseries. Prior to that I was teacher for electrical and electronics in India.


I have 2 children and I enjoy baking and spending time with my family in the outdoors.

Diane

Diane

Job Title: Nursery Cook

Qualifications - Food safety and allergen training
health and nutrition in the early years


I work as a Nursery cook. I also enjoy getting to know all of the children and being part of the Nursery team.

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Andy Battersby

Job Title: Practitioner Joined: 2021

Qualifications
Working towards level 3 in childcare
Paediatric first aid
NVQ levels 2-4 in sports coaching


I have been a sports coach for around 11 years primarily teaching football and basketball. I became a sports coach with S4YC in 2021 and then in 2024 I became a nursery practitioner. In 2025 I moved to be based at the Blacon setting.


In my spare I am really sporty and enjoy playing and watching both football and basketball. I also enjoy going for walks

Frequently Asked Questions about S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre

What is the Age Range of Children that S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre accepts?

S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre Open?

S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre 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 S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre have capacity for?

S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre has capacity for a total of 72 Children.

How far is S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre to the centre of Chester?

1.7 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 S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. S4YC @ Blacon Children's Centre has an Enhanced Service - more info.