1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens

Chumleigh Street, Burgess Park, London SE5 0RN
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9.0 18 Reviews
  • 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens, London
1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens is a day nursery for children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, 1st Place provides a unique learning experience. Every child is valued as an individual that is full of potential and a resident Atelierista is on hand to support a creative approach to learning.

At 1st Place, children are given the freedom to explore and find meaning in the world around them. This is reflected in the physical environment of the nursery which provides a dedicated space for children to discover and move around in their own way.

1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens is a spacious purpose-built building with a light airy feel throughout. The nursery has indoor and outdoor play areas including a SENsory room, large sand play area, playground with slides and climbing frames, a light and shadow studio, a construction area for role play and storytelling, a studio with open-ended materials for focused explorations, and an outdoor area for physical and creative play.

Being located in the heart of Burgess Park allows regular trips to the park and Forest School sessions. The good transport links also allows opportunities for outings such as theatres, museums and libraries.
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Funding & Fees

Starting from £180 per day for 3-4 year olds, £216 for 2 year olds and £238 per day for under 2's. Included in fees: Meals and snacks, wipes and reusable nappies, trips and outings (including travel).

These are base prices, please contact the nursery or visit their website for more information.

Contact 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens to get a personalised quote.

Contact 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Robyn Coulter (Early Education Manager)

Registered Charity Number

  • 1120124

Total Places for Children

  • 64

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 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 & Christmas

Parking

  • They encourage parents/carers to walk or cycle if they can but they do have some parking spaces available.

1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens Reviews (18)

9.0

1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.005) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens has 18 reviews.

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Review from Kendall S (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had two children at this nursery- our eldest is now in primary school but our youngest still attends. They have received the highest level of care, love and attention that we could have hoped for since they were babies. The staff are exceptionally talented, experienced, consistent and loving.
They have encouraged our children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development, gotten to know their unique personalities in detail, built strong bonds with them, and created a space that our kids feel safe in and delight in.
The facilities are amazing, they do so many varied activities through the week (forest school, football lessons, all sorts of sensory play and mixed medium art!), and also give them time to simply play, and feel at home when they're away from home. The food is nutritious and varied. I cannot express my gratitude enough to the incredible staff of 1st Place who uphold these standards each and every day. We feel so lucky to be there.
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at Chumleigh GardensThank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely and detailed review. It really means a lot to our team to hear about your positive experience, and we're so glad you're happy with the care and support provided.
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Review from P B (Father of Child) published on 1 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are privileged to have our two children attend this fantastic nursery. We' ve felt nothing but care from the staff for both of them, our kids especially love their key workers. Our son is preparing for reception in September and this transition is feeling more manageable with all the support he has
received. Our daughter has also settled in well with our return to work after parental leave. We are always impressed by how well they know them, myself and my wife would highly recommend Chumleigh gardens to all parents, we drop off the kids everyday knowing they are in safe hands.
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at Chumleigh GardensThank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, it means a lot to our team. Starting primary school is such an exciting milestone, we're really pleased to hear that your family have felt supported with this. If you have any questions or concerns about the transition, please feel free to pop in for a chat at any time. We look forward to seeing you at the Graduation Ceremony!
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Review from A S (Father of Child) published on 29 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Place has been a great place for my son to attend. Staff have been supportive of my son and my family - particularly in difficult times over the last few years. The facilities are excellent, with a great amount of outdoor space - the facilities are within Burgess park also, which provides great
access to additional outdoor space for activities and play. In each of the rooms / stages of my son's time at the nursery all the staff have been great both with the kids and parents. We have made good connections and made a community with parents also which has been great also
Reply from Rachael Burton, Communications and Marketing Manager at 1st Place at Chumleigh GardensThank you for taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to our team to hear that you and your son have felt supported, and we're pleased to hear that you've felt part of the community here too - that's something we really value at 1st Place. We're always here if you need us.
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Review from R T (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have gone to first place and have been extremely happy. The nursery staff are caring, thoughtful and sensible. They really get to know the kids and understand their foibles. The setting is bright, clean and has great outdoor space. All the kids are active and physical throughout the
day and they have opportunities to play sports. The kids all say that the chef makes the best jollof rice ever. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better provider for my children and I will miss them greatly.
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Review from B T (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff are so wonderful and happy, and my son really gets on with them all. They've got great facilities, and have wonderful outdoor space where they spend a lot of time and they have forest school. The staff are dedicated to making it an amazing place for the kids, they were also very accommodating
when my son had an operation and had certain needs. Highly recommend
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery with great facilities and very dedicated staff. Our 2 kids attended the nursery and we could not be happier with their ways they are cared for, their learning and the ways in which they develop their confidence. This nursery also offer great healthy food cooked onsite and one day a
week of forest school.
We highly recommend it.
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Review from Ursula P (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The 1st Place Nursery at Chumleigh Gardens has been a wonderful place for my son and us as new parents. The rarity of a well run business with the feel of a family. Wonderful facilities, beautiful setting, engaged, well trained and warm staff. We will truly miss it, but so glad we went through our nursery
journey with 1st Place. I feel my son is ready to join 'big school', much due to the safe hands of 1st Place experts.
A deep thank you from us all.
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Review from Claire T (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at 1st Place Chumleigh Gardens for 3 years. We will be sad to say goodbye when he leaves for school in a couple of weeks. We have valued the responsive and consistent staff who create genuine bonds with the children. We have also valued the community that is created around the nursery.
The children had a beautiful graduation ceremony to mark their ending. We look forward to our second child joining next year.
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Review from Angelina S (Mother of Child) published on 14 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens has been an amazing experience for our daughter, for four years she has been excited to go to nursery every day. After looking at many nurseries this one definitely stood out not only for the great location in the park with a bright, cheerful building but also because
of the creative learning approach. The staff provide a lovely warm atmosphere for the children, the food menu is well balanced and nutritious and they have done a lot of age-appropriate activities to ensure that the children are school-ready. We have also enjoyed meeting other families and integrating with the community, we would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Francesca V (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had such a positive experience at 1st Place Chumleigh Gardens. The staff, facilities and overall environment have been so welcoming and nurturing. Our daughter started nursery whe she was 15 months old and has really thrived. We know the high level of care, support and creativity she has experienced
at 1st Place have played a crucial part in allowing her to feel safe and comfortable to explore the world around her. We have seen how much she has developed and how happy she is at nursery and are so thankful for the hard work and efforts of all the staff, particularly through the unprecedented challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has presented them with. We can't recommend them highly enough.
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Review from Beth H (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been delighted in our choice of First Place since our daughter joined at 11 months (now 3) and our baby son will join in the Summer. The environment is lovely, light filled with great outdoor space in the middle of the park. Our daughter has always been very happy there, staff take time to get
to know children and families well - supporting children to settle in, develop their interests and pursue new ones and supporting parents to navigate the whole process successfully. We have got to know lots of the other families too and feel really lucky to be part of such a great little local community - we genuinely couldn't ask for more or better and wholeheartedly recommend it (and I'm the headteacher of a primary school so I have some professional knowledge too.)
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Review from Filipa A (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter just turned two years old and she loves 1st place so, so much. The beginning wasn’t easy, neither for her nor me. Lots of tears and separation anxiety but everyone (from the receptionist to the teachers and her key worker) made sure she would be happy. After three weeks she was so happy
to go to the nursery. She literally runs and waves at me goodbye. I feel my daughter is safe and loved at 1st place (Bruges Park). The big plus is they stimulate children too. She counts to 10 and sings Abcd on her own. She is so happy, we started with two days a week and now we are increasing. Thank you 1st Place.
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Review from Maria G (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We saw lots of nurseries and this was our first choice and we have not regretted it. The building and rooms are beautiful and full of light and it's proximity to the park makes a nice walk to and from it every day. Our daughter has been attending 1st Place for more than 2 years and looks forward to
going back every day. She has learned so much and speaks very highly of the staff. We appreciate the variety of their food menu and we'll be sorry to leave once she starts school.
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Review from Kate V (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I highly recommend 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens. My daughter attended the nursery from 2 years old and my son from 8.5 months old. It has, therefore, been a big and positive part of all our lives. We had a good experience when securing places for both children and have had a fast and efficient response
to any queries, for example regarding payments and change of days. The space inside is flexible, open and light and the garden is fantastic, allowing easy free flow play. The staff are approachable, warm and friendly. Both my children have formed a close bond with their key person and other staff in their room. The educational approach is clear to see. Written reviews of both children have been insightful and helpful to guide onwards progression at home. The nursery have managed the challenges of the pandemic extremely well and we are so grateful to all the staff for their efforts. We will miss the nursery when my son graduates in the summer.
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Review from Bridget (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband and I had our first child at 1st Place from 9 months until she started reception, and our younger child from 15 months onwards. We love 1st Place - gorgeous, light-filled, new, purpose-built space. Wonderful menu for the children, with a hot meal cooked fresh daily on-site. Very competent,
experienced staff that celebrates diversity in the community. Sometimes there can be admin/billing/comms errors, so just keep an eye. This has been our only issue. The charity that runs the nursery also does a lot of parent-and-child well-being work in the community, which is great. They have managed the Covid transition well, with protected bubbles. We love 1st Place and recommend it highly.
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Review from Oscar P (Father of Child) published on 19 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens is a wonderful nursery. Our child was there for just under 6-months until covid-19 halted nurseries, we are very much looking forward to returning.
She was young when she started, at 9-months-old, so we were nervous of course. The staff took great care of her, fitting
the schedule and their practices around her to cater to her needs which included lots of carrying and special arrangements for sleep.
She learnt so much in those few months. I recommend 1st Place very highly.
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Review from Lara A (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am overall happy with the nursery. My daughter started there a year ago and the change in her is immense. I particularly love the Reggio Emilia approach that 1st Place offer and the activities they do with the children. My daughter is always happy to go into nursery and the building is spacious and
welcoming.
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Review from Ingrid S (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery since he was nine months old, and over a year later he absolutely adores the place, can't wait to head there first thing and protests when he's due to come home. The staff are attentive, affectionate when required and enable both structured learning and free play
in a perfect balance. He settled in extremely quickly and we're overall very happy with this nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.0 (9.005)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (9.005) out of 10 for 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens 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 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 6 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 4.986 for 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens is calculated as follows: ( (71 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.986
  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 4.019 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens is based on 6 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 = 3.55
    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 64 number of registered child places is 12.8. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.8 = 0.469
  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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

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Robyn Coulter

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

With 20 years of experience working with children, Robyn has held various roles, including Practitioner, Team Leader, Deputy Manager, and Manager. She has also worked as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and Designated Safeguarding Lead.


Robyn is passionate about raising standards in the Early Years Sector, striving to create a secure foundation for children’s learning and development.


In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and going on long walks with her dog.

Frequently Asked Questions about 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens

What is the Age Range of Children that 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens accepts?

1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens Open?

1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens 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 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens have capacity for?

1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens has capacity for a total of 64 Children.

How far is 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens to the centre of London?

3.1 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 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. 1st Place at Chumleigh Gardens has an Enhanced Service - more info.