Children 1st Hathern Nursery School

126 Loughborough Road, Hathern, Loughborough LE12 5JB
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9.2 86 Reviews
  • Children 1st Hathern Nursery School, Loughborough
Children 1st Hathern Nursery School is conveniently situated on the main A6 road in the heart of the village. Under Children 1st ownership since June 2017, the nursery is being refurbished to offer children from birth to five years a warm, welcoming and stimulating learning environment, both indoors and out.

Partnership with parents are important at Children 1st @ Hathern. With positive relationships in place the children soon settle and feel positive and secure. Staff are friendly, welcoming and approachable and know that such close cooperation helps the children to make good progress in their all-round development.

The children at Hathern benefit from playing and growing in well-organised enabling environments, where the staff team are committed to providing high-quality provision.

The aim of Children 1st Hathern Nursery School is to build on the individuality of each child. The staff know that every child entrusted to their care is a unique individual and maximising their enthusiasm for learning through fun, experiential learning is of prime importance at Hathern.
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Funding & Fees

Contact Children 1st Hathern Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

Contact Children 1st Hathern Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kadie Clarke (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 98

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 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

Children 1st Hathern Nursery School Reviews (86)

9.2

Children 1st Hathern Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.202) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Hathern Nursery School has 86 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 86
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Total of 86, showing 1-20
Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nothing ever too much to ask , have had lots of questions as a first time mum with a first time nursery etc and Hathern first was very helpful from day 1 and sorted everything out for me.


My daughter loves it there and feels relaxed and happy with all staff

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Review from Marc D (Father of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery simply could not do more for my daughter. She has additional needs and they have not had a child with her condition before. They have gone above and beyond to educate themselves. The care and attention that she receives is nothing short of incredible and I cannot recommend this setting highly
enough.
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Review from N S (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We're so happy with this nursery. The staff truly go above and beyond and show so much care and attention to the children. Harrison loves going and is always so happy when he arrives, which says it all. The team are friendly, supportive, and keep us updated on his day. We're really grateful for everything
they do and would highly recommend this nurser
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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can't fault the nursery at all! They simply are the best. My child loves it there and is thriving. The communication is great and I feel I can speak to them about anything. 100% would recommend to anyone
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Review from Rebecca D (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a brilliant experience with my little boy at Children 1st @Hathern. He has been going here for nearly 2 years now and he loves it. He's always talking about the staff and his friends when at home.The staff are friendly, kind and supportive and have gotten to know my son and his very particular
likes, dislikes and interests so that they can support his development as effectively as possible. There has been a change of menu which at first I was not 100% sure about it as some of the dishes aren't the most typically 'child friendly' and to begin with he wasn't keen but he eats everything now and is more willing to try things at home that before he wouldnt't. It's great knowing he's had healthy and nutritious food at nursery. Parents are updated via an app throughout the day. I also can't fault the management team, any small issues have been rectified sensitively and professionally. Overall, I'd recommend to anyone and have recommended to friends. I can't thank nursery enough.
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Review from Tom C (Father of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child loves going to the nursery at Hathern. The staff are very helpful, keep us informed of any changes and really personalise the experience for the children. The menu is varied and includes items that we wouldn't think to try. The daily updates are great and are above and beyond what other nurseries
provide. We are so pleased that we went ahead with this nursery.
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Review from Anna B (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing nursery. Have recommended to all of my family and friends. The staff go above and beyond. My child goes to nursery full time and I feel so content and comfortable that he is in the best place. Any queries or concerns always get addressed and resolved, and Kadie the manager is phenomenal
and always reassures me when I have any worries. A brilliant nursery. My son is 3 and has been going here since he was 9 months old and I do not regret choosing Children 1st Hathern one bit
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Review from Kimberly B (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic attentive staff. Manager is approachable at all times. My child has grown so much. Staff go above and beyond. My child lices going to nursery and never have any issues with her bot wanting to go. Could do with more outdoor space but they use what they have effectively. Any issues we have had
get sorted ky management in a timely manner.
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy has been going for nearly 6 months. He is happy going in and settled in very quickly, he is happy when we pick him up. The meals are varied and healthy, the staff are all friendly and professional. Very happy with everything the nursery offers. It is a lovely nursery setting.
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Review from H S (Grandmother of Child) published on 16 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Staff are amazing but changes to the menu recently now mean my grandson is coming home having not eaten since breakfast, despite feedback nothing has been done and I know many parents have the same issue, food can be nutritional and wholesome and still appeal to children but the current menu would be
unappealing for most adults let alone children.
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Review from Chloe K (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children's 1st really helped my little one settle into nursery and also made me feel at ease when my little one was starting so young, they also followed all routine given to them. My little one has come along a lot during her first few months at nursery and seems to be learning a lot and meeting new
friends.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st Hathern Nursery SchoolThank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased we could support both you and your little one during those early settling-in days. It's wonderful to hear how well she's settled, made new friends, and is growing in confidence. We look forward to watching her continue to learn and thrive with us.
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Review from Cheryl P (Mother of Child) published on 6 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Son has been at the nursery for nearly 12 months since we relocated from the North West. I was nervous about him starting at a new nursery, but his teacher was excellent with him on his first week, making him feel welcome and giving him the support he needed during the transition. The whole team
have been brilliant at settling him in and his development has come on in leaps and bounds. He really enjoys going and the facilities are great, especially since the recent refurbishment. All the staff are friendly and supportive and have been helping us with potty training. While it's not the closest nursery to our house, we are so pleased we chose Children 1st.
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Review from Kimberley B (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started the nursery in January.
I am very pleased and happy with everything at the nursery from the wonderful staff to meals and selection of toys and outdoor space.
My son has settled in lovely and I am definitely seeing some development in him, in particular his speech. He is coming out
with new words often. This is something that is a concern for me as he is behind with his speech so to hear him say more words is brilliant.
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Review from Ellen B (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot fault the nursery staff, looked around in August and fell in love with the nursery. They have been so supportive and reassuring during the time my son has been settling in. Was always going to be hard but I truly believe if it wasn’t for the staff it would have been so much harder. The nursery
setting is lovely, I have nothing but confidence that I will see my son’s development and confidence build in the next few months because of Children 1st. A very happy parent and would recommend this nursery without a doubt.
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Review from Hope S (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children 1st @ Hathern is a great, well-rounded nursery. My little boy has been going since 4 months old, so has moved through all the rooms and he absolutely adores all the staff who have all made personal relationships with him.
Cannot recommend them enough.
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Review from Elizabeth S (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all very friendly, helpful, and attentive. They have put us at ease and given regular updates and photos of our baby. He absolutely loves nursery and is developing really well too. I love that he gets to be involved in some of the activities, even being so much younger than the rest of
the children. It melts my heart seeing all the photos posted on the app and getting paintings that he has completed. It means so much that the nursery have supported us all through this transition.
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Review from E O (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Exceptional care, nurturing staff and a wonderful learning environment make Children 1st a lovely nursery in our area. Our child enjoys it here and has settled in very well, after our oldest child also attended here and loved it before starting school. Highly recommend!
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Review from Anita B (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and management team are amazing, they have all the time in the world for the children, so nurturing and calming. Would highly recommend this nursery, they have been amazing with my little one. We have not been here long, but I get the feeling that they would go above and beyond for each and
every child and parent.
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Review from H F (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would 100% recommend this nursery! As a first time mum going back to work I was very nervous about leaving my baby, but the nursery has been amazing! The settling in sessions are great and they really take the time to learn about your baby! I love that you get pictures, really helps you feel better
and the daily book entries are great!
The nursery is really friendly, everyone says hello and knows your baby! My baby has grown so much in confidence since starting and has settled in really well, the staff are just amazing with her!
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Review from Kajal V (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very bright and colourful nursery. All the staff are so nice and kind.
Look after my daughter very well and Children's 1st is my first choice nursery.
I am very happy that my daughter really enjoys the nursery and the staff.
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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.202)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.202) out of 10 for Children 1st Hathern 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 11 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 4.866 for Children 1st Hathern Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (128 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 142 Ratings = 4.866
  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 4.336 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st Hathern Nursery School is based on 11 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 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 = 3.775
    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 98 number of registered child places is 19.6. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 19.6 = 0.561
  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 (5)

Meet the Team (1)

Kadie

Kadie

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Hello, my name is Kadie Clarke and I joined Children 1st in 2018. I started my journey as an apprentice and gained my Level 3 qualification in 2021. Over the years, I’ve worked in three of our nurseries, developing my skills through a variety of roles, which led to my current position as Nursery Manager here at Hathern.


I have a real passion for supporting children in their growth and development. I love watching them progress and providing exciting activities and opportunities to help them learn new skills and grow in confidence.


I’m especially passionate about being part of our local community. Here at Children 1st @ Hathern, we love bringing families together through fun days and stay-and-play sessions — it’s so rewarding to see everyone enjoying themselves and building connections. I’m also proud of the inclusive and welcoming environment we offer, where activities and opportunities are tailored to meet the needs of every individual child and family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st Hathern Nursery School

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

Children 1st Hathern Nursery School accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

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

Children 1st Hathern Nursery School 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 Children 1st Hathern Nursery School have capacity for?

Children 1st Hathern Nursery School has capacity for a total of 98 Children.

How far is Children 1st Hathern Nursery School to the centre of Loughborough?

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