Children 1st @ Syston is in the heart of the village, making it very accessible to the local community and surrounding areas.
The nursery has been under the ownership of Children 1 st day Nurseries since June 2017 and will enjoy a refurbishment programme to ensure that provision is of the same high standard of other Children 1st nurseries.
At Syston, the staff liaise closely with parents to ensure children are settled, secure and thriving in their all-round development. With the aim of valuing each child’s individuality and building on this to motivate learning, the staff work hard to provide the kind of bespoke service that every parent wants for their child.
The electronic learning journey system (EY Log) in place at the nursery is appreciated by parents as it provides instant access to the child’s learning journey and parents enjoy adding to it with observations/ achievements from home.
The well-balanced meals prepared on-site by the nursery cook are enjoyed by the growing youngsters. The menu is designed to promote healthy eating and nutritional awareness and Mr. Harvey Bear, the Children 1st healthy eating mascot, is on hand to promote such matters and good table manners.
Group: Children 1st Day Nurseries
Person in charge: Emma Haywood and Alice Houldsworth (Managers)
Local Authority / Social Services: Leicestershire County Council
Number of Staff: 20
Service Offered: Day Nursery (Privately Owned), Open all year, Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care
Total Places for Children: 99
Age Range: from 0 years 3 months to 14 years 0 months
Opening Days: Mon-Fr
Opening Hours: 0730-1800
When Closed: Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas
The Review Score of 8.8 (maximum of 10) for Children 1st @ Syston is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 18 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Children 1st @ Syston in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 14 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 4.083 for Children 1st @ Syston is calculated as follows: ( (79 Excellents x 5) + (87 Goods x 4) + (39 Satisfactorys x 3) + (11 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.083
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 4.707 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st @ Syston is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 19.8 positive Reviews (99 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 14 Reviews ÷ 19.8 Target = 0.707
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 @ Syston has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.790)
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Rich B (Father of Child) on Tuesday 23 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Currently, we are disappointed with the service we are receiving.
Since October the outdoor has appeared shabby and has broken toys strewn around. We chose this nursery for the outdoor provision and have seen nothing engaging set up within the garden. I feel that the provision for outdoor play should be high quality whatever the season, regardless of future plans.
Safety aside currently this is not an 'outstanding' environment for our daughter to play nor is it value for money.
We are equally concerned at the turnover of staff. We do not feel this has been managed well. Staff members have changed daily and some left with no explanation to ourselves or more importantly the children. This has a big impact on our daughter who struggles with loss. All this aside, we are very happy with the care and attention from the staff in her room. They are attentive, provide clear information and are dedicated and committed to making her time happy. We have no concerns over her day to day care.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Neither Unlikely or Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Madeline S (Mother of Child) on Sunday 21 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
I feel that some staff are exceptional, whilst others, quite frankly are pretty poor. My son flourishes with those who make the effort, make him secure, greet him on arrival and meets his needs. Fortunately, those staff appear to be in the majority. Some staff seem indifferent and barely seem to move from their seats.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Likely
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Catherine Griffin, Director at Children 1st @ Syston responded to this review on 12 Feb 2018:
I am pleased to note that the majority of staff meet your expectations. We have high expectations of all our staff and Children 1st has its own training academy that staff take part in. There is a rigorous system of professional development and all staff are closely monitored. As Children 1st's expectations become embedded within nursery practice there will be consistency in all staff performance. We are closely monitoring staff and will address any poor performance.
Thank you
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Natalie F (Mother of Child) on Friday 19 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
I can only say positive things about the nursery since Children 1st @ Syston have taken over. I can see that the impacted it has had on the place is amazing and the new manager is lovely as well as the existing staff team. The only negative that springs to mind is I wish they would reconsider the time they serve the tea. I personally think 3 pm is an unrealistic time to have your tea especially when some children don't wake from their nap until 2.30-3pm. Children at home probably wouldn't eat so early on a normal day and for the parents that work late, they would need to rush when they get home to feed them again before bedtime. I think 4 til 4.30pm would be better.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Likely
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Catherine Griffin, Director at Children 1st @ Syston responded to this review on 12 Feb 2018:
Thank you for your review, we welcome all feedback and appreciate your comments regarding the impact Children 1st is having on the quality of provision at Syston. With the nursery refurbishment about to commence, there are even better things to come. Your observations on tea-time will be discussed and looked into.
Many Thanks
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Julie G (Mother of Child) on Thursday 18 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My Son has attended the nursery from the age of 9 months. He is happy to go there every day. Watching him develop different skills every month has been amazing. He is developing and being challenged by the staff at the nursery. He enjoys the outside garden in his play.
The staff all know his needs and talk to you about his day every time we collect.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Sarah (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 17 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Overall happy, but think the security needs looking into. My mum went to collect my daughter once and nobody even challenged her as to who she was, she was just let in and walked straight into her room. Quite a lot of times nobody in office and people coming and going and letting people in and out. Not sure what the answer could be though? Certainly feels like things have changed in the last few months.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Likely
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Catherine Griffin, Director at Children 1st @ Syston responded to this review on 02 Feb 2018:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today and discuss your review. We welcome all feedback and appreciated your clarification today. Having discussed the security measures in place and proposed new refurbishment plans, I am pleased that you are now reassured.
Many Thanks
Catherine Griffin
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Anisha (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 17 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Some positive changes seen since the takeover. However, information re changes proposed/ undertaken not been communicated well. Would be nice to know future plans for room changes, equipment changes, menu changes etc.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Neither Unlikely or Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by A R (Mother of Child) on Monday 15 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
Brilliant nursery with lots of activities to help children develop and progress with their developmental milestones.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Laura (Mother of Child) on Sunday 14 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Overall we are happy with the nursery although feel there is room for improvement in a number of areas. The 1 on 1 care from the staff to our son has been great and they appear to be fond of him, as he is of them.
The garden space could be greatly improved and updated as could some resources in the room. the nursery generally looks as if it needs some modernising. Cleanliness has improved and so more work on wear and tear is what's needed. Introduction of fruit snacks is welcomed.
Safeguarding and access to the building is still a concern where parents let each other in and out, this is exacerbated by a lack of management presence in the reception area. Often no one in the office to speak to. Current concern is about moving our son to the next room too soon and we are hoping this can be done in consultation and delayed if needed.
Eylog not used as effectively as it could and updates are often a week after the event.
Acknowledge improvements have been made still a way to go.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Katie (Mother of Child) on Sunday 14 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
We have been using Gables nursery since 2015, and in my opinion the overall standard has dropped since then.
The staff are friendly and easy to talk to, however they seem less happy in their work in recent months.
The number of children in the classrooms have increased dramatically. How any of the children can get one on one attention is beyond me. Quite often we've seen children fighting outside and the staff haven't noticed because there are just so many for them to watch.
I am pleased that fruit snacks have now been introduced. It is a shame there is no fruit or yoghurt options for breakfast though.
Overall, my boys are happy at Gables and so I would not move them for that reason.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Neither Unlikely or Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Shayna H (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My daughter had been attending Gables since July 2017 and she has come along so much with her speech and development. The staff are great with her and she has formed some lovely bonds with both staff and other children. The nursery overall is clean, well looked after and generally lovely and pleasent. In the summer they have picnics in the garden, party's and even bouncy castles, makes me a little envious to have to go work and miss out on the fun. I looked at other nurseries in the area before choosing Gables and none of them made me think my daughter would enjoy growing up there until she starts school. I highly recommend This nursery to anybody looking for childcare in the area.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by D Gorrod (Father of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Have a one year old at the Nursery and a five year who left to go to school last year.
It may cost a lot but it’s been worth every penny. The Nursery experience has been amazing for both of my children who have always come home happy (and luckily tired :) ) and I have found the staff friendly and engaging 100% of the time. In summary we’ve been delighted from day one.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Rachel (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My daughter has been at this nursery for 18 months and is extremely happy. The staff are wonderful and genuinely care for all the children at the nursery. It is a happy, fun and welcoming environment. They do some some wonderful activities and my daughter is thriving here. I would highly recommend it.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Louise B (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My daughter has thrived since being at Children 1st @ Syston, The Gables. She has always been very sociable and her social skills have only improved. Her interests are encouraged and we are always informed at the end of each day how well (or not!) she has eaten, the activities she has taken part in and what she has learned. She always leaves exhausted and talking about what she has been doing so we know she has been busy and happy!
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Jade D (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My daughter attended Children 1st @ Syston, The Gables from age 1 in until she went to school and my son is now attending who is 3 years old. The girls are all lovely and most of the staff have been there for a number of years. They have given me support when my son struggled with speech and pointed me in the right direction to gain further advice. All the girls are fun and loving with my son in a professional manner, and we will miss them all when he goes off to school in September.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Shane G (Father of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Very friendly, helpful and caring staff. I always feel that I have left my son in good hands and when I go to pick him up he doesn't want to come home.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by V P (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
Since the handover, standards within the nursery seems to have dropped.
The number of children in the room seems to have increased massively, probably legal, but it never seemed that crowded before. Staff seemed too busy with general housekeeping, changing nappies, tidying up and so on, rather than spending time with kids/teaching.
The management team did not seem very forthcoming when my child was unsettled.
Don't feel very informed about changes in the nursery and what is going on.
Meal choices could be healthier, usually one good meal a day, however, breakfast is always the same (cereal and toast, nothing warm or cooked, where is the fruit?) and I don't rate lemon curd sandwiches as very nutritious. I always get told my child ate several helpings, yet he always comes home eating a big dinner.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Unlikely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by SB (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Really caring staff who work with the child's individual developmental age. My daughter has shown attachment to all the carers that have looked after her. Staff are always very friendly and polite.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Emma W (Mother of Child) on Thursday 11 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Staff are excellent and very friendly. The standard of food is very high and my son loves to choose a snack from the snack box every day on his way home! The children are encouraged to develop their skills and interests and I have been very impressed by the things my son has picked up whilst at nursery, such as learning the alphabet, counting and various songs. My son also has special needs and I have found the staff to be very supportive of the extra care required. The only thing I would love to see improved is the car park as it can get extremely busy at certain times of the day, meaning that you get stuck or can’t find a space, which can be quite stressful. Perhaps the pick up/collection times could be staggered to relieve this issue? Also, the car park lines are unclear so perhaps these could be repainted as often cars park over the lines, wasting space meaning that not as many cars can fit in as would be possible.
How likely would you be to recommend Children 1st @ Syston? Extremely Likely
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Catherine Griffin, Director at Children 1st @ Syston responded to this review on 26 Jan 2018:
Thank you very much for your lovely review. We welcome all feedback, and take on board your constructive comments. The nursery is due for refurbishment and these areas are under review. Kind Regards.
March 2018
Job Title: Nursery Manager
Joined: 2003
Description:
Hello, my name is Emma Haywood and I am the Manager at Children 1st @ Syston.
I have worked in childcare since 2001, undergoing my CACHE Diploma qualification as a student at the Shepshed nursery.
I qualified in 2003, at which time I joined the team as an enthusiastic nursery nurse.
I have had experience in all the age groups, my real passion is caring for our babies, the youngest children in our Jemima Puddleducks class.
While working at Children 1st I have had the opportunity to grow and further my knowledge, starting off as a Nursery nurse and progressing to Senior Nursery nurse, Deputy manager and now Acting Manager.
I have a son of my own who has attended the Shepshed nursery and started in our Jemima Puddleducks then continued all the way through nursery.
He has had a wonderful experience and a great start in his learning journey.
I enjoy the work life balance Children 1st provide for me and know the importance of family life. This I feel I can share with my parents/carers and their families to work in partnership to give the best care and education to their children.