Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park

Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UT
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9.6 92 Reviews
  • Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park, Norwich
Chestnut Nursery at Norwich Research Park is more than just a childcare provider — it’s a warm, welcoming environment where children are nurtured, inspired, and supported every step of the way.

With a team of 39 dedicated early years professionals, Chestnut Nursery places children's emotional and mental wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. They believe that when children feel happy, secure, and confident, they are ready to explore, learn, and thrive.

Following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, the nursery offers a balanced and enriching curriculum tailored to each child's individual needs. Their approach encourages development in a caring, safe, and stimulating setting.
From imaginative play spaces to calm areas for reflection and rest, Chestnut Nursery creates the perfect environment for children to grow emotionally, socially, and academically.

Why Families Choose Chestnut Nursery:

- A strong focus on emotional and mental wellbeing
- Passionate, experienced team of early years educators
- EYFS-led learning through play and exploration
- Purposeful, safe, and engaging environments
- A truly inspirational place for children to begin their journey

Families looking for exceptional childcare are warmly invited to visit Chestnut Nursery and see first-hand what makes their setting so special.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Yvonne Hamilton (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 39

Total Places for Children

  • 160

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Standard Day 7.30am – 6.30pm - Full Day £102.00
    Half sessions 7.30am-1pm or 1pm -6.30pm = £60.00
    Term time only room 8am-5pm = £93.00

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 & 1 week at Christmas plus 2 training days per year

Parking

  • There are designated drop off spaces at the front of the nursery and also some long stay spaces at the back of the nursery for parents and visitors.

Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park Reviews (92)

9.6

Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.627) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park has 92 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
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Total of 92, showing 1-20
Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has recently started at this nursery, and I'm really happy with service and care. The keyworkers are all really friendly and professional and my daughter is always happy to see them. The staff in the office are also very helpful and responsive and they get back to me quickly whenever I have
queries.
My daughter seems to do loads of great activities throughout the day. She always enjoys food and she's sleeping better at home. I've switched her from part-time to full-time within the first few weeks because she loves it so much.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for this lovely feedback. We are so pleased that your daughter has settled in so well and is loving nursery!
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Review from Elisabeth A (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely brilliant in every aspect. Our son has attended Chestnut @NRP for the last 3.5 years and has had the best time and thrived. The staff are so dedicated and caring. They have built such a lovely relationship with our son. We are truly impressed with them and all the thoughtful activities organised
throughout the year. The garden is incredible, such a fantastic place for kids to play and explore. And the facilities are lovely and thoughtfully organised. The food is freshly cooked and the menu always looks great. And the management team are super organised, kind and professional. Thank you Chestnut@NRP team to you all, you've been fantastic and we will miss you when our son goes to school in September!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your lovely feedback. We will share this with our team.
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Review from David B (Father of Child) published on 30 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have moved around the region due to work and therefore our children have attended multiple nurseries with Chestnut NRP comfortably being the best.


My son enjoys every day he spends at Chestnuts and has formed close relationships with his "adults". He has developed brilliantly and a lot of his

good manners are directly learnt from his time at nursery.


We always get feedback about his day has gone and the staff clearly care about how the children are doing and always seem interested and invested in them.


The communication from the office has been great and timely in answering any queries which is also a massive plus.


I would (and have) highly recommend NRP Chestnuts to any friends and family.

Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We will share this with the team.
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Review from Connor J (Father of Child) published on 25 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started attending Chestnut NRP recently and settled in instantly. He has built a lovely bond with his key person and staff in his room and he welcomes them with open arms every morning. He always comes home with a smile on his face and we receive a handover each day of the particular activities
he has enjoyed throughout the day which reassures us that he is happy and safe during his time here.
My son is already growing in confidence and this is all down to the support of the friendly staff that work with him and the amazing variety of resources and spaces that are available to the children.
Thank you to all of the staff and management team for providing a safe and fun space for my child to grow.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely feedback, this will be shared with the team.
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Review from B E (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My son has been at this nursery for approx 2 years and we've had no end of issues with the poor management of the nursery and fabricated incidents. They have withdrawn my sons place TWICE with no notice and have kept government funding too. DO NOT USE THIS NURSERY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Not value
for money. Staff training is poor. Do not feed my son. Do not provide alternatives. Make up things. Change their stories too. Do not use!!!
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Review from Josh B (Father of Child) published on 19 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child joined the NRP family in October 2024, she has flourished so much since being at the nursery and that is down to the staff and their continued support to help her grow and build independence.
The staff have supported me and my partner throughout my daughters nursery experience to reassure
us she is safe and happy while we are at work.
My daughter loves exploring the multiple gardens at the nursery and the exciting resources in the room.
we can't thank the management staff and practitioners at NRP enough for their continued support and providing an outstanding nursery for our child.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your positive review. I will share your comments with our team.
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Review from J I (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A spacious, welcoming and supportive environment, offering childcare expertise and focusing on development. The team work collectively with family to offer a personalised experience to meet the needs of our children.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your positive review. I will share your comments with our team.
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Review from Jessica H (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Chestnut Nursery School NRP since September 2024 in one of the baby rooms. We were quite apprehensive before she started as she hadn't spent much time apart from us. The settle sessions were good, it took quite a few more weeks before she was happy being handed over but
I believe is fairly normal. She very quickly formed the most lovely bond with her key worker which as parents is so reassuring and she clearly enjoys her time there. Her key worker is such a kind, caring and professional person (as are the other practitioners in her room).
Since being at this nursery she has developed greatly both in her physical ability and verbally.
We enjoy getting updates on the app, especially the photos of her playing and doing crafts.
I would highly recommend this nursery to other parents, we really have no criticisms at all.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I have shared your comments with your child's room. We are pleased this has been a positive experience for you and your family.
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Review from J D (Father of Child) published on 23 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Chestnut Nursery North Research Park since May 2024. From the settle sessions up until the present, all he talks about is going to the nursery and all the staff and children in his room. He is happy on handover and collection and has thrived since attending both physically
and verbally. The snapshots and focus observations are lovely to receive from his key person who puts in lots of lovely effort. We are grateful to the nursery for taking such care of our son and encouraging, prioritising, and supporting his development. Thank you!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your positive review. I will share your comments with our team.
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Review from E D (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter always has a great time at nursery! They have such varied activities for her to do and it's nice that she has been assigned particular staff that she can bond with. We get regular updates on the app, which we love receiving - especially the pictures! She comes home happy and exhausted every
day.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from Amber P (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Chestnut Nursery for the last six months and has loved every minute of it. He always comes home happy and has never cried when I have passed him over in the morning. The staff are lovely, especially his key worker. My only area of improvement is using the app to communicate
throughout the day.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review; we have shared this with our team.
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Review from Maddy M (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The overall quality of childcare here is excellent! There are plenty of resources and activities for children. Staff are well trained and give very detailed assessments using early years frameworks. This is one of the best childcare settings we have used - thank you.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from Merai S (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery with amazing staff. Our daughter started in the baby room and I can tell she loves it there. My highlights of the day are her big smile at drop off and pick up and the regular updates and photos. The management staff are also very approachable. I would definitely recommend to everyone.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from Nick O (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been so incredibly well looked after by the staff at Chestnut. They have supported her with her integration into the nursery, helped her form friendships and to help her develop her self-confidence. The staff are excellent in looking after my daughter’s mental well-being and help support
her through all of her emotional needs. It’s a consistent, supportive and warm environment and I have been extremely happy with their care.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from O G (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with Chestnut Nursery at Norwich Research Park.
All the staff are such kind caring people and very knowledgeable. All of the staff always have the child's health, needs and development at the forefront of their minds. The communication throughout the day is great and we receive lots
of updates and pictures.
They are very flexible and always make sure the kids are happy and looked after. Both of my children have been here and we would recommend it to everyone.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from H L (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Chestnut Nursery is a fantastic place. My son has flourished whilst being there and is always coming home having learned new things and always runs in happily! The workers are lovely and genuinely care about each child. I have already signed up our newborn daughter to attend when she is older!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is two and a half and very fussy as this is his first nursery exposure, but the staff in NRP Chestnut were all lovely and patient with him. After 1-2 months being with them he has become well adjusted, learned new things and developed massively during this time frame. I feel confident that my
little one is well taken care of and he is happy and jolly when it’s time to go home. Staff are always smiling and happy to discuss my son’s day with positive feedback.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from Julia B (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughters joined Chestnut Nursery (NRP) last year and the team have made the transition seamless. They're a wonderful team who all genuinely enjoy what they do. The space available to the children is second to none, with our daughters' favourite places being the forest garden and the bike garden.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from V W (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We send our two children to Chestnut Nursery NRP and we couldn’t be happier. Our daughter is in the pre-school room and she absolutely loves it there. The staff are so kind and understanding of the children's differences in personalities. When we said she was experiencing some fluctuating emotions at
home they worked closely with her one on one to try and talk about her feelings and how she can express them in different ways. They’ve also been so helpful at navigating her slightly fussy eating. Our son is in the baby room and he is so happy to go in each morning. They have endless patience and are always coming up with new activities to entertain the babies. It’s made being a working parent so much easier knowing they’re having a brilliant, enriching time at nursery.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Review from K P (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We recently moved to Norwich and were worried about our little one starting afresh, thinking it was going to be a problem, but he’s settled in so quickly and absolutely loves going to Chestnut. Every day he comes home he always says he’s 'had a wonderful day' and that says it all for us!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton, Manager at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your review, we have shared this with our team.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.627)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.627) out of 10 for Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 26 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 4.814 for Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park is calculated as follows: ( (298 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (12 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 322 Ratings = 4.814
  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 4.813 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park is based on 26 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 160 number of registered child places is 32. 26 Positive Reviews ÷ 32 = 0.813
  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)

Yvonne

Yvonne Hamilton

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2017

I have been working in childcare since 1989. I left college and started my career as a nanny. Having children of my own made me rethink my childcare career and I decided to become a childminder. When my children began their early learning I went on to further my education and started working in Pre-schools, which is where I worked my way from being a practitioner to becoming a Leader. I now have a BA Degree in Early Years and am an Early Years Professional. I have always had a deep connection with children and feel a great sense of accomplishment in helping children achieve and enjoy their learning journey throughout their early years.


Working with children always gives me so much joy, inspiration and happiness. My vision for our nursery is to enable every child to reach their full potential and to do this I have a strong, highly qualified team with a range of experiences and qualities that create a warm and welcoming nursery environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park

What is the Age Range of Children that Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park accepts?

Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park Open?

Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park 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 Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park have capacity for?

Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park has capacity for a total of 160 Children.

How far is Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park to the centre of Norwich?

3.2 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 Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park has an Enhanced Service - more info.