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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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
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Total of 92, showing 61-80
Review from Alison B (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Chestnut is a well managed and welcoming environment for preschool children.
From our first visit, we felt that the nursery was a calm and friendly place.
The facilities are good and we felt at ease with all the staff as soon as we left our daughter.
She has loved every day as there is a variety
of activities, toys and learning equipment provided.
The food is excellent in choice and quality.
We would thoroughly recommend Chestnut nursery as a childcare provider and will be using Holiday Club.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for you lovely comment.
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Review from Ilse R (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Chestnut Nursery is a fantastic nursery where my son has been thriving since he started last summer. The spaces are amazing and are made of calm, safe and stimulating areas, indoors and outdoors. It's all thoughtfully designed and equipped. The manager and the whole team are always very helpful and
kind, which makes the environment very nurturing and supportive. My son instantly felt at home when he started! He has learnt so much with the activities and interactions of the staff who always come up with fantastic ideas to help children develop intellectually, socially and emotionally. Detailed reports on parentzone and daily feedback on how the day goes really helps as well. Thank you Chestnut!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you very much for your positive feedback.
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Review from Kim R (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and supportive environment. The rooms are large and light and there is a great outdoor space. My child is extremely happy here and loves coming. Support from staff is second to none and I really appreciate that they look to challenge my child daily. The improvement in vocabulary and grammatical
understand is really noticeable. Food is of a high quality and I like the no sugar policy. Each day there are new activities to challenge the children and I just really like how welcoming everyone is and how quickly they learnt my child's name. It's just a lovely place.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
We are pleased this has been a positive transition into our nursery.
Thank you for your lovely comments.
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Review from Hannah L (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 18 month old recently started nursery at Chesnuts for 2 days a week. Before then, she had been at home with me. It is a big step for an 18 month old as they are more aware of what's happening. It was a big step for me too. I could however not be more delighted with the care that both my daughter
and I have received from Chesnuts and more particularly, my daughter's key worker. Nothing is too much trouble. The key worker always has time to talk, delivers detailed observations on "Parent Zone" at least once a week and has made a traumatic process very, very smooth. The key worker has built up such a strong relationship with my daughter so quickly. I feel very lucky that my daughter is being looked after so well by her key worker. The setting of the nursery is also wonderful, with plenty of different outside spaces - great for my little explorer. Could not recommend more highly. Thank you Chesnuts!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your positive feedback and lovely comments.
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Review from Tanner B (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been completely impressed with Chestnut Nursery. Every member of staff is cheerful, friendly and kind. We have the utmost confidence that the care our son receives is attentive, positive, personalised and professional.


We really enjoy receiving updates and photos through the day via the

ParentZone app. It helps us feel connected to our son and it’s so useful to see how his napping and feeding patterns change.


The facilities are modern, sleek and clean - this was one of the main features we were so impressed with when we toured different nurseries. The space is secure and safe, and very convenient to local employees.


I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback
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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My only negative comment is that we were not informed on the day that our daughter had fallen and hit her face.
The bruise didn't come out until the next day and she had a black eye.
Other than that, the nursery is fantastic - our daughter absolutely loves it and the staff are so good with her.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your review and comments.
We have discussed the accident and as you know a cold compress and TLC was administered at the time.
We are so happy that your daughter loves it at the…read more
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Review from Catherine B (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery, wonderful staff, great range of equipment. My son has settled here really well and is extremely happy here. Would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely comments.
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Review from Donna P (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
On moving our son from another nursery to Chestnut, we were able to see the true difference of what an excellent nursery can do for your child. We always assumed our son was struggling verbally and started to worry but with the professional help from the staff and the true feeling of a nursery which
is home from home, our son has flourished.
From the moment we drop our child off, we are greeted by people who enjoy their job and willing to give you their time by learning about the child's needs through general conversation with the parents. They will often go the extra mile, as was demonstrated by the Christmas concert performed for the parents and the science day where parents were also invited to participate.
The building and grounds are new and the layout is spacious providing a light, airy and fun learning environment for the children.
We are dreading the day our son takes the next step and moves onto school as we will certainly miss the staff at Chestnut.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely comments.
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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A lovely, welcoming nursery with modern facilities.
The food is exceptional and we are always greeted with smiles from the staff and thoroughly updated of our children's progress at the end of the day.
Our little ones have settled in exceptionally well and now look forward to going in.
The nursery
rooms are big, spacious and clean and full of lots of educational and fun activities for the children.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your positive feedback.
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Review from Jiwei Z (Father of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park is a very good nursery. The employees working there are supportive, caring, and patient. My daughter has learned and improved a lot!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your positive comments.
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Review from Alice M (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We can't rate this nursery highly enough. Our daughter loves being there and is thriving. The staff are amazing, friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend it everyone and I regularly do.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback.
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Review from Emilia B (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery! We love it here and sending my little one is a dream. He loves being at Chestnut as there is so much to do and the staff are wonderful. The manager really cares about every little detail and makes you feel included as parents in your child’s day. They are excellent at communicating
with you also about what your child has been up too and eaten, both on the app and in person. I would recommend to everyone.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you so much for the kind words.
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Review from Becky W (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled in quickly to nursery thanks to the attentive and warm staff. He skips happily into the nursery and always greets me with a big smile. The range of activities on offer is wide and the outdoor space and toys mean the children are busy and entertained. Staff keep me informed with regards
to his day. We are really happy with all aspects of the nursery.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you so much!
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Review from Marta (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been at this nursery for about 2 months. There are some questions that I don't yet have enough information to make an accurate comment on, but so far she has developed her vocabulary and loves to go to school! She always comes back home happy and smiling which makes me happy. The staff
are amazing towards her and we are trying to work together to get my child to go to the toilet and reduce the accidents. Food - she takes it from home and the activities so far seem brilliant!
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your lovely comments.
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Review from Katherine S (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started attending Chestnut at the research park in September. The nursery staff are friendly and have really supported him in settling into Pre-School and with moving home. He has come on so much in a month with his learning as I feel he had stagnated a bit. He's made friends and is always happy
when he comes home with stories about his day.


They have a good selection of toys, interactive technology and good old-fashioned outdoor space - a big garden with tractors etc as well as a green space for a bit more forest like skills (counting rabbit holes etc!)
I love the fact the nursery is so diverse with children from different ethnic backgrounds as well as the staff which I think is vital in this day and age.


The food is cooked by the onsite chef and he seems to make delicious meals as my son always seems to have eaten everything!
They use the Parent Zone app which is great as observations, nappy changes, sleep etc are updated so you don't miss out when you are at work!

Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely comments.
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Review from Jenny M (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy is quite shy and I knew settling into nursery would be tricky for him but the staff at Chestnut have been very caring and looked after him well during the transition. His skills, both in language and physical, have also noticeably improved in the short time he has been at the nursery.
He loves playing outside and I like how often the children get fresh air.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely comments.
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Review from S A (Father of Child) published on 3 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent, clean and safe place. Loads of activities. The manager personally welcomes every morning. Updates on parent zone are reassuring.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you very much for your lovely comments.
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Review from Delia D (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an excellent place for my 3-year-old daughter to grow in. The staff are very friendly and very attentive to children's needs. When I pick her up, my daughter always tells me, "Mummy I had a great day today at the new school" (that's how we call it since she only started a month ago). In a space
of a few weeks, she has made good friends, and she talks a lot about them at home. She's in the pre-school group. There are lots of activities children can engage in during the day, both indoors and outdoors, which I feel encourage her independence, confidence and creativity. In short, we really, really like this nursery.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you so much.
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Review from Daniel D (Father of Child) published on 27 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to Chestnut Nursery for around a month now and she always comes home with a smile on her face. When we were first shown around, my wife and I were amazed by the resources available and how clean and tidy the nursery was kept. The staff were extremely friendly and on hand
to answer any questions we had. There is always an exciting menu on offer with something for everyone. Overall, we are very happy to bring our daughter to Chestnut Nursery and are excited about her future prospects, growing up with really lovely people around her and looking after her.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Thank you for your lovely comments.
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Review from K C (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is 14 months old and has now been at Chestnut Nursery School for two months. His social skills and confidence have developed hugely since he started nursery, I largely credit this to the wonderful care he receives there. He settled in quickly and has formed a good bond with his key person. Returning
to work has been made much easier knowing how happy my child is at nursery.
Reply from Yvonne Hamilton at Chestnut Nursery School @ Norwich Research Park
Many thanks for your lovely comments.
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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.

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