Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School

St Mary's Hill, Chester CH1 2DW
Review Us
9.8 33 Reviews
  • Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School, Chester
At Headstart-on-the-Hill Day Nursery they provide a safe, caring and stimulating environment where children engage in a range of experiences to support their learning and development.

They have an extremely passionate team who really get to know children's individual interests and incorporate their interests and next steps into activities that are full of learning opportunities.

They are passionate in supporting children and their families throughout their early years and up until the transition into primary school. They have a high emphasis on school readiness with an experienced Early Years Teacher in the Pre-School room.

They have an onsite nature garden where children take part in weekly sessions with their dedicated nature garden leader who plans and implements a range of nature-inspired and fun activities that spark curiosity.

All meals are prepared onsite by their Cook who devises balanced and nutritional menus for the children in their care.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Melissa Kennedy-Roberts (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 26

Total Places for Children

  • 102

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
    Full day session fees include a mid-morning snack, lunch and tea.
    AM sessions include a mid-morning snack and lunch.
    PM sessions include tea.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • Unfortunately they don't have any onsite parking, however there are plenty of parking options in the area of the nursery including 10 minute bays at the end of the road and local car parks.

Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (33)

9.8

Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.787) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School has 33 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
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Total of 33, showing 1-20
Review from A E (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Headstart used to be a great family run business. However, since being taken over by Bright Stars nursery group in the autumn of 2023; owned by investment firm Oakley Capital; the service provision has deteriorated, fees have increased and the majority of permanent staff have resigned, leaving a bank
of agency staff whom I'm sure are great but offer little to no continuity of care for children or parents. The nursery can feel chaotic, communication is poor and needless to say any perks, trips or individualised care have disappeared. You may get an update on your child once a quarter, and each child seems to have the same key worker in each room (due to the low level of permanent staff, I imagine.) I appreciate the new government childcare provisions must have stretched nurseries and honestly hope Bright Stars manage to sort the issues out at Headstart. This will be the last week for my son as we are moving him to an alternative childcare provider, as are others.
Reply from Ellie Rawicki, Deputy Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for the review you have left, we appreciate your feedback. We are sorry for the experience you have described and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. We are happy to…read more
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Review from Jess R (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! Our daughter has leapt forward in confidence, language and ability since starting in Blossoms in January 2022. She is now in Chestnuts and thriving. We are delighted with the staff, how much they care for her and how effective the communication with parents is.
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Review from Holly C (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Headstart-On-The-Hill for 2 months and we're very happy to have found such a lovely nursery for her. They do lots of varied activities and all of the staff are very friendly and helpful. She's settled in really well and we have total peace of mind that she is in a very
safe and caring environment while having lots of fun.
Reply from Jane Lewis, Operations Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your lovely feedback. It's so nice to hear that you are happy with the care we provide. It's lovely to hear that your daughter enjoys her time with us and she has settled well.
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Review from A W (Father of Child) published on 28 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is in Chestnuts' Room at Headstart and she loves it. She often talks about nursery at home and sometimes asks to go in on her days off. I have seen huge leaps in her development especially speech and language since coming to nursery. Her confidence has grown too, thanks to such a great team!
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Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children who attend this nursery aged 11 months and 3.5 years old. I have found that every member of the team has been engaged with development and supportive.
The team here are creative and always sharing new ideas. Time is always taken to ensure that after a day a thorough handover is
given. Both of my children are happy and I have a great trust that they are being looked after well.
I would absolutely recommend the nursery to other parents who want a family feel environment where each child is treated as an individual.
The setting is in a great location and a lovely building where each room is safe, secure and clean. The meals provided are freshly made and change seasonally. Activities that the children take part in are great and my 3.5 year old loved forest school.
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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery that provides a variety of activities and enjoyment for little ones. There is always something exciting happening each week and I can see how my little one is developing so well thanks to the great standard of care provided.
Reply from Jane Lewis, Operations Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for the lovely review. It's nice to hear that your little one is developing well with us and you are happy with the care we are providing.
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Review from Ashleigh L (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has only been going to the nursery for 1 month and so far I have no complaints, the staff have been wonderful and welcoming, the food they have sounds amazing and very well balanced and my child seems to love it all he will tell me about his day when we get home. I have no issues or complaints
with the nursery, couldn't have asked for a better first impression.
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Review from S W (Father of Child) published on 3 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful experience at Headstart-On-The-Hill. My 3 - 3-year-old daughter has been attending Headstart since she was 1 year old and I couldn't be happier with our experience. The range of activities and learning opportunities is impressive. I've noticed that since attending this nursery my child's speech
has improved massively and this is down to the staff for their support in her development. This nursery has become a second home for my daughter every day she comes home talking about her teachers and what type of fun acts they have done. Examples are - trips out to the city centre, cooking, and nature school. The staff are incredibly caring which provides peace of mind that my daughter is in good hands. Overall, Headstart on the Hill is a fantastic place for children to learn and grow. I highly recommend it.
Reply from Ellie Rawicki, Deputy Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your lovely comments. We're so pleased to hear that your daughter's speech has improved since starting at Headstart-on-the-Hill.
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Review from Daryl G (Father of Child) published on 20 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough. The care, facilities and education they offer has far exceeded our expectations. My child’s speech and confidence have improved significantly in the last year. His time at Headstart on the Hill has prepared him perfectly for primary school.
I believe
the above is down to the amazing staff they employ, every single one of them is supportive, caring and clearly enjoys their job.
Reply from Jane Lewis, Operations Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your lovely comments about our nursery and the team. It's lovely to hear how well you feel your son has been supported and ready for his next steps to Primary school.
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Review from Daniela M (Mother of Child) published on 14 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are happy to have our daughter at Headstart nursery. All staff are amazing with her and they've helped her to develop different habits and routines that are helpful for her day to day.
She has more abilities and tools to be independent and she is happy.
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Review from D P (Father of Child) published on 15 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended the nursery for almost a year now and has learnt and experienced so much in this time. The team are so warm and welcoming and genuinely take an interest in my son and our family, they know his interests and also track his development (which is a lovely positive for us as first-time
parents.)
His routine and needs are always met and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. My wife and I feel so comfortable dropping him off in the morning, not only because he shows us how enthusiastic and excited he is but also by the regular pictures we receive each week via the app.
The activities always look fun and age-appropriate, and it’s lovely he gets to experience a variety of types of play that we can’t always provide him with at home.
The use of the outdoor areas are great for a city centre-based nursery and the children are encouraged to go out in all weathers which we also love.
I would 100% recommend this nursery to anyone!
Reply from Ellie Jones, Deputy Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for all of your lovely comments about our nursery. We're so pleased you enjoy looking at pictures of your son's week and it's so nice to hear how excited your son is to come into nursery.
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Review from J C (Father of Child) published on 12 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic experience with Headstart on the Hill in Chester. Our little girl loves going every Tuesday, the staff are so friendly, and they put on nice events to get parents involved over Easter, Xmas etc.
Reply from Ellie Jones, Deputy Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your lovely comments, we are so pleased to hear your daughter enjoys her time at Headstart-on-the-Hill.
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Review from Alex C (Father of Child) published on 4 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team in each room are friendly and kind. They have the best interest of each and every child.
Seeing our child's face when he goes to school is amazing because we know that they are going to have a great day.
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Review from Paula B (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are super happy with the nursery.
They are always so supportive and positive. The activities are innovative, helping them to learn whilst having fun.
My son has thrived at this setting and has developed amazingly!
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Review from Emma G (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn’t recommend Headstart enough my daughter is so happy there, she’s always laughing, you can tell she loves the staff and they love her. The ladies are truly fantastic. The nursery is expensive but they all are. If she didn’t love it as much as she did I would certainly move her. I never have
to worry about her, she’s safe, happy and loved and is coming on so much!
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Review from S L (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Willows room is outstanding and we have nothing but positive things to say about the staff and the whole establishment. Our son wakes up excited to go to Willows to see his friends (which includes the staff). When we collect him he smiles and tells us all about the amazing day he has had.
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Review from Victoria S (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Headstart-on-the-Hill is a fantastic nursery and we are so pleased we chose to send our little boy there. The staff are all wonderful and caring and really take an interest in your child’s development. My 2-year-old son has come on leaps and bounds since he started. He can’t wait to get to nursery!
There is a great variety of activities, plenty of outdoor play (whatever the weather) and the staff go above and beyond to set up extra activities to include parents too (Mother’s Day special for example).
I could not recommend this nursery more.
Reply from Melissa Kennedy-Roberts, Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for the lovely comments regarding our staff team! We are so pleased to hear that your son is making lots of progress at Headstart On the Hill.
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Review from Cathy C (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Headstart for a year now and we are so happy with his experience so far. I was quite nervous about handing him over for professional care but Headstart is a cut above what I hear about most nurseries. As it is quite small, you get a really personalised experience; my son seems
to know and be known by staff across all four rooms, even though he's only recently moved into the second room. He is appreciated and nurtured as an individual and the staff are fantastic, knowledgeable and caring about their work and always careful to involve us in our child's developmental journey and anything that comes up. The rooms are really well-designed and stimulating, the menu is healthy and varied, there is just the right level of focus on education and development, and always lots of fun to be had too. I like that the staff don't spend a lot of time on the app, instead focusing on the children, so you just get a thorough weekly/termly update instead of throughout the day.
Reply from Melissa Kennedy-Roberts, Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
It is great to hear that you and your family are having such a positive experience at Headstart On The Hill. We are glad to hear that your son is well-stimulated and valued during his time at…read more
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Review from Meg B (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not wish for a better nursery for my children to go to. My daughter is so happy there and has come on leaps and bounds. Each class whether it be Blossoms, Willows or Chestnuts the team have been fantastic.
Special thank you to the particular members of staff who have personally gone above and
beyond for us! But all the team are wonderful. Thank you so much.
Reply from Melissa Kennedy-Roberts, Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your lovely comments, It is great to hear that your Daughter is happy at nursery and making lots of progress. We will be sure to pass on your comments to our team.
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Review from A L (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Headstart-on-the-Hill since July 2022 and is currently in the chestnut room. As a nursery, I cannot fault the care he receives. The weekly updates are fantastic and really make me feel like I am not missing out on what he gets up to. I enjoy the next steps they provide that makes
me aware of what he needs to work on at home and how we can support that. The variety of activities available is fantastic and really inclusive of all cultures and festivals. My son particularly enjoys nature school where he often comes home and talks about what he has learnt. The variety of meals is lovely and my little boy often comes home having had two portions at each meal time.
The whole team from management to the teams in the rooms are always friendly and welcoming and go above and beyond for the children in their care it is very clear they love the job they do. I cannot fault the nursery and would highly recommend.
Reply from Ellie Jones, Deputy Manager at Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for your lovely comments. I'm really pleased you enjoy looking at your son's weekly updates. It's great to hear your son enjoys spending time in nature school as well as the meals offered…read more
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.787)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.787) out of 10 for Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School 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 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 4.787 for Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (300 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (6 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 348 Ratings = 4.787
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School is based on 28 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 102 number of registered child places is 20.4, which has been reached with 28 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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 (6)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School accepts?

Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School Open?

Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School have capacity for?

Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School has capacity for a total of 102 Children.

How far is Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School to the centre of Chester?

0.4 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 Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Headstart-On-The-Hill Nursery & Pre-School has an Enhanced Service - more info.