Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles

38A St. Giles Street, Norwich NR2 1LL
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9.9 46 Reviews
  • Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles, Norwich
Chestnut Nursery St. Giles is located in the centre of Norwich, operating from within a grade 2 listed former auction house and chapel. The Chestnut children are carefully monitored and assessed by experienced practitioners, and through careful planning their interests and skills are celebrated.

Chestnut Nursery St. Giles offers a wealth of childcare services that are not necessarily provided at other Schools. They are very fortunate to have an in-house chef, cooking fresh, locally-sourced meals daily for the children. They have fantastic equipment within the listed facility and, as with all Chestnut Nursery Schools, they follow a forest school ethos within their core curriculum. Please get in touch to arrange a visit today.

Care Provided by Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Hayley Fenwick (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 19
  • Total Places for Children
  • 74
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 4 years 11 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles

  • £82 per full day (8-6)
    £46 per half day (8-1 or 1-6)


Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles Reviews (46)

Total of 46, showing 1-20
9.9

Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.887) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles has 46 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. Always give us a full run down of how our daughter's day has gone. She has made a close circle of friends with other children and she loves the day to day activities, especially the arts and crafts.
The staff are always very helpful and let me know how she's progressing development wise.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have attended Chestnut Nursery School @ St. Giles and my wife and I have always found the staff so caring and invested in our children's development. They are always planning interesting activities and go above and beyond organising some excellent events outside of nursery times,
allowing us to visit the nursery and speak to staff. My daughter has recently left to start school and we feel she was very well prepared, with Chestnut really helping prepare her and help with the transition. Thanks to all at Chestnut Nursery School @ St. Giles.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the staff at Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles highly enough.
My wife and I recently had our first child and we're nervous about taking her to a nursery, but it has been one of the best things we have done. Our daughter spends two days a week at nursery and her development has been
amazing with her confidence also growing. The staff at Chestnut Nursery really put in the effort with her and it shows. It is so nice to know that we can leave our daughter in such a positive environment.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at this nursery since 1 (now nearly 3) and loves attending. The staff are incredibly caring and really listen to input given from us as parents, so I always feel reassured she is really well looked after.
She has learnt so much since joining and I love that she is exposed to new
experiences, such as this week they had a specialist visit with exotic animals.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since both our children have been attending Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles we have seen huge changes in them hitting milestones, confidence and social skills.
They're excited to go to nursery and always in great moods when we collect them.
It feels like they're in the right place to really be
set up for when they start school.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our children have attended Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles over a period of 4 years.
They have thrived and developed in a caring and stimulating environment. All of the staff are kind and warm. They are caring and loving towards the kids. Alongside planned activities such as craft and outside
play, the staff regularly sing songs and read books to the kids.
We have been particularly impressed with the fresh food cooked on site. The healthy meals provided without options has encouraged our children to eat food they otherwise wouldn't have eaten.
We have been very happy with the care they have given the kids and feel measured they are in a safe environment.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children attended Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles, both really enjoy it and have made great progress in their verbal communication, motor skills, and overall are happier than they were at their previous nursery.
As parents, we feel confident that Chestnut is the best choice we made for them.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We trust Chestnuts Nursery School @ St Giles with our son's daycare. He attends 3 days a week and loves going. We receive regular updates and any concerns are acted upon and followed up by carers at the end of the day, even if the drop off member of staff is different to the person we collect from,
so it feels like information is effectively communicated around the team. If we move from Chestnuts, it will be for a nursery closer to our home, but we find the location very convenient for the city at present.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience with Chestnut Nursery School @ St. Giles has been absolutely wonderful. The staff are caring and attentive, creating a warm and nurturing environment for our daughter. The facilities are clean, safe, and well-equipped with engaging activities that foster learning and creativity. Communication
is excellent, and it's clear the team is dedicated to each child's development and happiness. We're so grateful to have found such a fantastic nursery!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Had to remove my son from another nursery due to me moving and also their ability for my son's needs.
He started going to Chestnut Nursery School last year, it was a difficult decision for me to decide what nursery would suit him best. From what I saw and what I was told, I had to give it a chance
since him going to Chestnut Nursery was due to some difficulties.
I have not faulted this nursery one bit, they have been so supportive for my son, they have also put in a lot of effort and so much time to try and support me and my circumstances at the ending of last year, to the beginning of this year. I have seen a massive change in him and the lengths of the nursery trying to support me. I am forever grateful for the time and energy that they have put in for him and what is going to be continuing this year.
I just want to thank every single staff member for all your hard work and support.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really lovely nursery my daughter has been there a year now and loves it, the staff are lovely and my daughter really enjoys going. I am really glad that I chose this nursery! My youngest will be coming up to this nursery when she is 2 and I know she will love it as well.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience of Chestnut Nursery School, St Giles could not have been more positive. I have had two children attend, the second is currently in the toddler room. All the staff have been incredibly nurturing, supportive and accommodating. They have worked hard to get to know my children as individuals
and supported them to feel safe and make leaps of development whilst in their care. Communication is excellent and the food/chef does a wonderful job with well balanced home cooked meals.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with our children's experiences at Chestnut Nursery. They are always happy to go and are thriving in their development. The staff are kind, caring and always put the children as their top priority. Through the years, we have seen their investment in resources to keep developing the
nursery. Would highly recommend to other families.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been going to Chestnut Nursery on St Giles since January 2024, we moved him from another nursery and straight away I loved the set up in this nursery. He started in the toddler room and I can't thank the staff enough in there, his key worker was great, really supportive and helpful. He is
now in Pre-School and he loves it! The staff are amazing, his key worker is incredible, she's so knowledgeable, friendly and so great for our son. Every morning we are greeted with the biggest smiles, our son has never not wanted to go in, he always is so happy to walk in.
I'm yet to meet a staff member who isn't welcoming, everyone is just so amazing.
My son's development has come a long way since starting at this nursery, he has created such wonderful friendships, he talks about his day and it always sounds so much fun. I can't recommend this nursery enough. Thank you Chestnut Team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles is a lovely nursery. Our child has been there 2 and a half years, and we've had a really positive experience. The staff are warm and friendly, and show a genuine interest in the children and their well being. They have a gentle Montessori and child-led approach to
their care and curriculum. The key workers throughout the years/rooms have always been brilliant at helping our child feel at ease, and have formed lovely bonds. They do have a small outdoor space, but utilise it really effectively and our child loves it. Staff communication is really good, both in-person and via the app/emails. We would recommend St Giles to anyone considering it.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has been going to this nursery since she was 11 months old. I am really happy with this nursery and all the staff. If there is something, they always help. She has learned a lot here. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Chestnut Nursery St Giles is such a wonderful nursery! The staff are so welcoming, friendly and always go the extra mile to make sure that your little one is well looked after. From the very first settle-in sessions, you are made to feel valued as a parent. The staff always listen to any questions or
queries that you may have. Our child has settled into nursery well and the key worker is brilliant - she keeps me updated on the day to day activities (through the parent app) and is always there to give a cuddle and some reassurance to our child if needed throughout the day. This really helps us feel at ease and happy that our little one is being well looked after. I’d thoroughly recommend this nursery to anyone with children!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely, supportive nursery, great food and good communication home. Outdoor space is more limited compared to some other nurseries due to their city centre location but they use the space they do have very effectively and the children love it!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both of my children have attended Chestnut, and both have been well looked after during their time there. From eight months through to five years old, my children have had the support they need. Preschool was fantastic for my eldest, and we found he was ahead of the curve with respect to counting and
writing when he transitioned to school. The staff have really cared about supporting my children developmentally and emotionally. The EYFS framework implementation provides a really clear view of development, and the way it was used within the nursery setting allowed me as a parent to target our learning outside of the nursery. The use of the parent app allows me to keep up to date with my child's day, and I found the staff updated it frequently.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Chestnut in St Giles is a lovely nursery with a caring, nurturing environment. We placed both our children here from nine months and the benefits the nursery has had on their social and communication skills have been incredible. One child is currently at the setting and is thriving. The staff are very
approachable and seem to take a real interest in the children.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.887)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.887) out of 10 for Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.887 for Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles is calculated as follows: ( (190 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 213 Ratings = 4.887

  • b) 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 Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles is based on 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 74 number of registered child places is 14.8, which has been reached with 18 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (1)

Hayley

Hayley Fenwick

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2015

My name is Hayley, and I am the Manager at Chestnut Nursery School St Giles. I have been working in childcare since I left college where I earned my Diploma in Children and Young Peoples Workforce, studying the development of children aged 0-19. I started working as a childcare practitioner at St Giles Nursery in 2014, which became Chestnut Nursery School St Giles in 2015. I progressed to Room Leader and travelled around the age ranges in this role. From there I became the Senior Lead Practitioner, and Deputy Manager and finally progressed to Manager in 2020.


I wanted to work with children since I was a child myself, so I am honoured to have such an important role in childcare now. As the Manager of St Giles, I enjoy being involved in the planning of activities and rooms to ensure children are provided with a stimulating environment for them to learn and flourish. I believe giving children the best start to early years will help them to reach their full potential and scaffold their learning ready for school. I have two young children of my own, this helps me relate to our families and understand the importance of taking extra special care of each and every child in our setting


Frequently Asked Questions about Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles

What is the Age Range of Children that Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles accepts?

Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles Open?

Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles 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 Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles have capacity for?

Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles has capacity for a total of 74 Children.

How far is Chestnut Nursery School @ St Giles to the centre of Norwich?

0.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.