Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School

Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Dryhurst House, Calow, Chesterfield S44 5BL
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10 151 Reviews
Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is situated close to Chesterfield city centre within a listed building with a fabulous garden. The nursery has been refurbished to offer children from birth to five years a warm, welcoming and stimulating learning environment. Funded places are available for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds.

The nursery features age-appropriate rooms and a large outdoor garden with outdoor classrooms, a mud kitchen, a fort and a woodland area, which offers the children a chance to explore their surroundings.

Highly trained and experienced staff undertake exciting forestry school activities, musical funky feet sessions and baby ballet. The children also have access to the local swimming pool and are offered classes by qualified instructors.

A healthy menu is created and prepared by a dedicated chef who develops nutritionally balanced meals and caters for any specific dietary requirements.
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Care Provided by Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Katie McNamara (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 73
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • 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 & Christmas

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School Reviews (151)

Total of 151, showing 1-20
10

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has a Review Score of 10 (9.955) out of 10, based on 61 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has 151 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

151
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61
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Review from E H (Father of Child) published on 28 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my boys have been all the way through nursery here and they have been amazing for their development both physically snd academically and they have thoroughly enjoyed the huge garden and well set up rooms. All the staff have been excellent with special mentions for 3 staff members in particular.
Great food from the chef.

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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really wonderful nursery, staff are kind and understanding. Our daughter took some time to get used to leaving us but the staff were so kind and patient with her and us to make the whole experience so much easier. The feedback is always so personal, they really take the time to get to know the kids.
The outside space is amazing and the kids are encouraged to get outside everyday, it's clean and colourful. Overall a really lovely nursery

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Review from O P (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The most amazing nursery. My daughter has been at the nursery since she turned 1 year old. She is now almost finished there and starting school in September. My son attends now too and they both love it there. The staff are all so friendly and caring. Both children are happy when I collect them and
I know they are safe. I recommend the nursery to everybody! It is truly amazing. They eat fabulous food, play outside with their friends, they have developed so many skills at the nursery and I am so thankful to all the staff. Managers are amazing too really friendly and supportive, always a friendly face on the reception each morning and an ear to listen. Highly recommend to anyone

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Review from Kerry T (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't have made a better nursery choice for our little girl - such a wonderful and caring place! I was so anxious to leave her at 9 months but the staff were so supportive and gave us the time we needed to feel reassured and know that she would be happy and safe. She absolutely loves going to
Nursery and it's lovely to see her smiling and waving at everyone when she arrives. She has come on so much since being in the baby room and I know she will continue to develop well as she moves into the toddler room. A massive thank you to everyone for creating such a fabulous, nurturing and supportive environment x

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Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What an amazing nursery.
The food - amazing.
The staff - second to none.
The setting - perfect.
The building - beautiful!! Amazing revamp with excellent SEN features for those kiddies with leaning needs.
The education - my 4 year old can tell the time, write and spell mummy, daddy and her
own name - I didn't do this!! The wonderful educators did.
Cleanliness - Miss mopperlady (a name my child gave the cleaning lady) outstanding how she's keeps it so clean I won't ever know.
Resources - excellent.
Academic content - follows the national curriculum for early years.
Honestly cannot fault this nursery and its staff!!
I am sad my daughter is graduating. A family felt feeling here, they truly all care about your precious humans. I've had no issues here. They have gone above and beyond for us as a family.
I couldn't recommend more if I tried to!!
Book in, you won't be disappointed

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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Children 1st for the significant role you have played in my children's development. Both my daughter and son have attended since they were babies, and we have consistently felt welcome and comfortable within your Nursery.
The bonds my children
formed with their key workers are a testament to your nurturing environment. We also appreciate the variety of healthy food options provided. Your encouragement of independence is particularly commendable, and the staff's dedication is truly amazing. My child especially enjoys the outdoor space, notably the summer house.
As today is my child's last day, I would like to thank you for providing my children with the best possible start.

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Review from Emma G (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery. Children 1st have helped her grow massively and I can't thank them enough for this. The staff are so loving and caring they're wonderful. Every time I pick my daughter up from nursery she's full of joy and it's amazing to see.

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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Children 1st enough. I was (and probably still am) a really anxious parent when my son first joined due to his multiple allergies. The thought of leaving him with somebody else filled me with dread but I can honestly say that now it's like he goes to his second family. The staff are
really reassuring and I love their open door policy. At times, when I've needed reassurance, they have been on the end of the phone and that support has enabled to me to grow in confidence with leaving him. My son is growing and developing in to a proper little character where the staff are drawing on his qualities. The facilities and the outside space were a great selling point to us, and I'm pleased that from such a young age children are able to utilise all that's on offer. The staff are amazing and I can't imagine leaving my little boy anywhere else!

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Review from Georgia L (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a relaxing experience to know my little one is in safe hands and lovely to see the photos of what they get up to when they are there. Would recommend to anyone wanting to put their kids or baby into a nursery.
The staff are all so friendly and easy to get on with.

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Review from Anya T (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff at Children 1st Nursery. My daughter has had a brilliant personal experience with her key workers and has developed extensively as a result of this! Would highly recommend!

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Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot recommend this nursery enough. My children absolutely love it, The staff are always so friendly and helpful. There is nothing more comforting at drop off knowing they are being cared for at a high standard.

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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing nursery. My little girl absolutely loves it and is so happy to go. 10/10 highly recommended. I never worry when she is there because I know if anything was wrong, nursery wouldn't hesitate to give me a call and ask me or inform me.

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Review from Nathan W (Father of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful experience our daughter has had. From day one, the staff has been warm, nurturing, and genuinely invested in her growth. The curriculum is engaging and thoughtfully designed, allowing her to explore, learn, and make lasting friendships. It's heartwarming
to see how much she has blossomed in this loving environment.
As the time approaches for her to leave and transition to the next stage of her education, our hearts feel heavy. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, it has been a second home for our family. The memories and bonds she has formed here will always be cherished. We can't thank the staff enough for their dedication and love. We will miss you dearly. We highly recommend the nursery to any parent seeking a nurturing and enriching environment for their little ones.

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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started here when he was nine months old. His development has come on so much since he started its amazing to see. I feel informed regularly by the staff with regular updates and my husband I feel nothing is too much trouble for them.

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Review from Becky R (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been attending the nursery since he was a year old and has just left ready to start school. He has been met every day with a smile and the staff have always been very attentive and clearly care for the children they look after.
He has been supported through his early years and encouraged
to be independent and ready for school. We know how much he has enjoyed his years with the Children 1st team and as parents, we are grateful for the amazing foundation that they have helped him develop.

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Review from B H (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has just finished at Children 1st and her care throughout her time there has been amazing. Wonderful learning experiences and environment for her to grow and thrive. If ever we have had an issue it has been dealt with quickly and efficiently. They are so understanding and especially helpful
to shift workers. They just understand the way shift work and off-duty works. Thank you Children 1st from the bottom of our hearts.

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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff have been wonderful since day one. My son started going to their nursery when he was 10 months old and now he's ready for reception. They have been supportive of his ECAT sessions. He can now express and say what he wants. He's been more confident in his speech and he likes having a conversation.
He was able to follow the song they sang on their graduation day.

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Review from Laura E (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

5 star and more! Our little boy has come on so much during his time here. All the staff here are friendly, kind and caring. I have always felt comfortable leaving him in their safe hands. They have the most amazing secure outside space, it's so big and kept in such great condition. I love how much he
gets up to everyday he goes, it's never the same thing always something different. He's made some amazing friendships and enjoys his time here. I would definitely recommend Children 1st Chesterfield Breedon House.

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Review from Rebecca C (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery setting - the outside space is second to none and is a fantastic asset - and worth travelling across town to get to. My little girl has come on so well under their care; she eats better because of the excellent food and is learning so much and progressing so well, mostly down to their
attentive teaching and support. Forest school visits are also a great bonus!

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Review from Laura J (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started nursery in November last year and we were very nervous about leaving him for the first time when he was still young. The nursery team were great at settling him in and putting our minds at rest, saying it was fine to ring anytime to check in on him. He loves going to nursery and we love
the photo updates and can really see how he is progressing at nursery. The online system is very easy to use and it helps me feel, as a mum, I can keep checking on how he is doing and see areas he is learning and developing in.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.955)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.955) out of 10 for Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 61 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 61 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 4.955 for Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (700 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 731 Ratings = 4.955

  • 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 Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School is based on 61 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 73 number of registered child places is 14.6, which has been reached with 61 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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Storal

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

Top 20 Nurseries East Midlands 2022

Recipient: Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School

Date: Friday 29 Apr 2022 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2022

Recipient: Storal

Date: Friday 29 Apr 2022 More details

News (0) & Events (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Katie

Katie McNamara

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2010

Hello, I’m Katie Macnamara, Nursery Manager at Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have worked in childcare for 9 and half years and completed level 3 in Child Care And Education at Chesterfield College in 2009.
I then worked in my first nursery to gain experience and joined Children 1st @ Chesterfield Royal Hospital in June 2010 as a Qualified Nursery Nurse working in the toddler room. After 9 months I started to work with children aged 3 and above to support with the transition to school. I moved back into the toddler room in 2012 to help support younger children.
In October 2013 I was promoted to Senior Nursery Nurse of the toddler room where I gained experience in leading a room. I built up good relationships with the staff team as well as parents and children. I also supported new staff with their induction period.
In September 2014 I became the Deputy Manager. I now support the manager with her duties, I also support with new parents and children during their settling in period ensuring they feel welcome and valued and help them to settle into a new routine. I am enjoying my new role and learning new things about the job, working with Children 1st and what the company stands for.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School

What is the Age Range of Children that Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School accepts?

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School Open?

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School 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 Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School have capacity for?

Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has capacity for a total of 73 Children.

How far is Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School to the centre of Chesterfield?

1.2 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 Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Children 1st Chesterfield Nursery School has a Platinum Service – more info.