Children 1st @ Leicester

Riverview, Tarragon Road, Leicester LE2 7ET
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9.9 129 Reviews
  • Children 1st @ Leicester, Leicester
Children 1st @ Leicester is rated 'Outstanding in All Areas' by Ofsted (July 2018) and is located close to the city centre with easy access from the university, royal infirmary and local bus routes. The nursery has been refurbished throughout to offer bright, open areas for babies, toddlers, pre-school aged children, as well as those in after-school club.

The friendly, enthusiastic staff are fully trained and experienced to provide a stimulating learning environment for each child.

The nursery features a spacious garden designed to maximise the potential for outdoor play, with carefully chosen, age-specific equipment. All children are encouraged to choose their own activities both indoors and out to promote independent learning.

Children 1st Day Nurseries has been an award-winning, family-run childcare provider since 1988, and are an accredited training centre. The company is in the Top 3 in the UK for Ofsted Outstanding results according to the 2021 Nursery World Nursery Chains Report.

The nursery also offers funded places for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds.

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Care Provided by Children 1st @ Leicester

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Danielle Lee (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 32
  • Total Places for Children
  • 96
  • 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 @ Leicester Reviews (129)

Total of 129, showing 1-20
9.9

Children 1st @ Leicester has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Children 1st @ Leicester has 129 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Ariel M (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't have picked a better nursery for our two children. We have a child in the baby room and another in pre-school room. Both absolutely love the nursery, the nursery key workers do an excellent job to cater for their needs and help them develop key skills and achieve milestones while ensuring
to work together with us parents and keeping us part of our kids development. The environment of the nursery itself is refreshing, upbeat, and welcoming. There is lots of diversity too and the staff ensure to celebrate this too which for us is important as we are a multi cultural family. It is by far the best nursery our children have ever enrolled in. Highly recommend it.

Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Children 1st @ Leicester

Thank you so much for your glowing feedback! We're delighted to hear that both of your children are enjoying their time at the nursery and that our team has been able to support their development. Your recommendation means the world to us!


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Review from Daniel M (Father of Child) published on 6 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been very impressed with the care of Children 1st @ Leicester and the care of my children, in particular. The nursery are proactive in teaching our children skills that are both education and preparatory for schooling.
The staff are professional and welcoming. We, my wife and I, like the thorough
handovers from staff at the end of the day and effort it takes to complete their progress book; one of the best nurseries in the area.

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Review from A Y (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery. Great staff, all very helpful, especially a certain member of staff in particular.

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Review from Vee M (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a parent, it can be quite challenging to find the ideal environment for your child. There are many factors to consider, from safety to the quality of the staff. We were fortunate to come across Children 1st, we are extremely pleased with our experience there. We were warmly and professionally welcomed.
The facility is well looked after. Each room is stocked with toys and furniture suitable for each child's age, thoughtfully chosen to encourage growth. The staff members here are special. They don't just take care of the children, they help them learn and have fun. They love teaching and do their best to make sure each child gets the help they need. We are provided with regular updates. Children 1st has gone above and beyond our expectations in every aspect. The reassurance we feel knowing our child is under their care is priceless. We highly recommend this nursery. Our children have received an abundance of love and support during their time here. Thank you guys.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started in the preschool room in September 2023 as he has attended a different childcare setting before which we weren’t happy with. The difference everyone at Children 1st made to our son’s development and confidence is remarkable. We are very happy with everything, all the staff is outstanding,
always helpful and offers service with a smile, our son that is a fussy eater always tells us how “yummy” the meals are and also the food selection is always great and offers a balanced diet, the facilities are always spotless clean as well. The activities are age-appropriate and our son’s key worker uploads updates regarding activities and his development on the app which is great to see and follow his progress. Plenty of outdoor activities too despite the weather which is great. Many thanks to everyone at Children’s first for looking after our son so well!

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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic management and fabulous staff who provide the best care for my daughter, this shows how happy my daughter is when coming to nursery.
Great variety of meals, lots of resources and toys and lots of days to celebrate and dress up!

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Review from Katherine S (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a wonderful experience with Children 1st. They are attentive, kind and caring to both the children and the parents. Every member of staff seems to know my son's name, even those who don't see him every day. They have always listened to any concerns and are proactive in advancing and nurturing
his development. I'm impressed with how clean the nursery is and the range of toys available. Thank you to all of the staff for making his nursery such a welcoming place.

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Review from U D (Father of Child) published on 7 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great nursery that looks after the children. Friendly staff and take into consideration individual baby needs. Regular pictures provided and have worked well with my son who is a difficult sleeper.
Set clear, regular goals to support development.

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Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Children 1st @ Leicester are always very caring with my daughter, who is very excited to go to nursery in the morning. They have an outdoor space that is covered, so the children can still be outside every day without getting too wet.
Every term they set objectives to achieve for every
child and they do activities to achieve them.
I would recommend Children 1st @Leicester to anyone looking for amazing care for their children.

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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Children 1st @ Leicester has been an amazing part of my daughter’s life. Prior to attending Children 1st, she had been in another nursery where she was not engaging and not making friends. However, since her time at Children 1st, I've lost count of the amount of friends she has made. Her abilities and
knowledge have expanded significantly. The care she received from the staff in her room is amazing and you can see the connection that staff build with children. The effort from staff within the nursery to support parents at challenging times has also been something we have found to be highly commendable.

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Review from Nikolett K (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child was on a waiting list at my other child's school and just before she could enrol she has not got a space. I thought it would be impossible to find a place for her to start right away, but this nursery's staff made all of their efforts to ensure that my child could start after she turned 3.
I
also visited other nurseries where I was absolutely not impressed either by the environment or by the staff's attitude.
When we came here I was welcomed and assured that my child would receive the most amazing care. Due to my child was not toilet trained by the time I was concerned but the staff also were very supportive in this case and within a few days my daughter was nappy-free and has been since.
She was scared at first but settled within a few days and she says she is happy there. I am really happy with everything and hope everything will be OK in the future too.

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Review from Elena M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff. Kids are well taken care of. They do a lot of activities. I am very happy with my choice. My baby is very happy, every morning he wants to go and be there. He loves the staff and other kids.

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Review from R B (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy that we found a good nursery for our baby. My baby comes back from nursery learning something new every time and his communication skills are strong, he likes new friends his age. I like it when staff leave, that day, messages and analyse what my baby can do or where he is successful and
where we need to work more with him.

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Review from E R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since joining the nursery, my little boy has thrived more and this is due to all the staff who are wonderfully friendly and welcoming. They care for him like one of their own and he is always asking about the staff when at home.
When I drop him off and pick him up, he takes to the carers like a member
of friends and family which means everything, especially when he is there full-time.
Would recommend them to anyone.

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Review from Asha P (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined the nursery in January, after lots of viewing, this nursery stood out for all the right reasons, was made to remove shoes when going in the baby room which put my mind at ease as my daughter had just started crawling and wanted to make sure the room she was in was clean. Since she
started, she has so much fun, I get updates through the parent admin app with assessments and skills she’s learning and what they’re aiming to achieve with her and photos of her activities, I love the fact I get a nursery diary which is updated daily with what she’s eaten, bottles, nappy changes etc. The staff are so welcoming and are always so happy to see my daughter. They always get in touch to check about administering Calpol etc. and if any bumps or accidents, they ring me to let me know. Would definitely recommend Children 1st @ Leicester.

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Review from Josh S (Father of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great staff.
Very welcoming and helpful with my partner’s shifts.
My son is always very happy and well looked after. My eldest child had a great time there too!
I would recommend to people. Lovely place.

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Review from J J (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am writing this review dated September 2023 because that was the month both my children started their nursery journey at Children 1st which is still ongoing. For my son, who started at 3 years, this nursery was something he was looking forward to going to which we felt he didn't have any excitement
with his previous nursery, I felt, in general, each child was equally valued and given importance. There was always a goal set for term, depending on each child's needs. We started realising the changes that had in our son's speech and day-to-day activities, who started getting involved in all the basic tasks and learning new skills. As for my younger daughter, this was her first nursery, it was difficult at the start but the staff were brilliant to help our daughter settle down. Their patience and kindness were hats off. Their food menu choices were also good and healthy. Thank you each and every member of the team for everything you do.

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Review from Jema R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery! My son started when he turned 1 and in the eight months he has attended, I could not fault the nursery. Everyone is so friendly and warm and so informative about my son and his day. I've seen how much my son enjoys being at nursery and how his confidence has grown and it is all thanks
to the lovely staff at Children 1st. Big thank you to you all!

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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best nursery in town! My son loves the staff and everything there.
He loves the food, every day I see him developing new skills and learning new things.
We love seeing him happy. The place is very clean.

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Review from Tom E (Father of Child) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery and brilliant staff. My son has developed so much over the last year since he joined. The attention to detail and care they provide are second to none, and I couldn’t recommend them more.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.881)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.881) out of 10 for Children 1st @ Leicester 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 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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 4.881 for Children 1st @ Leicester is calculated as follows: ( (332 Excellents x 5) + (34 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 371 Ratings = 4.881

  • 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 @ Leicester is based on 31 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 96 number of registered child places is 19.2, which has been reached with 31 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 (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Danielle

Danielle Lee

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2013

Hello, my name is Danielle and I am the Nursery Manager here at Children 1st @ Leicester.
I began my journey in childcare in 2013 as an apprentice and have worked my way through each position with Children 1st. Having had the experience of each role within the nursery has given me the confidence and the breadth of experience to guide and support the staff where needed.
I love being the Nursery Manager as I am able to share my expertise and expectations with the staff alongside supporting parents when their little one first starts nursery and then progresses through each stage. We have currently undergone a beautiful refurbishment and look forward to sharing this with yourselves too!


Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st @ Leicester

What is the Age Range of Children that Children 1st @ Leicester accepts?

Children 1st @ Leicester accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Children 1st @ Leicester Open?

Children 1st @ Leicester 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 @ Leicester have capacity for?

Children 1st @ Leicester has capacity for a total of 96 Children.

How far is Children 1st @ Leicester to the centre of Leicester?

0.6 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 @ Leicester to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Children 1st @ Leicester has a Platinum Service – more info.