Children 1st @ Newark

Muskham Road, Newark-on-Trent NG24 1DP
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9.9 112 Reviews
  • Children 1st @ Newark, Newark-on-Trent
Children 1st @ Newark is an award-winning childcare provider, having been rated as one of the Top 20 nurseries in the East Midlands by daynurseries.co.uk in May 2021. This award was based on their consistently high reviews from parents and guardians. It is situated very close to the A1 and A46, with good access to the town centre and train station.

The nursery has been refurbished throughout with designated areas for babies, toddlers, early years and children aged up to 12-years-old. It has a huge garden complete with fort, mud kitchen and woodland area for children to explore.

The children benefit from eating healthy food to help fuel the development of their young minds and bodies.

The nursery's friendly, enthusiastic staff are fully trained and very experienced. Child to staff ratios are lower than Ofsted requirements.

Children are encouraged to choose their own activity with a huge variety of options both indoors and outside in the garden.

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

Children 1st Day Nurseries has been an award-winning, family-run childcare provider since 1988. The company is in the top three nursery groups in the UK for Ofsted Outstanding results according to the Nursery World Nursery Chains Report 2020.

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Care Provided by Children 1st @ Newark

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sophie Willis (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 23
  • Total Places for Children
  • 96
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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

Children 1st @ Newark Reviews (112)

Total of 112, showing 1-20
9.9

Children 1st @ Newark has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.937) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Children 1st @ Newark has 112 reviews.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at the nursery are very welcoming, my son can be quite shy at times and they have all helped him to feel welcome and come out of his shell much more and to have the confidence to approach them all now. All will chat about the day he's had and make me feel at ease if he has been more on edge
during the drop off. Any concerns I've had I have felt able to discuss these with the ladies and these issues addressed well.
There is a fantastic outdoor play area and are out there utilising this space most days. Overall my son loves being here and I am happy to know he is happy.

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

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear your son is growing in confidence and enjoying his time with us. It's great to know you feel supported and reassured. Thankyou for your kind words.


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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't recommend the nursery enough, my daughter loves coming into the setting it's like a home from home. She settled in so well staff are lovely and I love being able to see what she gets up to and watch her development.

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that your daughter feels so at home with us-it really means a lot. It's lovely to know she settled in so well and is enjoying her time here. We're so glad you find the updates helpful in seeing her development and what she gets up to each day.


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Review from Kathryn K (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery! My daughter loves coming here and happily waves me off at the door. The outdoor space is why we chose this one and it's great to see them all running around outside when you pick them up. My daughter has had nothing but positive experiences here and the staff are friendly, approachable
and highly committed. I have recommended this nursery to friends and will be sad when my daughter has to leave!

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that your daughter loves coming to nursery and that our outdoor space has made such a positive impact. It's great to know that she's had such a positive experience with us, and we're proud of our friendly, committed staff. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're truly grateful for your kind words.


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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Children's 1st @ Newark is a fantastic setting for your little one. I have been using the nursery for the past 5 years having had both my daughter and son in. Both experiences have been without a single grumble.
The nursey were really supportive with a difficult potty training journey for my daughter
and made every effort to help her when she was in.
Both my babes have been really happy there and the staff genuinely care about all the children.
Really great enrichment timetable and lots going on.
Communication is fab and the app is great for getting updates on your little one.
Staff are all really nurturing and enjoy their job which is no easy feat. All of my littles ones Kay workers have been fab.
The setting is pretty busy now the free hours have been introduced and it can be tricky to get extra sessions ad hoc but the girls do try to accommodate you whenever they are able.

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

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're so pleased to hear that both your daughter and son have had such positive experiences with us over the years. It's wonderful to know that both your children have been happy and well cared for. Our staff truly love what they do, and it's great to know that it shows. Thank you again for your kind words.


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Review from Sinead M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing. You need to check out the outdoor space is like nothing you will see anywhere else. I love that they can go outside whatever the weather. Overall the place has a homely feel and my little one loves it.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that you appreciate our outdoor space-we truly believe that fresh air and outdoor learning are so important, and we're really proud of it! Your kind words about our staff and the overall environment mean a lot to us. Thank you again for your feedback!


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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been attending for three years now and couldn't recommend this nursery enough. It is a trustworthy, safe, caring, fun nursery that both my boys love!
The staff couldn't be more attentive to the physical, emotional and educational needs of the children and made us, as parents, feel totally
at ease from day one.
My children definitely feel loved, heard and safe here and have fun every day!

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

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that both your boys love their time at Newark and that you've felt supported from day one. Your kind words mean the world to us. Thank you for your recommendation!


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

“A home from home” is a statement most nurseries try to replicate but for Children 1st, this is exactly what it is. They ensure they get to know you and your little one and everything they enjoy or makes them happy. It’s nice to see our little boy excited to go to nursery and even calling out their
names at home. I recommend Children 1st to everyone and I’m taking the time to write this review because every one of the staff put every effort into making the nursery memorable for our boy.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After moving to the area in August 2023, this nursery was first on our list mainly due to the large garden area it has to offer. My son started at 10 months old, he settled in straight away and made himself at home! The staff are lovely which puts you at ease, especially on those first few settling-in
days. The nursery has a variety of toys and activities and his daily diary gives us an insight into what he likes to play with as he’s growing and developing. My son really loves going to nursery.

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Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter loves coming to nursery.
The team are lovely. The only thing I would say needs improvement is some staff could be more forthcoming with verbalising about how my daughter’s day has been, rather than just us reading the book.
We are genuinely really happy with the nursery.

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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is very happy there. She likes the outdoors a lot. She is learning a lot every day and we get notified through the app of her progress with notes and photos. It was very difficult for me when she started nursery as she was very upset all the time at drop-off. The nursery staff were brilliant.
Helped us through the process. Also, the staff and the manager are very accommodating to our family needs. We had to change dates, take some time off, and come back again and everyone was helpful and supportive.

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Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending since she was 12 months old, she's now 3 and a half and absolutely thriving thanks to the care and attention every member of staff provides. We're so pleased with the nursery, it feels very friendly and welcoming, and they provide varied food - she's always eating things
she never would at home! She has learnt so much since being in nursery and really developed her social skills, which is great to watch.
The facilities are great, especially the outdoor space, and they're outside a lot which my daughter just loves.

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Review from Zoe G (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff here are amazing, both my children are thriving and love attending. The staff help with their development, improving their communication and social skills ready for starting school.
Highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Rachel L (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have sent both of our boys to Children 1st @ Newark and have always appreciated the care, compassion and high level of service each member of staff has always provided. Our youngest struggles each morning but there is always a staff member available to give him a cuddle which I appreciate so much
every single time. We get a really good understanding of what his day has been like by way of a breakdown in his daily diary and also a great handover by a staff member. All members are staff are extremely approachable with any queries or concerns I have and are always open to helping try different things in regard to his routine for example. The nursery itself is a lovely place, the rooms are well thought out for the age ranges, the outside space is incredible and what sold it to us initially. The meals they have as well are balanced, nutritious and always smell amazing. I would recommend the nursery to all. They have given my boys the best start in life and I will always be grateful.

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Review from Jason H (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started back in September as a 9-month-old and she settled so well due to the care and attention of the staff. She is now a year old and loves going to nursery. She has developed so much and comes home with story sacks and paintings. Thank you to all the staff for giving my little girl the
love, care and attention that she is thriving off. When in the nursery, it feels like a home away from home which is why we chose this nursery and the food always smells amazing when going in.

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Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We loved Children 1st. They have helped our little boy grow into a confident, loving and curious little person. We have always felt they love him unconditionally and celebrate his individuality. The staff know all of the children and their families so well.

Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st @ Newark

Thank you for taking the time to share this review. I’m so pleased to hear how positive you experience has been with Children 1st @ Newark. I can’t wait to share your lovely comments with the setting.


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Review from Kirsty B (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my sons currently attend Children 1st Newark and I often refer to the nursery as our extended family. If you are looking for a nursery in Newark that has great facilities, professional processes and fantastic outdoor space but that still manages to maintain a close-knit, family feel for the children
then this is your nursery. The baby room is exceptional with the recent refurbishment and the staff are so caring, they’ve helped guide my youngest through major milestones and he’s so obviously happy there. In the early years, my son plays outside, climbing, digging, and being super imaginative and somehow they manage to fit learning in too. His school have commented on his educational level already and so much of that is down to this setting. Also, allergy parents- please accept my recommendation. My youngest, in particular, started with a complex and long list of allergies, we’ve had no slip-ups and they’ve bent over backwards to work with us to ensure they’re safe and fed well.

Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st @ Newark

Thank you, Kirsty, for your ongoing support to our Newark setting, I’m so pleased to know that we have been able to support both your little ones throughout their Children 1st journeys. Thank you so much for sharing this review and for your recommendation! I will be sure to congratulate my colleagues at the Newark setting for their hard work and dedication to leading the way and shaping the future of your little ones.


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Review from D C (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have only been using Children 1st @ Newark Day Nursery for the last couple of months, we have moved from another local nursery that we had multiple issues with. We have been well supported and all staff have been warm and friendly and my mind is totally at ease. It’s taken so long to find our perfect
fit. Highly recommended.

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Review from Lacey W (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son (22 months) has been going here since he was 12 months and we’ve been massively impressed over the last ten months. Staff are knowledgable, fun and happy, engaged with play, and genuinely committed to his social/physical/cognitive development. The rooms are comfortable and lively, full of books,
toys, different activity zones, but with special lights and music for nap time. He has a lot of autonomy in deciding how he plays. They take them outside a lot, and the baby garden and patio areas are great (the garden for bigger kids is really impressive). Food is cooked on site with care given to quality, balance, and enjoyment of meals. When he’s been ill or had a little accident, the staff are wonderful with caring for him and contacting us immediately. He loves going in the morning and is happy, well fed, and well rested at the end of the day. The updates provided are always really informative. We are so happy with this nursery, we recommend them highly.

Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st @ Newark

Dear Lacey, I’m so pleased to hear about the development your son has made since starting with us at Children 1st. I’m also very happy to hear that both your and your son's needs are being met on a daily basis, whether it’s the nutritious meals supplied by the chef or the range of fun-filled but educational activities day in & day out. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing review, I look forward to congratulating the staff at the setting!


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Review from Emily R (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves coming to this nursery.
All the staff are kind and caring, this makes such a difference in the whole experience.
They also have a fabulous outdoor area for the children to enjoy!

Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st @ Newark

Thank you, Emily, for taking the time to share both yours and your daughter's experience with the nursery, I look forward to letting the staff at Newark know just how valued they are.


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Review from S N (Father of Child) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good, hygienic and child-friendly nursery. My kid comes home happy every day, lots of self-development, learning basic, good habits, physical development and looks forward to going to nursery.
Highly recommend to all parents looking for a good nursery!

Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st @ Newark

Thank you for sharing your experience with our Newark setting. It’s so great to know about the development your son has had while at the setting as well as how much he looks forward to attending! I’m sure the staff there will be thrilled to know about the comments you shared so thank you for taking the time to share them!


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.937)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.937) out of 10 for Children 1st @ Newark 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.937 for Children 1st @ Newark is calculated as follows: ( (236 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 252 Ratings = 4.937

  • 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 @ Newark is based on 21 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 21 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)

Sophie

Sophie Willis

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2014

My name is Sophie Willis, I have been working for Children 1st since 2014. Starting as an apprentice, moving to a qualified nursery nurse, room leader Deputy Manager, and now Nursery Manager. I work at both nursery settings in Newark, which has provided me with a great deal of experience working with a variety of children and their families. I am currently completing my Level 4 with the company and I am excited to further develop my skills. I particularly enjoy mentoring our teams and guiding them with policies and procedures. I have a passion for developing sensory play for babies. You will often find me in the baby room having lots of cuddles.


Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st @ Newark

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

Children 1st @ Newark accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

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

Children 1st @ Newark 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 @ Newark have capacity for?

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

How far is Children 1st @ Newark to the centre of Newark-on-Trent?

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