Children 1st @ Buckinghams

Buxton Road, Leek ST13 6NE
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10 131 Reviews
  • Children 1st @ Buckinghams, Leek
Children 1st @ Buckinghams was rated as 'Good' by Ofsted (May 2022) and is a very popular nursery conveniently located on Buxton Road in Leek. The nursery is part of Children 1st which is in the Top 3 in the UK for Ofsted outstanding results according to the 2021 Nursery World Nursery Chains Report.

The nursery has large, well resourced learning environments designed for babies, toddlers and early years. The environments provide the perfect opportunity for children to learn in small groups. The nursery also benefits from a large, outside space which is very popular with children.

Nursery staff are trained and supported by a designated early years teacher to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and they work hard to ensure children develop into self motivated and enthusiastic learners.

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Care Provided by Children 1st @ Buckinghams

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nicky Hardy (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 140
  • 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 @ Buckinghams Reviews (131)

Total of 131, showing 1-20
10

Children 1st @ Buckinghams has a Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10, based on 43 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Children 1st @ Buckinghams has 131 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Shakenh S (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Buckinghams is simply the best nursery and lives up to their reputation! My child enjoys going and can't wait to get into his nursery class. No one would put their 9 month old into nursery 3-4 days a week if they had any choice. However, Buckinghams has made this decision very easy.

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

Thank you for your heartfelt review! We're so glad to hear that Buckinghams has made such a positive impact for you and your child. It's wonderful to know that your little one enjoys coming to nursery. Your feedback truly means the world to us!


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Review from David S (Father of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend this nursery to others. My child has settled in really well here and he is never hesitant to come.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely recommendation! We're thrilled to hear that your child has settled in so well and is happy to come each day. It means the world to us to know we're providing a positive experience for both you and your little one!


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Review from Olivia L (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy has come on in leaps and bounds since starting at Buckingham's. He loves nursery and the team there. Nothing is every too much trouble, and the care our son receives is exceptional. The facilities are beautiful and clean and the team are friendly and attentive. The menu is brilliant in
terms of variety and the nursery is a safe and secure environment that truly enables children to learn, have fun and thrive. We cannot recommend Buckingham's enough!

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear how much your little boy is enjoying his time at Buckingham's and how well he's coming along. It's lovely to know you feel confident in the care we provide and that our team and environment make such a positive difference. Thank you for your recommendation-it truly makes our day!


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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter settled in here beautifully after a somewhat difficult time with her previous childminder. She is so well looked after, given plenty of attention and individualised care. She has formed strong bonds with everyone who looks after her and with her peers.
Her dietary preferences are catered
to easily.
Communication from the nursery is always great and all the staff members are kind and pleasant.
The outdoor access and space is incredible and the nursery has everything you would want your child to use throughout the day with plenty of activities to help your child learn and grow. We can't recommend enough -- thank you to everyone at Children 1st @ Buckinghams.

Reply from Lisa Wills, Director of Operations at Children 1st @ Buckinghams

Really pleased to hear that your daughter has settled well, and enjoying the incredible gardens and outdoor spaces.


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Review from Georgie L (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one started here at 12 months, and instantly loved it. She only started on one day for a few weeks, and has since increased to 2 full days. She loved the baby room, and also handled the transition to toddler room really well. I find the staff wholeheartedly friendly, genuine and caring. From
the front desk to the cooks, all staff have been nothing but friendly and attentive.
The environment is always clean and pleasant, and seasonally decorated.
The outside space is great, and all rooms have access to the outdoor play areas.
My old comment which is worth knowing is there is no dedicated sleep area, away from the main room. And as a mum of a fear of missing out baby my little one only naps for 40 mins (a typical sleep cycle for her) whereas normally she will do a 2 hour nap at home in a dark and quiet area. This isn't a complaint, just a comment to anyone else with a fear of missing out baby/ light sleeper.
However we are completely thrilled with this nursery and continue to recommend it to friends.

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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery enough! Right through from our first viewing here, to our daughter starting a couple of weeks ago go, we have had a wonderful experience. The nursery is immaculately clean, very secure, full of beautiful Montessori style toys and ample outdoors space/activities. The staff
are all so lovely and really really helpful/cooperative too. The nursery has a really nice warm and welcoming feel to it. We knew immediately that Children 1st @ Buckinghams would be perfect for our daughter. She has settled in perfectly and is always so excited at drop off. I love the daily diary and the app updates, especially the pictures! I honestly do not have a single negative thing to say about this wonderful nursery. Thank you all so much!

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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery, such lovely, kind and caring nursery staff, my child is currently going through an autism diagnosis and they are amazing with him!! Would recommend to everyone! The nursery is beautiful and not overstimulating for little ones and plenty of outdoor play space as well as inside.

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Review from Carly E (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children attend this nursery and I cannot fault it at all. My eldest has been here for almost a year now and since going she has learnt and developed so much! My baby has attended for a few months and again her development has improved massively since being here. Lovely staff, lovely atmosphere
and the children love being there!

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Review from Laura V (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love Children 1st @ Buckinghams nursery from the first visit. My son adores the staff and loves attending. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful and I feel they go the extra mile to make sure the children have a great time whilst learning too.

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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one has been at the nursery now for nearly a year, I have already left a review previously when she first started but I wanted to complete another review since she has been in Lily Bobtail's room since the start of the year, as I feel it's important to give feedback at each stage. The new
room is clean, and tidy and has a wide range of resources with a fantastic outside area.
Honestly, I couldn't be happier, it is outstanding to me, all of the staff who are absolutely amazing. When your daughter is telling you at the weekend that she's desperate to tell 3 members of staff in particular about what she has been doing and constantly talking about them, you know that she values the relationships with the staff and clearly sees them as her friends and family. All of the staff, from the reception to all rooms and management are lovely, and always so cheery in the mornings, and the special and thoughtful handmade gifts for Mother's Day/Easter are such a nice touch. Thank you!

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't speak highly enough of Buckinghams.
My little boy has attended here since he was 1 and is nearly 4!
My little boy was behind with his speech, he was on the cusp of being referred for speech and language therapy, but purely just from attending nursery 3 days a week he just thrived, and we
can now hold a full conversation with no problem!
He’s learned so much through nursery, the staff are lovely, trustworthy, and thorough with all the children.
The nursery is very welcoming, it’s decorated beautifully inside and out and they have amazing areas and equipment for the children.
When looking at a nursery place for my little boy I didn’t even consider looking at other nurseries I just knew I wanted him to go Buckinghams and I am so glad he got in there, it’s a very highly rated nursery for a reason.
We will be very sad when our little boy has to leave this summer to start school!

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little girl started in around 6 months ago and the lovely staff have helped her to settle in so well. They are so kind and caring towards all of the children, I’m so pleased we chose to send her here.
The nursery itself is lovely and clean and the outdoor space is great. My daughter loves going
here! Couldn’t recommend it enough.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A great nursery, a lovely outside space. Great and friendly staff. Good food and has great activities. My son has been at Buckingham's since I returned to work at 9 months. The nursery has a very big name in Leek and I know generations of families that have gone and when Children 1st took over the standard
has remained very high. They clearly have put plenty of money into the nursery this last year refurbishing the whole place. All of the staff and children are happy here. Which is just credit to the management.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is a joy, the staff are so helpful and the care and activities for the children are outstanding. I attended a Stay and Play activity in December 2023. I was made to feel very welcome and the children were enjoying the interaction.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been very pleased with the care and nurturing our 9-month-old daughter has received from the start. She loves going to nursery and has developed so much since starting. The communication is always swift, the premises are beautiful and clean and the staff are lovely and caring. Our older daughter
went here a while back and the quality of service seems to be outstanding. Thank you to all the staff for the work they do!

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Review from Jenny (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm so pleased that I chose to send my little girl to this nursery! The staff are welcoming and professional when we arrive each morning, and I never feel worried about leaving here for the day. Even when there are a few tears, I know there's the caring staff there to help settle her and make sure she
has the best of days. I feel like she is part of a little family there.

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Review from Fraser C (Father of Child) published on 26 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending for four months and we have had a fantastic experience at Children 1st @ Buckinghams. Our child smiles when he arrives at nursery and comes home tired, well fed and fulfilled. Interactions with staff have been a pleasure; they are both extremely caring and professional. We
have been delighted with our choice of nursery and would recommend them to any parents/guardians.

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Review from Tara B (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter really enjoys coming to nursery, she goes to the staff happily and is always happy to be there which reassures me when I leave her. My daughter is very well looked after by all staff and they are brilliant with my daughter's milk tolerance. Daily dairy also tells what meals and how much
she's ate, drank and slept through the day, also has photos of her showing me things she has been doing. Plenty of activities for her to play and also theme days e.g Christmas jumper and pj day. Amazing work, thank you for all the support and care.

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Review from T S (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attended the nursery for two months in April 2023 and due to personal circumstances had to leave. However, when it came back around to getting him back into nursery there was no question that he would be going back to Buckinghams. I couldn’t praise them enough. They are the most amazing nursery.
All the staff are kind and patient. My son absolutely loves going there and he barely left my side before attending so I did worry about how he would settle in but he loves it. Would 1000% recommend.

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Review from Lucy E (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Children 1st @ Buckinghams is a wonderful place, and I cannot fault them.
My little boy has been going since he was eight months old and has moved through the rooms. I feel so at ease leaving him with the wonderful staff.

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

Dear Lucy, thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful review regarding Buckingham’s setting. Thank you for your ongoing support!


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.975)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10 for Children 1st @ Buckinghams 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 43 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 43 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 4.975 for Children 1st @ Buckinghams is calculated as follows: ( (502 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 515 Ratings = 4.975

  • 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 @ Buckinghams is based on 43 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 140 number of registered child places is 28, which has been reached with 43 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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Meet the Team (1)

Nicky

Nicky Hardy

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1992

Hello my name is Nicola Hardy I am the Manager @ Children 1st @ Buckinghamsl.


As well as working full time I am also a Mum of two Children Louis who is 13 and Molly who is 8 both of my children attended nursery from the age of Nine months old I feel this has been a great start for my children socially and intellectually.


I started my career in childcare 26 years ago and have experienced various roles working with all age groups within our nurseries.


A deputy position came up within the company this would potentially be a great move I was a successful applicant and I started my new position in October 2016.


I was given the opportunity to develop myself as a Manager. I have found this move a great experience
Since working with Children 1st I have been able to continue my training completing a NVQ Level Three in customer services.


During my time with children 1st I have become more confident and have developed skills in all aspects of my job role


I have a passion and am fully committed to providing high quality day care and education to all our children. And for caring for children and their families, ensuring that they are happy and settled whilst attending our setting.


Frequently Asked Questions about Children 1st @ Buckinghams

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

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

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

Children 1st @ Buckinghams 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 @ Buckinghams have capacity for?

Children 1st @ Buckinghams has capacity for a total of 140 Children.

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

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