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 21-40
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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Date Published

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Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 27 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child absolutely loves attending this nursery and has lots of fun whilst there, doing all sorts of games, crafts etc. All staff go above and beyond.
Overall fantastic nursery. Would highly recommend it!

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Review from H C (Mother of Child) published on 27 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started in May 2023 and as a first-time mum I was, naturally, nervous of letting go. To say the staff are understanding is an understatement! They were beyond amazing and really put my mind at ease! Nothing is too much trouble and they go above and beyond to ensure parents and children alike
are happy and content. I love the app! I can see for myself just how much my little girl is enjoying nursery, getting involved in everything with a smile! And the regular updates and notifications are so helpful.
My daughter is thriving and learning so much at nursery and I cannot thank Buckinghams enough.
My favorite part of the day is hearing my little one tell me about her day, what she's been doing and about all her friends. Her favorite thing is the food and she always says it's "yummy". Home-cooked meals every day, 3 meals a day and healthy fruit at snack time and she loves it!
I'm so glad I chose Buckinghams for my little girl and would recommend it to anyone. 10/10.

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Review from Rosanna F (Mother of Child) published on 27 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Buckinghams since she was a few months old, she loves it. The staff are so friendly, easy to talk to and are brilliant with the children.
It's very clean and organised. Lots for the children to learn and explore, I can't fault it.
Members of staff are always on hand if
you need any help or advice which I really appreciate being a first-time mum.
Keep up the good work Children 1st @ Buckinghams.

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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Buckinghams has been an absolutely perfect setting for my little girl who started in September 2023. The staff are so thoughtful and nurturing and were so supportive while my daughter settled in. The facilities are not only beautiful since the latest renovations, but the rooms, outdoor area and resources
enable the children to have a fun, stimulating and educational experience. The staff at the nursery are extremely organised and helpful and cannot do more for you. My little girl has gained so much confidence and loves going to nursery each day. She has developed such strong relationships with the staff and the other children and is thriving from her experience at Buckinghams.

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Review from Gaz P (Father of Child) published on 8 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Buckinghams for about 2 years now and it’s such an amazing place for your child in the early years. The staff treat them as their own and they're so polite and kind. My daughter loves one member of staff most of all, she doesn’t shut up about her. The nursery itself is
great and it’s even better now with all the renovations that are taking place. All in all, it’s got to be the best nursery around, in my opinion.

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Review from Brian V (Father of Child) published on 26 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery. My son is loving it and he has being learning a lot and all the staff at really nice and friendly. I definitely will send my daughter when she gets to the right age. Very recommended nursery.

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

Thank you so much for sharing this review. I’m so pleased to hear how much your little one loves attending Children 1st @ Buckinghams!


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Review from V H (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is our second journey with Buckinghams and have had nothing but positive experiences from the start. Staff always go above and beyond, there is always a friendly atmosphere and my little ones have never had a problem. The facilities and experiences provided are excellent.

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

Thank you for sharing these lovely comments about our Buckinghams setting. I look forward to sharing these comments with the setting, I’m sure they will be just as thrilled as I am to hear how much of a positive experience you have had with us.


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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can not fault Buckinghams, my daughter has been going for a few months now and absolutely loves it. All the staff have been very helpful and welcoming from the very first day, I can not recommend enough.

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

Thank you, I’m so glad to hear how well your little one has settled. I will be sure to congratulate my colleagues at the setting for their ongoing hard work and dedication. Thank you for the recommendation!


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Review from Daria K (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with my kid going in that nursery, he is enjoying it. It is clean and everyone is very helpful and kind.
We came to UK in February this year and by now my son has learned English pretty good, as well as some social and self care skills.
Staff are very attentive and helpful, every time
I have questions on development or behavior I am getting all the information I need.
Food is very nice too, a lot of veggies and fruits are presented as snacks all day.

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Review from N V (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery, very welcoming. Staff always pleasant and willing to help. As my baby settled I was always told to call whenever I needed, which helped me feel at ease. Very clean nursery too, with lots of things for the children to do! Would highly recommend this nursery.

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

Thank you for taking the time to share these lovely comments regarding our Buckingham's setting. It’s great to know that you felt supported by the staff at the setting during your little ones settling in period. Thank you for the recommendation!


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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery, happy staff that always go the extra mile. My daughter loves nursery and her keys workers! Very clean environment and my daughter’s learning is exceptional due to how involved and supportive the staff are!

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

Thank you for taking the time to come on and share this lovely review. I will be sure to share this with the staff at the setting.


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Review from Samantha J (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a fantastic nursery. All the staff are so welcoming and are absolutely brilliant with my little boy. My little boy has come on so much since attending this nursery and he loves it there. I can go to work 100% confident that he is in the best care.

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

Thank you, I'm so pleased to hear how well your little one has settled and progressed since starting with us at our Buckingham's setting.


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Review from Stacey H (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery. All the staff are so professional, caring, loving and supportive. Children's individual needs are considered and met. My little boy has come on so much since attending. It's a very safe environment and you can relax knowing your child is being taken care of so well.

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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started Buckinghams after we moved to the town, and he settled so well. He had been to a nursery in our previous home town but didn't enjoy it as much or thrive as much as he is at Buckinghams. It was quite astounding to see the difference in him! He loves going in every day. The staff are all
very friendly and happy, the nursery setting is very well laid out and well equipped, and even more so now the makeover is nearly complete! Would highly recommend Buckinghams to anyone.

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

It’s so lovely to hear how much your little one is thriving since starting with us at Buckingham's. I look forward to sharing this fantastic review with my colleagues at the setting! I’m sure they will be just as thrilled as I am to hear how much both you and your little one love the setting.


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Review from Beth T (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been here since he was 6 months old. I was very nervous about leaving him for the day each week at a young age. The staff were so friendly and helpful that the nerves shortly went away. The smile on my son's face, when I catch him through the window, reassures me every time that I made the
right decision by selecting this nursey. His room is clean and so are the surrounding areas, there is more than enough for him to get involved with and his development has come on so much. He has bonded extremely closely with certain members of staff and is a very happy boy when he is here, the photos I receive are proof of this. I would highly recommend this nursery to any parent or carer.

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Review from Sophie W (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Children 1st @ Buckinghams is a wonderful nursery; the staff are friendly, caring and helpful, there are always lots of fun activities for the children, and my little one always seems to have a great day. Highly recommend.

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

Dear Sophie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with me regarding Children 1st @ Buckingham’s. I will be sure to congratulate my colleagues at the setting.


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Review from Gemma W (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had a great experience at Children 1st. The staff are kind, attentive, caring and skilled. Generally, they are really easy to deal with, and we haven't had any problems. They helped our daughter progress through the rooms and let us know when she was ready to move onto a new room. They were also
brilliant with potty training, and the outdoor space is lovely. The pick-up and drop-off times were also convenient for us and fit well with our working day (we did 8-5).
All in all, they are an all-star team, and our daughter loved going there. One of the best things is that they are super nice and friendly when you pick up and drop them off - as a tired parent, it really makes a difference in the day!

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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly and supportive staff, great rapport with the children, staff really take the time to get to know the children and how to support them if they are unsettled. Would highly recommend the nursery.

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

Thank you for this lovely review. I'm so happy you feel your child has been supported whilst attending Children 1st @ Buckinghams, I look forward to sharing you’re lovely comments with the staff at Buckinghams!


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Review from Bekki L (Mother of Child) published on 28 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy has been going to Children 1st @ Buckinghams for a year now. He started in the baby room and moved into Bob Tails. The staff have all been wonderful and are so enthusiastic about all of the children and they make nursery a really lovely learning environment. Our little boy is almost 2
now and loves going to nursery, he knows the names of his nursery nurses and support staff and he is excited to see them. They have also catered for his dietary needs as he has been dairy and soya free since starting nursery.
We have had to ask for extra hours recently and management have supported this and all of the staff have been lovely in response to our changing personal circumstances.
We now have another little boy who will start nursery next year and we will be very glad for him to attend Buckinghams as well. They have a lovely outdoor space and lots to do inside too.
Thank you Buckinghams for making our journey through nursery worry-free and enjoyable.

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

Dear Bekki, wow, what an amazing review for my colleagues at the Leek nursery. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about both yours and your son's experience at the nursery. Our team work really hard to ensure children are happy and content during their time with us and knowing faces and names is a big part of positive interactions. Also, so glad to know we supported you when you needed us.
Again, thanks for this - the team will be super chuffed.


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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son really enjoys coming to nursery every day. He talks about what he does and enjoys when he comes home. Staff are friendly and are very caring. They all do an amazing job.
There are lots of activities for them to try and clear learning outcomes sent out each term.

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

Thank you for taking the time to write some lovely comments about our nursery. It's great to hear that your son enjoys his time with us - my colleagues at the nursery will be delighted to know how much you value them - thank you.


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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.

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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.


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.