Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Preschool in Chester Since 1984
Chester Day Nursery has been providing exceptional childcare in Chester since 1984. Our dedicated team of fully qualified professionals creates a nurturing environment where children aged 0-5 thrive through play-based learning and outdoor exploration. With over 37 years of experience, we combine traditional values with modern educational practices in a historic setting featuring woodland classrooms and animal care programs. Our staff hold NVQ qualifications and Paediatric First Aid certifications, ensuring children receive both educational stimulation and personal development opportunities. The nursery's unique features include a Forest School area with Level 3 qualified instructors, a petting farm with chickens and pigs, and weekly swimming lessons at our sister facility.We maintain strong community connections through library visits and intergenerational programs at local nursing homes. Our proven track record demonstrates consistent quality through multiple generations of satisfied families. The nursery's physical environment combines a 500-year-old farmhouse with modern extensions while preserving its homely atmosphere. We implement structured transition programs to help children move smoothly between age groups and into primary school settings. Our commitment to nutrition is demonstrated through freshly prepared meals made on-site by dedicated cooks.
Services
Baby Room
Toddler Room
Pre School
Holiday Club
Forest School
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business operating for over 37 years
- Fully qualified NVQ and Paediatric First Aid trained staff
- Unique Forest School with Level 3 qualified instructors
- Free swimming lessons at our sister-site facility
- Proven track record with multi-generational family attendance
Associations and certifications
- Forest School Association
What people say
Caring and fun home from home
Thrived in their care
Staff are very positive and caring
Fantastic caring staff
Most caring and lovely nursery
Services
Baby Room
Our Baby Owls room provides specialized care for children aged 0-2 years with dedicated Key Workers and Buddy systems. The environment features sensory-stimulating toys, natural materials, and tummy time equipment to develop motor skills. Each child receives personalized attention with regular developmental updates provided to parents.
Funny Frogs
Designed for 2-3 year olds, this room offers free-flow play with focus on early learning foundations. Children access private outdoor zones, petting farms, and creative art areas while developing social skills through structured activities and outdoor exploration.
Busy Bees
Our preschool program prepares 3-5 year olds for primary school with classroom-style learning and uniform requirements. Qualified teachers implement the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum while maintaining a fun environment through forest school activities and multi-language instruction.
Forest School
Recognized by the Forest School Association, our program develops outdoor skills through activities like bug hunting, den building, and nature exploration. Three Level 3 qualified instructors lead sessions that promote teamwork, environmental awareness, and physical development in all weather conditions.
Holiday Club
Conkers holiday and after-school club serves children aged 4-11 with structured activities including sports, crafts, and quizzes. Operating 7:30am-6pm weekdays, the program balances energetic play with quiet zones while maintaining continuity with our educational philosophy.
People
Louise Hassall
Area Manager
With over 37 years of childcare experience, Louise leads our team with a vision combining traditional values and modern educational practices. Her leadership has strengthened community partnerships and developed innovative programs like our Forest School initiative.
Sophie Large
Nursery Manager
As Nursery Manager, Sophie oversees daily operations while maintaining close relationships with families. Her expertise in early years education ensures consistent quality across all age groups and supports staff development through regular training programs.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 0-11 years across our Baby Owls (0-2), Funny Frogs (2-3), Busy Bees (3-5) and Conkers Holiday Club (4-11) programs.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we provide freshly prepared hot and cold meals daily using nutritious ingredients. Our on-site cook creates balanced menus that meet children's dietary requirements.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are NVQ qualified with Paediatric First Aid certification. Our Forest School instructors hold Level 3 qualifications, and preschool teachers are fully qualified primary educators.
How do you support school transition?
Our preschool program mimics classroom environments with uniform requirements. We organize school visits, invite reception teachers, and share detailed learning journeys with new schools.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
We have extensive outdoor spaces including woodland classrooms, petting farms with pigs and chickens, and a dedicated Forest School area with Level 3 qualified instructors.
Do you offer flexible hours?
Our standard hours are 7:30am-6pm Monday-Friday, with holiday club available during school breaks. We offer flexible booking options to accommodate working parents' schedules.
Reviews (4)
Charlotte May James
Jul 18, 2019
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I would definitelly recommend chestnut House they made noah feel so settled and happy and they truly care for the children they look after. Thank you to all the ladies ❤️
Sarah Daynes
Mar 31, 2019
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The staff are enthusiastic warm and genuine. They care for the children and always have a smile and act as though they want to be there/ quite a rarity in childcare. The cooking is amazing Jayne is such a good cook and I know my child will be eating well whenever she is there. The home cooking smells fill the air and are so homely.
Laura Price
Sep 14, 2018
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Fantastic caring staff and a lovely kind environment. It really does feel like a ‘home from home’ for my little girl, she has grown so much in confidence since she started at Chestnut House and I cannot praise the 0-2s room highly enough. Thank you for everything you do on a daily basis ☺️
Amy Harding
Jul 24, 2017
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My boy Alex has been going to pre school here for about 12months he has come on leaps and bounds this is all down to the lovely staff can't thank them enough for looking after him and giving him the skills to be ready for school in sept. Highly recommend xx
