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First Friends PDN

Ofsted: Good
(May 2025)
·
4.9(18 parent reviews) ·141 Chaddesden Park Road, Chaddesden, Derby, DE21 6HP · Derby
Number of places
36 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
Derby

About this day nursery

First Friends Private Day Nursery in Derby provides a nurturing and engaging environment for young children, offering childcare for various age groups from babies to pre-schoolers, as well as an Out of School Club for older children. With a maximum of 36 children at any given time, the nursery fosters close relationships between staff, children, and parents to support learning and development in a safe and secure setting.

The nursery emphasises a play-based approach, encouraging children to explore and grow. They are committed to supporting families with childcare costs by accepting various government funding schemes.

First Friends also offers flexible options, such as full-day care for school closures and taster sessions for prospective families, aiming to be a community-focused provision.

Our ethos

First Friends Private Day Nursery states that they "emphasise a play-based approach, encouraging children to explore and grow." They are committed to fostering close relationships between staff, children, and parents to support learning and development in a safe and secure setting. They aim to be a community-focused provision.

What it's like

Children arrive happily and confidently at First Friends PDN, warmly greeting staff and friends. Older children feel settled and secure, moving freely between indoor and outdoor areas and engaging enthusiastically in conversation. Staff know children well, planning stimulating activities that build on skills and foster strong relationships.

Small, child-focused settingAccepts government fundingOut of School Club available

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday all year round, closing for bank holidays. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm.

Age range

3 months to 5 years (nursery); 3 to 14 years (Out of School Club)

Session types

Full day care, Breakfast Club, After School Club, Holiday Club

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for First Friends PDN

Last inspected 15 May 2025 · Kate Scheel

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children arrive happily and confidently at First Friends PDN, warmly greeting staff and friends. Older children feel settled and secure, moving freely between indoor and outdoor areas and engaging enthusiastically in conversation. Staff know children well, planning stimulating activities that build on skills and foster strong relationships.

Inspector highlights

  • The management team and staff have worked hard since the last inspection to address the actions raised.
  • Staff regularly assess children's progress and quickly identify any children who would benefit from additional support.
  • The partnership with parents and carers is strong.
  • Staff give high regard to developing children's language and communication skills.
  • Children behave well and show their understanding of why they need to follow certain rules.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to further develop their understanding of how to extend children's mathematical learning through practical activities and daily routines.
Inspection #10354639 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment that staff provide high levels of support for children and prepare them well for their transition into school.

They feel reassured that children are cared for in a safe environment by practitioners who understand children's individual needs.

Parents praise the 'exemplary' communication between nursery and home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff recognise children's unique characteristics and understand how best to support them. For example, children with additional needs benefit from daily small-group activities. These help to build on children's social skills and language development and encourage their listening, attention and confidence. Staff spoke to the inspector about how they support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Outdoor space

Older children show that they feel settled and secure as they move freely between indoor and outdoor areas. Children delight in spending time outdoors. They have ample opportunities to practise and extend their physical skills as they engage in a wide range of stimulating activities.

Parent Reviews of First Friends PDN

4.9
(18)
Rob Bates
10 months ago

My daughter has attended First Friends for five years. She has really enjoyed her time there. The staff are great. Communication is excellent. Would recommend.

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Rachel Naylor
5 years ago

Before my gorgeous little baby was due to go to nursery I was anxious about even going to view anywhere as it would mean leaving him with strangers. I can honestly say that as soon as we walked in to view it (pre lockdown) both my husband and I felt truly at peace about the place and people running it. I can say that my little boy has now been going 4 times a week for a few months and has settled in extremely well and loves going. The members of staff that help to look after him have always been professional, friendly and supportive and have been extremely patient with me being a bit of an anxious first time mum when leaving him there. I couldn't tell you how it compares value for money wise as once we visited we were not remotely interested in viewing anywhere else, however I have friends that do pay more for nursery fees although they are in different areas of the city so may not be comparable. As far as our decision to take our child there goes, there are absolutely no regrets and we highly recommend to friends and other parents.

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Katie Havercroft
8 years ago

The team here are truly amazing. They have made the whole process so easy and will take out as much time as you need to discuss any worries you might have. I love the feedback at the end of the day and look forward to hearing about everything he has done. All the girls are so kind and really care about all the children and my son loves talking about all of the ladybird staff when we are home. Their menu is great and it has made it a little easier at home with trying things he didn't always like to eat.

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Bethany Alexander
8 years ago

Absolute brilliant nursery my little girl has been coming since January and she has come on so much since then.. this nursery is absolutely outstanding and as a whole! I wouldn't dream of sending my daughter anywhere else. from the menu to the compassion of all staff I as a parent couldn't ask for anything more.

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Kate Walton
5 years ago

I'd highly recommend first friends nursery, my son loves it and I feel very confident leaving him there. Each morning he walks in happily without looking back. The staff are friendly and get to know each childs likes, dislikes and personalities. I noticed a real progression in my sons development once he started there.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for First Friends PDN. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2025

Date: October 2014

  • May 2025Good
  • May 2024Requires improvement
  • June 2023Requires improvement
  • November 2017Good
  • October 2014Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more