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St Joseph's Little Scholars

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2021)
·
5.0(6 parent reviews) ·St. Josephs Little Scholars, 42 Newbold Road, CHESTERFIELD, S41 7PL · Derbyshire
Number of places
60 places
Age range
3–5 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2021
Local authority
Derbyshire

About this day nursery

St. Joseph's Little Scholars in Chesterfield is a nurturing nursery setting for children aged 3 and 4, operating during school term-time from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery is situated within the grounds of St. Joseph's Convent, a location that previously housed a boarding school and then a primary school, offering extensive facilities rarely found in other nurseries.

These unique amenities include a large, secure playground, a 'Beach Hut' with sand and beach toys, a full-sized gymnasium, a well-maintained garden, a built-in soft play area, and a sensory room. Additionally, the nursery features two woodland-themed classrooms, known as the Owl room and Squirrel room, designed for continuous provision, and a small chapel for reflective activities.

The staff, known for their long service and dedication, contribute to a family-like atmosphere, ensuring children feel safe, healthy, and happy while fostering curiosity and a love for learning through play. The nursery emphasises an inclusive approach and offers government-funded places.

What it's like

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language, are happy when they arrive at the pre-school. Children show that they feel safe and secure and are eager to play with the activities on offer. They confidently join staff to share their learning experiences.

Term-time only3-4 year oldsExtensive facilitiesExperienced staffPlay-based learning

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 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.

Key facts

Opening hours

7:30am - 5:30pm, Monday - Friday (term-time)

Age range

3-4 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for St Joseph's Little Scholars

Last inspected 18 October 2021 · Hayley Ruane

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

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language, are happy when they arrive at the pre-school. Children show that they feel safe and secure and are eager to play with the activities on offer. They confidently join staff to share their learning experiences.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are independent and complete everyday tasks for themselves, showing good personal hygiene routines.
  • Children behave well and learn to share and take turns with their friends.
  • Staff support children with SEND by liaising with parents and professionals, and use additional funding for one-to-one support.
  • The manager supports staff well-being, providing supervision meetings and professional development opportunities, including training for outdoor learning.
  • The manager and staff plan a curriculum that gives children the skills they need for future learning, supporting their personal, social and emotional development.

Areas to develop

  • 1develop staff's knowledge of how to build further on children's development during play
  • 2strengthen staff's understanding of how to help children who speak English as an additional language to understand English.
Inspection #10073729 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment that they appreciate the conversations they have with staff during these times.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with SEND are supported by staff who know the children well. Staff liaise with parents and other professionals to share information about children's abilities, and additional funding is used to provide one-to-one support to meet their individual needs, such as developing confidence to move into the playroom.

Outdoor space

Recent training supports staff to understand how to offer children opportunities to develop all aspects of learning outdoors, for example, to encourage children to look at books, develop their imaginative skills and use chalk to make marks. This is particularly beneficial for those children who prefer to learn outdoors.

Parent Reviews of St Joseph's Little Scholars

5.0
(6)
Laura Holland
10 months ago

Our son went to St Joseph's from Jan 2023 to July 2025 and all I can say is he excelled! It is an amazing place where every child is couraged to be themselves and learning is adapted to suit your child's interests. He was always happy walking in and all the teachers were happy and welcoming. It is a hidden gem with it's set up, it's like a mini school so the children take part in assemblies, celebrate all religious events through the year and they include the parents in events to allow us to create a supportive community around school rather than just a drop off and pick up. He is so prepared for school we couldn't be happier and it's all down to the supportive environment St Joseph's creates and the amazing efforts by all teachers there!

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Sara Jones
10 months ago

The team at little scholars offer a fun, caring, and nurturing environment that our little girl has loved. St Joseph’s is the best setting around and we wouldn’t consider anywhere else for our 3 year old. We will be forever grateful to the staff there for their commitment in ensuring little ones thrive.

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Sonia Gasser
2 years ago

St Joseph’s isn’t just a good nursery it’s the best. My son needed additional help and the staff ensured this was in place and fully supported his needs. They are all long serving members of staff with great experience and professionalism throughout.

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jenna halford
3 years ago

An incredible pre school, my son loved it here and the staff are very experienced. I would definitely recommend!

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for St Joseph's Little Scholars. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: November 2011

  • October 2021Good
  • May 2016Good
  • November 2011Outstanding

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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