Business Details
Award-Winning Childcare & Early Education
Daisy Chain Childrens Nursery has been dedicated to delivering exceptional childcare and educational experiences since our establishment. Our approach prioritises individualised care, with formative assessments guiding tailored learning opportunities that nurture each child's unique development. Led by co-owners Amanda and Ian Donkin, our team of 38 professionals combines decades of expertise with continuous professional development to maintain outstanding standards. We operate three nurseries in Blaby, Wigston, and Whetstone, each holding 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings and 5-star environmental health accreditations.Our family-run ethos extends to both staff and families, creating a supportive community where children thrive through play-based learning with open-ended resources. With managers like Natalie Brotherwood and Rachel Brewin, who collectively bring over 60 years of early years experience, we maintain consistent leadership across our settings. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through initiatives like Healthy Tots accreditation and ongoing staff development programmes, ensuring we provide safe, stimulating environments that foster holistic growth for children aged 0-5 years.
Services
Nursery Care
Early Years Education
After-School Provision
Holiday Clubs
Parent Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We maintain 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings across all three nurseries since 2009
- Our team includes degree-qualified professionals with over 30 years' combined experience
- We implement a bespoke learning approach through continuous formative assessments
- Our family-run business ensures consistent leadership and personal accountability
- We hold specialist Healthy Tots accreditation for child and staff wellbeing
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- Environmental Health 5 Stars
What people say
Home to home feel
Caring well-being focus
Significant vocabulary development
Loving nurturing staff
Thriving learning environment
Services
Nursery Care
Our Ofsted-registered nursery care provides safe, stimulating environments for children aged 0-5. With 1:8 staff-to-child ratios, we deliver personalised care aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. Each setting features dedicated baby rooms and outdoor play areas.
Early Years Education
We offer curriculum-based early education through play-led learning experiences. Our programmes focus on communication, physical development and personal, social and emotional growth using open-ended resources that encourage creative exploration and critical thinking.
After-School Provision
Our after-school clubs provide structured activities for children up to age 5. Sessions include homework support, creative play and outdoor physical activities, extending learning beyond standard nursery hours in a familiar environment.
Holiday Clubs
We operate holiday clubs during school breaks offering themed activities that maintain educational continuity. Programmes include arts and crafts, outdoor adventures and special events while maintaining our usual safety and care standards.
Parent Partnerships
We actively involve parents through regular progress updates, home learning suggestions and joint planning sessions. Our approach recognises families as primary educators, creating continuity between nursery and home environments to support child development.
People
Amanda Donkin
Senior Manager
With over 30 years' experience, Amanda leads our 38-strong team. Holding a degree in early years education, she established Daisy Chain's family-centred approach that guides our outstanding childcare provision across three locations.
Ian Donkin
Facilities Manager
Ian ensures our nurseries maintain 'Outstanding' standards through regular maintenance and improvements. His practical expertise complements Amanda's educational leadership, supporting our commitment to safe, stimulating environments for children.
Natalie Brotherwood
Blaby & Whetstone Manager
Natalie has managed our Blaby nursery since 2011, achieving three consecutive 'Outstanding' Ofsted ratings. With NNEB and BA qualifications, she leads our Healthy Tots accreditation and oversees operations at Whetstone nursery.
Rachel Brewin
Wigston Manager
Rachel has led our Wigston nursery since 2012, maintaining 'Outstanding' Ofsted status. With 21 years' experience, she holds Early Years Professional Status and Makaton training, specialising in inclusive communication approaches.
Jade Donkin
Assistant Manager
Jade serves as Assistant Manager at Whetstone nursery, applying her foundation degree in education studies. Currently pursuing a BA in Education, she implements innovative learning approaches informed by her academic training and practical experience.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care and education for children aged 0-5 years across our nursery settings.
How do you personalise learning experiences?
Our staff conduct continuous formative assessments to tailor activities matching each child's learning style and developmental stage.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes NNEB, Early Years Professional Status and degree-qualified staff with 20+ years' experience in early years education.
How do you involve parents in their child's development?
We maintain regular communication through progress updates and work closely with families to support home learning environments.
What safety accreditations do you hold?
All nurseries maintain 5-star environmental health ratings and undergo regular Ofsted inspections achieving 'Outstanding' ratings.
