Nursery Chains: People & places (Part 2: H to Z)

HAPPY CHILD

Central office: 109 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 5TL

Tel: 020 8579 8558

Fax: 020 8579 3109

E-mail: admin@happychild.co.uk

Website: www.happychild.co.uk

Managing director: Tracey Storey

Established: 1990

Owns 13 nurseries: London, Ealing Common (35), The Grove (50), The Grove Montessori (41), Harlesden (66), Kilburn (70), Northfields (35), Shepherd's Bush (27), West Ealing Baby (18), West Ealing Day (35); Eltham, Montessori Day Nursery (58), Harrow (50), Kenton (55), Mottingham Baby (28)

Owns 4 preparatory schools: Ealing, Aston House School; Kingsbury, St Nicholas School; Wembley, Buxlow Preparatory School; Wembley Park, St Christopher's School. Also owns Happy Child Training, provider of NVQ childcare qualifications.

Places: 568

Employees: 350

Plans: To establish and/or acquire nurseries over the next few years in the London region.

HAPPY DAYS NURSERIES

Head office: Unit 5, St Columb Industrial Estate, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6SQ

Tel: 01637 882160/0800 783 3431

E-mail: enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com

Website: www.happydaysnurseries.com

Partners: Robin Karkeek, Sarah Karkeek

Established: 1993

Owns 17 nurseries: Bodmin (64), Falmouth (80), Jacobstow (24), Liskeard (57), Newquay (50), St Austell (80), St Blazey (51), St Minver (30), Summercourt (20), Treloggan (42), Treloweth (80), Truro 1 (42), Truro 2 (71), Truro 3 (80), Truro Playbox (50), Wadebridge (54) (all in Cornwall); Derriford, Devon (139)

Owns 2 holiday clubs: Pirates (30), Treloweth Pirates (30) (both in Cornwall)

Places: 1,014

Employees: 405

Plans: To continue expanding in the south-west and increasing the number of childcare places offered within the group.

HAPPY JAYS NURSERIES AND CHILDCARE CENTRES

Head office: Lancaster Park, Audax Close, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4RA

Tel: 01904 479261

Directors: Jacqueline Gernon, Tony Gernon

Established: 1996

Owns 4 nurseries: Batley (80), Boroughbridge (45), Scarborough (95), York (92) (all in Yorkshire)

Places: 312

Employees: 95

Plans: To open additional units throughout Yorkshire over the next five years.

HAPPY KIDZ

Head office: 1 James Reckitt Avenue, Hull, E Yorks HU8 7TH

Tel/Fax: 01482 788848

E-mail: info@happykidznursery.co.uk

Website: www.happykidznursery.co.uk

Director: Anita Anderson

Established: 1996

Owns 2 nurseries: Hull 1 (84), Hull 2 (42)

1 out-of-school club: Hull (26)

Places: 126

Employees: 28

HIGHGATE NURSERIES

Head office: 55 Glanmor Road, Uplands, Swansea SA2 OQA

Tel: 01792 281120

Fax: 01792 202879

Managing director: Julie Halliday

Operations director: Jayne Lewis

Established: 1989

Owns 2 nurseries and 1 pre-school: Swansea, Glanmor Road (58), Morriston - nursery (65), pre-school (45)

Places: 168

Employees: 50

THE HONEYTREE DAY NURSERY

Head office: Weston General Hospital Nursery, Grange Road, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare

Tel: 01934 414471

Directors: Philip Weston

Established: 1980

Owns 4 nurseries: Bristol (60), Langford (36), Portishead (46), Weston General Hospital (58) (all in Somerset)

Places: 200

Employees: 40

Plans: To purchase some additional nurseries.

HOPSCOTCH CHILDREN'S NURSERIES

Head office: 9 Aymer Road, Hove, E Sussex BN3 4GB

Tel: 01273 385577  

Fax: 01273 774154

E-mail: office@hopscotch.uk.com

Website: www.hopscotch.uk.com

Business development director: Barbara Watson

Operations director: Jo Halling

Established: 1988

Owns 5 nurseries: Brighton (58), Hove 1 (92), Hove 2 (51), Peacehaven (39), Seaford (92, plus 1 out-of-school club) (all in E Sussex)

Places: 332

Employees: 120

*HOPSCOTCH DAY NURSERY

Head office: The Legion, 13 The High Street, Lee on Solent, Gosport Hants PO13 9BS

Tel: 02392 545090

E-mail: Lorna@hopscotchnursery.com

Website: www.hopscotchnursery.com

Director: Freya Derrick

Established: 2005

Owns 4 nurseries: Botley, Southampton (100), Gosport (85), Lee on Solent, Gosport (83), Titchfield, Fareham (75) (all in Hants)

Places: 343

Employees: 79

HUNGRY CATERPILLAR DAY NURSERIES

Head office: 2 Princess Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 8LG

Tel: 01895 678682

Fax: 01895 625344

E-mail: oliviafoley@aol.com

Owners: Olivia Foley, Denis Foley

Established: 1999

Owns 4 nurseries: Acton (32), Northolt (41), Northwood (40), Yeading (50) (all in Middlesex)

2 creches: Northolt (12), Northwood (27)

1 before- and after-school club: Northwood College, Middlesex (40)

1 after-school and holiday club: Acton (27)

1 holiday club: New Denham, Middlesex (120)

Places: 202

Employees: 66

Plans: Opening Stanmore pre-school with 37 places in January 2011. Also to open new nursery within next 18 months, with 50-plus places.

*JANBARREE

Head office: 15 Lemna Road, London E11 1HX

Tel: 020 8539 7228

Email: littlegreenmane11@hotmail.co.uk

Director: Jan Bloomfield

Established: 1996

Owns 3 nurseries: Great Dunmow (96), Old Harlow (102) (both in Essex); Leytonstone, London (131)

Places: 329

Employees: 60

JANCETT GROUP OF DAY NURSERIES

Head office: Jancett House, 16 Stanley Park Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 OEU

Tel: 020 8669 1725

Fax: 020 8669 2659

Proprietors: Chris Pritchard, John Pritchard, Tracy Pritchard-Drummond

Established: 1969

Owns 6 nurseries: Carshalton (60), Merton (30), Wallington 1 (nursery) (70), Wallington 2 (baby unit) (31), Wallington 3 (60), Wallington 4 (50) (all in Surrey)

Also provides apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships, Awards, Certificates and Diplomas (levels 2, 3, 4) in childcare, playwork, ITQ, Customer Service, Business Administration and further professional development qualifications.

Places: 301

Employees: 158

JUST LEARNING

Includes Nunu

Head office: 45 High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QH

Tel: 01732 846333

Fax: 01732 846444.

Scottish office: 1 Lochside Place, Edinburgh EH12 9DP

Tel: 0131 339 1114

Fax: 0131 339 9969

E-mail: info@justlearning.co.uk, info@caresharenurseries.com

Websites: www.justlearning.co.uk, www.caresharenurseries.com, www.nunu.co.uk

Directors: Jonathan Bell (managing director), Steve Bodger (non-executive chairman), Neville Doe (finance director), Bob Hewson (non-executive director)

Established: 1995

Owns 72 nurseries: Ashford, Kent (108); Ayr, Ayrshire (81); Basingstoke, Hants (100); Bedford (112); Bexleyheath, Kent (100); Blaydon, Tyne and Wear (67); Bridgend, Glamorganshire (108); Bristol (116); Cardiff (100); Chafford Hundred, Essex (92); Cheadle, Cheshire (116); Cleadon, Sunderland (115); Colchester, Essex (139); Coventry, Warks (46); Croydon, Surrey (112); Darlington, Co Durham (89); Doxford, Sunderland (90); Dundee, Angus (58); Dunfermline, Fife (89); Eastbourne, E Sussex (100); East Kilbride, Glasgow (101); Edinburgh 1 (78), Edinburgh 2 (90), Edinburgh 3 (93), Edinburgh 4 (55); Fulwell, Sunderland (82); Gillingham, Kent (112); Glasgow 1 (90), Glasgow 2 (91), Glasgow 3 (59); Glenrothes, Fife (101); Great Notley, Essex (100); Halbeath, Fife (107); Holmes Chapel, Cheshire (105); Huntingdon, Cambs (100); Ingleby Barwick, Teesside (100); Inverness (82); Ipswich 1, Suffolk (100), Ipswich 2 (112); Ilford, Essex (124); London, Leytonstone (100), Westminster (74), Walthamstow (140); Liverpool (55); Livingston 1, W Lothian (156); Livingston 2 (100); Long Eaton, Notts (107); Loughborough, Leics (40); Maidstone 1, Kent (112), Maidstone 2 (50), Maidstone 3 (30); Market Harborough, Leics (118); Melrose, Borders (75); Newbury, Berks (104); Newcastle upon Tyne (110); Northampton (111); Norwich 1, Norfolk (112), Norwich 2 (112), Norwich 3 (72); Sandbach, Cheshire (62); Shrewsbury, Shropshire (119); Southwell, Notts (37); Stevenage, Herts (112); Stowmarket, Suffolk (112); Sunderland (101); Thetford, Norfolk (64); Trowbridge, Wilts (100); Wakefield, W Yorks (112); Wellingborough, Northants (100); Wigan 1, Lancs (101), Wigan 2 (73)

Places: 6,804

Employees: 2,200

Plans: Other nurseries under development and acquisition.

KALEIDOSCOPE DAY NURSERIES

Head office: Griffin House, Station Road, Morley LS27 8JW

Tel: 0113 2534 968  

Fax: 0113 2524 924

E-mail: kalscopeho@aol.com

Website: www.knurseries.com

Directors: Jane Middlebrook, Steve Middlebrook

Established: 1990

Owns 5 nurseries: Leeds, Gildersome (48), Morley (82); York, Acomb (83), Acorn (36), City (30)

6 out-of-school schemes: Leeds (4), York (2)

Places: 279

Employees: 130

*KID EASE

Head office: Kid Ease Ltd, The Prospect Centre, Southern Cross, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 4HG

Tel: 0844 854 6990

Fax: 0844 854 6989

E-mail: info@kidsease.co.uk

Website: www.kidsease.co.uk

Established: 2001

Owns and operates 6 nurseries: Dover, Kent, Buckland (58), Triangles (102); Hawkinge, Kent (104); Hornchurch, Essex (105); Margate, Kent (70); Norwich (61)

Places: 500

Employees: 127

KIDS 1st DAY NURSERIES

Head office: HMC House, Keel Row 12, The Watermark, Metro Riverside, Gateshead NE11 9SZ

Tel: 0191 461 8877

Fax: 0191 461 8866

Website: www.kidsfirst.net

E-mail: enquiries@kidsfirst.net

Managing director: Mark McArdle

Established: 2003

Owns/manages 8 nurseries: Ashington, Northumberland, Wansbeck General Hospital (112); Billingham, Tees Valley, Wynyard Business Park (108); Darlington (108); Durham, University Hospital (100); Gosforth, Newcasrle, Tyne and Wear (108); Hexham, Northumberland, General Hospital (100); Newcastle, Quorum Business Park (108); North Shields, North Tyneside General Hospital (112)

Places: 856

Employees: 250

KIDS ACADEMY NURSERY GROUP

Head office: Grimsditch House, Grimsditch Lane, Lower Whitley, Warrington WA4 4ED

Tel: 01925 730055

Fax: 01925 730064

Website: www.kids-academy.com

Proprietor: Sue Jones

Established: 2000

Owns 3 nurseries: Warrington 1, Cheshire (80), Warrington 2 (180), Warrington 3 (61), Warrington 4 (100)

Places: 321

Employees: 100

Plans: 50-place nursery due to open February 2010.

KIDS ALLOWED

Head office: Joshua House, Christie Fields Office Park, Manchester M21 7QS

Tel: 0161 434 6555

Fax: 0870 750 1022

E-mail: info@kidsallowed.com

Website: www.kidsallowed.com

Chief executive: Jennie Johnson

Established: 2005

Owns 3 nurseries: Cheadle Royal (185); Christie Fields (185); Knutsford (189)

5 out-of-school clubs: (242)

Places: 559

Employees: 230

Plans: Due to open 160-place nursery in Macclesfield with a 50-place club in March 2011

*KIDS KAPERS CHILD CARE

Head office: The Manse, 180 Bolton Road, Kearsley, Bolton, Lancs BL4 9BU

Tel: 01204 416630

E-mail: kidskapers@gmail.com

Website: www.kidskaperschildcare.co.uk

Established: 1983

Director: Carol Dyson

Established: 1987

Owns 2 nurseries: Bolton, Lancs (41); Salford, Lancs (44)

3 out-of-school clubs: Bolton (16); Salford (64); Swinton, Lancs (50)

Places: 85

Employees: 25

KIDS INC NURSERIES

Head office: Crown House, 227 Aldborough Road South, Ilford, Essex IG3 8HZ

Tel: 020 8598 2600  

Fax: 020 8598 2601

Website: www.kidsincnurseries.co.uk

Established: 2003

Director: Sav Kalsi, Balvinder Kalsi

Operations manager: Sarah Goodwin

Owns 9 nurseries: Bluewater, Kent (107); Crowthorne, Berks (80); East Sheen, London (36); Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex (30); Guildford, Surrey (129); Ilford (112); Loughton, Essex (60); Redbridge, Ilford (100); South Woodford, London (51)

Places: 705

Employees: 220

Plans: Further acquisitions in London and the M25 area.

*KIDS PLANET DAY NURSERIES

Head office: 29 Eagle Brow, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 0NA

Tel/Fax: 01925 753 448

E-mail: mail@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

Website: www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

Directors: John Hoban and Claire Roberts

Established: 2008

Owns 4 nurseries: Beamont (61), Lymm (121), Warrington (94), Widnes (80) (all in Cheshire)

Places: 356

Employees: 85

Plans: New nursery in Hale in November and further nurseries.

KIDSUNLIMITED

Head office: Summerfields Village Centre, Dean Row Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 2TA

Tel: 0845 365 2900

Fax: 0845 365 2196

Website: www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

E-mail: enquiries@kidsunlimited.co.uk

Established: 1983

Directors: Rosamund Marshall, Jeremy Clark, Graham Smith

Owns 55 nurseries: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Furness General Hospital (62); Basingstoke, Hants (149); Beckenham, Kent (59); Burnaston, Derbyshire, Toyota Motor Plant (59); Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital (88), Cambridge Science Park (165), Ely (120), Fulbourn, (128), Long Road (152), Wolfson Court (80); Chester, Countess of Chester Hospital (60); Crewe, Cheshire (132); Epping, Essex (93); Guildford, Surrey (60); Hamilton, Lanarkshire (100); Harwell, Oxon (92); Leeds, Stourton, FirstDirect (237); Littlehampton, Body Shop (103); Liverpool, Broadgreen (81), Eldonians (60); London, Bickley, Bromley (88), Camden (86), Chelsea (49), Highbury (72), Islington (61), Ladbroke Grove (72), Regent's Place (78), Wandsworth (69); Lancaster (62); Leeds (69); Luton, Beds (144); Manchester, Didsbury (146), Hulme St Mary's (84), Macintosh City Centre (154), Manchester Airport (60); North Cheam, Surrey (80); Oxford, Milton Park (146), Oxford Business Park (166), Oxford Waterways (100); Oxford University, Bradmore (52), Jack Straw (62), Mansion House (51); Peterborough, Cambs (54); Sheffield 1, S Yorks (46), Sheffield 2 (84); Swindon, Wilts, WH Smiths (45); Teddington 1, Middlesex (86), Teddington NPL (80); Timperley, Cheshire (88); Tytherington, Cheshire (92); Warrington, Cheshire (100); Watford, Herts (92); Wilmslow, Cheshire, Clairmont (96), Handforth Total Fitness (57), Summerfield (143)

Places: 5,094

Employees: 1,600

Plans: Expansion is set to continue with more nurseries opening in 2011, including Esher, Oxford, Reigate and Maidstone.

KIDZCARE

Head office: Norwood House, 9 Kilgraston Road, Edinburgh EH9 2DX

Tel: 0131 668 2797

Fax: 0131 668 2738

E-mail: info@kidzcare.org

Website: www.kidzcare.org

Directors: Fraser Quin, Anne Marie Dunn

Established: 2001

Owns 3 nurseries: Edinburgh, Craigmillar (25), Edinburgh 1, Astley Ainslie Hospital (99), Edinburgh 2 (59)

Also runs: 8 after-school clubs and 2 breakfast clubs

Places: 183

Employees: 160

KINDERCARE

Head office: Hornbeam Business Park, Hookstone Road, Harrogate HG2 8QT

Tel: 01423 815990

Fax: 01423 816284

E-mail: enquiries@kindercareltd.co.uk

Website: www.kindercareltd.co.uk

Director: Mrs J Standeven

Established: 1993

Owns 8 nurseries: Harrogate 1 (146), Harrogate 2 (86), Harrogate 3 (60), Harrogate 4 (44); Leeds 1 (130), Leeds 2 (50), Leeds 3 (40); Ripon (126) (all Yorks)

Places: 682

Employees: 200

KINDERKARE

Head office: Sunnyside, Barbourne Terrace, Worcester WR1 3JR

Tel: 01905 23973

E-mail: info@kinderkare.co.uk

Website: www.kinderkare.co.uk

Director: James Jenner

Established: 2003

Owns 4 nurseries: Exeter (120); Worcester, Hawthorn Cottage (50), London Road Nursery (50), Sunnyside (80)

Places: 300

Employees: 80

THE KINDERGARTENS

Head office: Great Tilden Oast, Tilden Lane, Marden, Kent TN12 9AY

Tel: 01622 833331

Fax: 01622 833313

Website: www.thekindergartens.com

Director: Carol Evelegh (principal)

Established: 1991

Owns 9 nurseries: South-west London, Balham 1 (40), Balham 2 (23), Battersea (30), Clapham 1 (80) Clapham 2 (38), Clapham 3 (23) Kensington (50), Streatham (30), Streatham Hill (20)

Places: 334

Employees: 80

Plans: New acquisitions planned January 2011 in Wandsworth.

KINDER NURSERIES

Head office: Kinder House, Solomon Road, Rainham, Kent ME8 8EB

Tel: 01634 230222

Fax: 01634 364340

E-mail: info@kindernurseries.co.uk

Website: www.kindernurseries.co.uk

Directors: Stewart Hagerty

Established: 1990

Owns 9 nurseries and 10 out-of-school centres: East Malling (84), Hempstead, Gillingham (100), Brompton, Gillingham (158), Gravesend (104), Maidstone (47), Meopham (103), Rainham (104), Sittingbourne (63), Tonbridge (64) (all in Kent)

1 independent school: Meredale Independent School, Rainham (140)

Places: 827

Employees: 217

KINGSCLERE NURSERIES AND COMPLETE CHILDCARE

Head office: Bramley Wood Day Nursery, Crowthorne Road North, Bracknell, Berks RG12 7AR

Tel/Fax: 01344 489328

E-mail: enquiries@completechildcare.co.uk

Websites: www.kingsclere-nurseries.co.uk, www.completechildcare.co.uk

Directors: Alec Hodson, Phil Hennessy, Jonathan Boss

Established: 1986

Owns 10 nurseries: Arborfield (91), Bracknell (78), Finchampstead (33), Newbury (70), Reading 1 (43), Reading 2 (60), Wokingham 1 (24), Wokingham 2 (42), Winnersh (83) (all in Berks); Banbury (80)

Places: 604

Employees: 140

Plans: To extend existing number of registrations and expand geographical coverage further into Berks and Oxon.

THE LAURELS GROUP OF NURSERIES

Head office: 1,514 Melton Road, Queniborough, Leicester LE7 3FN

Tel: 0116 269 3858

Fax: 0116 269 8214

E-mail: admin@the-laurels.net

Website: www.the-laurels.net

Directors: Jayne Morris (operations), Jon Morris (managing), Elaine Parker (childcare and HR)

Established: 1997

Owns 5 nurseries: Market Harborough (60), Melton Mowbray (59), Oadby (22), Queniborough (80), Stoneygate (52) (all in Leics)

Places: 273

Employees: 106

Plans: To continue expansion in Leicestershire.

LILLIPUT CHILDREN'S CENTRES

Head office: Hersham Green, Burwood Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 4AA

Tel: 01932 252202

Fax: 01932 228989

E-mail: walton@lilliput.org.uk

Website: www.lilliput.org.uk

Partners: Tony Cunningham, Phyleen Cunningham

Established: 1992

Owns 3 nurseries: Bagshot (44), Redhill, nr Gatwick (104), Walton-on-Thames (147) (all in Surrey)

Places: 295

Employees: 80

Plans: Considering suitable nursery sites within M25.

LILLIPUT MONTESSORI DAY NURSERIES

Head office: Railway House, Hotel Street, Coalville, Leics LE67 3EQ

Tel: 01530 813913

Fax: 01530 817898

E-mail: samgraveling@aol.com

Directors: Samantha Graveling, Paul Graveling

Established: 1994

Owns 5 nurseries: Anstey (79), Coalville (66), Glenfield (27), Leicester Forest East (87), Whetstone (63) (all in Leics)

Also runs before and after-school clubs.

Places: 322

Employees: 72

LITTLE ACORNS GROUP

Head office: Acorn House, Houghton Street, Warrington, Cheshire WA2 7DD

Tel: 01925 232202

Fax: 01925 235380

E-mail: enquiries@littleacornsgroup.com

Website: www.littleacornsgroup.com

Managing director: Neil Ritchie

Established: 1992

Operates 14 nurseries: Bangor, Gwynedd (20); Boston, Lincs (59); Dunfermline, Fife (62); Ellesmere Port, Cheshire (68); Gomersal, W Yorks (43); Manchester (64); Mirfield, W Yorks (68); Neston, Cheshire (67); Northampton (42); Rothwell, Leeds (45); Warrington 1, Cheshire (94), Warrington 2 (34), Warrington 3 (24); Washington, Tyne and Wear (98); plus creches, playgroups and toddler groups throughout the UK

Places: 788

Employees: 300

Plans: Two further nurseries are planned for 2011.

LITTLE EINSTEIN'S KINDERGARTEN

Head office: Everest Care Homes, Nithsdale Lodge Care Home, 620 Shields Road, Glasgow G41 2RD

Tel: 0141 423 5842

Website: www.littleeinstein.co.uk

Director: Deepak Poddar

Established: 2006

Owns 6 nurseries: Arbroath (61); Dundee 1 (49), Dundee 2 (26); Glasgow 1 (60), Glasgow 2 (66), Glasgow 3 (60); Perth (180). Also owns Thistle Training Company

Places: 502

Employees: 160

Plans: To become the leading childcare provider in Scotland.

LITTLE ONES CHILDCARE

Head office: Pinbrook Industrial Estate, Chancel Lane, Pinhoe, Exeter, Devon EX4 8JS

Tel: 01392 469909

E-mail: info@littleoneschildcare.co.uk/katie@littleoneschildcare.co.uk

Website: www.littleoneschildcare.co.uk

Managing director: Katie Porter

Established: 2000

Owns and manages 6 nurseries: Bovey Tracey (44), Budlake (29), Honiton (33), Westexe (38), Whipton (36), Wonford (33) (all in Devon)

Places: 213

Employees: 85

*LITTLE PEOPLE MONTESSORI GROUP

Head office: Suite 3, Surtees Business Park, Bowesfield Lane, Stockton on Tees TS18 3HG

Tel: 01642 619456

E-mail: tiffany.prescott@littlepeoplemg.co.uk

Website: www.littlepeoplemontessoricentre.co.uk

Directors: Tiffany Prescott, Michelle Tudor

Established: 2007

Owns 4 nurseries: Norton, Stockton on Tees (59); Darlington 1, Co Durham (40); Darlington 2 (24); Thornaby, N Yorks (80) - all with out-of-school places

Runs 1 out-of-school club

Places: 203

Employees: 95

LITTLE PEOPLE NURSERIES

Head office: 250a Lillie Road, Fulham, London SW6 7PX

Tel: 020 7386 0006

Fax: 020 7386 0266

Director: David Gleasure, Jane Sawyer

Established: 1978

Owns 2 nurseries: London, Fulham (80), Willow Vale, Shepherds Bush (35)

Places: 115

Employees: 38

Plans: Looking to purchase or lease nurseries in west London or south-west area.

LONDON EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION (LEYF)

Head office: 121 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4LX

Tel: 020 7834 8679

Fax: 020 7233 8393

Website: www.leyf.org.uk

Chief executive: June O'Sullivan

Established: 1903

Legal structure/status: Registered charity, company limited by guarantee and social enterprise

Manages 20 community nurseries (all in London): Barking and Dagenham, Eastbury (53), Ford Road (50), Furze (52), Leys (50), Wellgate (52); Camden, Fitzrovia (25); Westminster, Abbots Manor (25), Angel (30), Bessborough (35), Carlton Hill (53), Marsham Street (60), Holcroft (24), House of Commons (40), Katharine Bruce (59), Lisson Green (39), Luton Street (35), Mickey Star (36), Queensborough (30), Queens Park (42), Warwick (48)

Places: 838

Employees: 250

LONGACRE CHILDCARE

Head office: Broughton Cottage, London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2TD

Tel: 01732 462339

E-mail: longacrechildcare@tiscali.co.uk

Website: www.longacrechildcare.co.uk

Proprietor: Sally Parson

Established: 1995

Owns 3 nurseries: Sevenoaks, Kent, Dunton Green (27), Otford (19); Tunbridge Wells, Kent (22), plus after-school and holiday clubs in each

Places: 68

Employees: 32

MAGIC NURSERIES

Head office: Swan Centre, Fishers Lane, London W4 1RX

Tel: 020 7060 0158

E-mail: ali@magicnurseries.com

Managing director: Tom Reed

Established: 2002

Owns 10 nurseries: Hitchin, Herts (95); Kirby Muxloe, Leics (45); Loughborough, Leics (72); Northampton (75); Oundle, Northants (43); Redbourn, Herts (94); Rushden, Northants (96); Shepshed, Leics (45); St Ives, Cambs (94); Whitwick, Leics (71)

Places: 730

Employees: 220

Plans: To continue rapid expansion by acquiring high quality individual nurseries and small groups.

MAGIC ROUNDABOUT NURSERIES

Head office: MRN House, Binfield Road, London SW4 6TB

Tel: 020 7498 1195

Fax: 020 7498 1196

Website: www.mrnnursery.co.uk

Director: Farukh Najabat

Established: 1995

Owns 5 nurseries: Bristol (92); London, Docklands (39), Kennington (104, plus 22 after-school places), Stockwell (186, plus 32 after-school places), Walthamstow (126, plus 32 after-school places)

Places: 547

Employees: 140

MAMA BEAR'S DAY NURSERY

Head office: 1st Floor, 60-62 High Street, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3DR

Tel: 0117 958 2033

Fax: 0117 958 2038

E-mail: tonydriffield@mamabear.co.uk

Website: www.mamabear.co.uk

Directors: Bev Driffield, Tony Driffield

Established: 2002

Owns 8 nurseries: Bristol: Brislington (64), Clifton (72), Downend 1 (52), Downend 2 (60), Fishponds (45), Hengrove (37), Shirehampton (68), Soundwell (44); plus out-of-school club at Shirehampton

Places: 442

Employees: 200

Plans: To continue to serve the needs of working families in the West Country.

MILTON KEYNES PREPARATORY SCHOOLS GROUP

Head office: Milton Keynes Preparatory School, Tattenhoe Lane, Milton Keynes MK3 7EG

Tel: 01908 642111

Fax: 01908 366365

Headteacher: Hilary Pauley

Established: 1975

Owns 3 nurseries: Broughton Manor (160), Milton Keynes Preparatory School (250), Walton (100) (all attached to independent preparatory schools in Milton Keynes)

Places: 510

Employees: 100

*NELLY'S NURSERIES

Head office: 27 Turney Road, London SE21 8LX

Tel: 020 8761 4178

E-mail: info@nellys.co.uk

Website: www.nellys.co.uk

Owners: Jez Hill and Sarah Hill

Established: 2002

Owns 3 nurseries: Nelly's Turney Road (30); Nelly's Rosendale Road (48), Nelly's Lancaster Avenue (44) (all in south-east London)

Places: 122

Employees: 50

NEWPARK CHILDCARE

Head office: 67 Highbury New Park, London N5 2EU

Tel: 07966 962077

Fax: 020 7503 0961

Website: www.newparkchildcare.co.uk

Directors: Barry Clutterbuck, Janice Clutterbuck, Tiffany Clutterbuck

Established: 1994

Owns 3 nurseries: London, Barbican (24), Highbury (32), Shepherds Bush (82)

2 Montessori schools: London, Highbury, Shepherds Bush

Places: 138

Employees: 26

Plans: Ongoing expansion.

NORTHUMBRIAN TRUST DAY NURSERIES

Head office: 301 Chillingham Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 5SB

Tel: 0191 265 6501

Fax: 0191 265 6353

E-mail: enquiries@northumbriantrustdaynurseries.co.uk

Website: www.northumbriantrustdaynurseries.co.uk

Directors: JP Gould, EG Gould, JJ Gould

Established: 1994

Owns 4 nurseries: Newcastle-upon-Tyne (87, plus out-of-school club); Spennymoor, Co Durham (43); Stockton-on-Tees (80, plus out-of-school club); York (30).

Also operates a training centre.

Places: 189

Employees: 64

NUNTHORPE NURSERIES GROUP

Head office: 2 The Crescent, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough TS7 0JP

Tel/Fax: 01642 325312

E-mail: nunthorpenurseries@callnetuk.com

Website: www.nunthorpenurseries-grp.co.uk

Directors: Paul Nelson, Ian Howlett

Established: 1989

Owns 9 nurseries: Billingham (50), Brambles Farm (78), Ingleby Barwick (60), Middlesbrough 1 (76), Middlesbrough 2 (85), Middlesbrough 3 (51), Nunthorpe 2 (76), Ormesby 1 (51), Stockton-on-Tees (62) (all in Teesside)

Out-of-school and holiday clubs at each setting.

Places: 589

Employees: 145

NYEHOME NURSERY SCHOOLS

Head office: Barony Court, Barony Road, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5RD

Tel/Fax: 01270 610846

E-mail: headoffice@nyehome.co.uk

Website: www.nyehome.co.uk

Managing director: Nora Connolly

Established: 1966

Owns 4 nurseries: Nantwich (77), Sandbach (40) (both in Cheshire); The Wirral, Cheshire, Arrowe Park (75), Clatterbridge (63)

Places: 260

Employees: 55

THE OLD STATION NURSERY

Head office: 7 Park Road, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 7BP

Tel/Fax: 01367 243800

E-mail: enquiries@theoldstationnursery.co.uk

Website: www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk

Managing director: Sarah Steel

Established: 2002

Owns 14 nurseries: RAF Benson, Oxon (106); RAF Cottesmore, Rutland (98); Faringdon, Oxon (60); Filkins, Oxon (30); Gainsborough College, Lincs (19); Innsworth, Glos. (64), Lincoln, Lincoln College (25), The Marina (44), RAF Waddington (111), Waterside (30), Wragby Road (42); RAF Linton-on-Ouse, N Yorks (80); Newark College, Notts (30); Stoke Park Creche, Stoke Poges, Bucks (30)

Owns 4 out-of-school clubs: Buckland, Oxon (16); Cottesmore (24); Watlington (24); Wragby Road, Lincoln (16)

Places: 769

Employees: 250

ONCE UPON A TIME DAY NURSERIES

Head office: Blair Athol House, Ashfield Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 5BB

Tel: 020 8751 5810

Fax: 020 8844 0800

Website: www.onceuponatimedaynurseries.co.uk

Proprietor: Lorna Hackland-Crowther

Established: 1989

Owns 6 nurseries: Hillingdon, Eastcote (26), Hayes (26), Uxbridge 1 (42), Uxbridge 2 (26); Hounslow, Feltham (51), Lower Feltham (35)

Owns 4 out-of-school clubs: Eastcote (34), Uxbridge 1 (48), Uxbridge 2 (30), West Drayton (40)

Owns 4 holiday clubs: Eastcote (34), Uxbridge 1 (48), Uxbridge 2 (30), West Drayton (40)

Places: 206

Employees: 102

Plans: To continue to invest in our settings and staff development, and to expand our portfolio.

ORANGES AND LEMONS NURSERIES

Head office: Belsize House, Belsize Road, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 1NF

Tel: 01382 737935

Fax: 01382 737794

Website: www.orangeslemons.co.uk

Area manager: Nikki Black

Manager: Dianne Robertson

Established: 1998

Owns 6 nurseries: Dundee, Broughty Ferry (60), Clement Park Place (50), Dunsinane (50), Rosebank 1 (50), Rosebank 2 (50), Technology Park (100)

Places: 360

Employees: 145

PICCOLO NURSERIES

Head office: 209 Bradford Road, Shipley, W Yorks BD18 3AA

Tel/Fax: 01274 582755

Proprietors: Lisa Hardy, Pete Spencer

Established: 1989

Owns 2 nurseries: Saltaire (71), Shipley (30) (both in Yorks), plus out-of-school clubs at Saltaire

Places: 101

Employees: 25

PINOCCHIO'S CHILDREN'S NURSERIES

Head office: Pinocchio's Nursery, Newbattle Road, Eskbank, Midlothian EH22 3AE

Tel: 0131 660 3631

Website: www.pinocchiosnursery.co.uk

Directors: Stratos Koulis, Lewissa Koulis

Owns 5 nurseries: Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University (55); Eskbank (70), Gilmerton (48), Lasswade (64), Penicuick (55) (all in Midlothian)

Places: 292

Employees: 120

PIXIELAND DAY NURSERIES

Head office: 10 Springfield Drive, Milehouse Road, Plymouth PL3 4DU

Tel: 01752 511007

Fax: 01752 515254

Proprietor: Caroline Francis

Established: 1983

Owns/manages 5 nurseries: Devonport, MoD (32); Plymouth, Mannamead (79), Milehouse (92), Town Centre (26); Saltash (130) (all in Devon)

Places: 359

Employees: 92

PLACES FOR CHILDREN

Head office: The White House, 10 Clifton, York YO30 6AE

Tel: 01904 650150

Fax: 01904 673747

Managing director: Carol Jenkins

Established: 2003

Owns 12 nurseries: Hounslow, Middlesex (90); London, Barking (76), Charlton (40), Dagenham 1 (30), Dagenham 2 (54), Eltham (52), Hackney (50), Islington (76), Woolwich (52); Newcastle upon Tyne 1 (100), Newcastle 2, Newbiggin Hall (49); Watford (60)

Places: 729

Employees: 186

Plans: New nursery opening in Milton Keynes, Bucks in January 2011.

PLUS THREE NURSERIES

Head office: Hope House, 21c Balliol Way, Olsmoor, Sandhurst, Berks GU47 0QN

Tel: 01344 482671/07970 030769

E-mail: plusthreenursery@aol.com

Website: www.plusthreenurseries.com

Director: Sue Butler

Senior nursery manager: Jenny Belcher

Established: 1985

Owns 3 nurseries: Bracknell, Berks: Farley Wood (45), Martins Heron (45), Newell Green (60)

Places: 150

Employees: 20

POSITIVE STEPS CHILDREN'S DAY NURSERY

Head office: Lower Church Street, Stokenchurch, Bucks HP14 3TG

Tel: 01494 484762  

Fax: 01494 484265

Website: www.positivestepsnurseries.co.uk

Directors: Paul Clarke, Michelle Richardson

Established: 2000

Owns 5 nurseries: Apsley, Herts (90); Maidenhead 1, Berks (90), Maidenhead 2 (76); Shellingford, Oxon (55); Stokenchurch, Bucks (58)

Places: 369

Employees: 120

PREMIER CRECHE SERVICES

Head office: Gains Lodge East, Gains Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 5AN

Tel: 01743 366858

Fax: 01743 344872

Directors: Peter and Susan Cunningham, Glenda Green and Christine Peacock

Established: 1985

Manages 7 shoppers' creches: Bristol, Cribbs Shopping Centre (60); Glasgow Fort (40); Manchester, The Trafford Centre (60); Milton Keynes, Bucks, Milton Keynes Shopping Centre (30); Sheffield, The Source Day Nursery (20); Swindon, Wilts, Great Western Designer Outlet Village (24) 18 Ikea Smaland and ballrooms: Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs; Belfast; Bristol; Cardiff; Coventry; Dublin; Edinburgh; Gateshead; Glasgow; Leeds; London, Wembley, Edmonton; Milton Keynes; Nottingham; Southampton; Lakeside, Essex; Warrington, Cheshire; Wednesbury, W Midlands

Places: 264

Employees: 300

PRE-SCHOOL LEARNING ALLIANCE

Head office: The Fitzpatrick Building, 188 York Way, London N7 9AD

Tel: 020 7697 2527

Fax: 020 7700 0319

E-mail: info@pre-school.org.uk

Website: www.pre-school.org.uk

Chief executive: Steve Alexander

Established: 1961

Owns 33 nurseries and children's centres: Aylesham, Canterbury, Kent (46); Ashby, Scunthorpe, Lincs (49); Basildon 1, Essex (50), Basildon 2 (50); Billingham, Cleveland (50); Birmingham, Acocks Green (48), Bartley Green (50), Quinton (42); Bridport, Dorset (36); Erith 1, Kent (72), Erith 2 (70); Ilfracombe, Devon (35); Keighley, W Yorks (45); London, Kidbrooke (49), Lewisham (70); Lincoln (50); Ludlow, Shropshire (37); Manchester, Cheetham Hill (49); Marazion, Cornwall (26); New Addington, Croydon, Surrey (62); Reydon, Southwold, Suffolk (38); Runcorn, Cheshire, Brookvale (60), Grangeway (54); Southampton, Hants (42); Shoeburyness, Essex (62); Southend-on-Sea, Essex (63); Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland (75); St Erth, Cornwall (20); Thamesmead, Kent (84); Tipton, W Midlands (36); Tonge, Bolton, Lancs (62); Tiverton, Devon (40); Williton, Taunton, Somerset (30)

Places: 1,652

Employees: 642

PRIMLEY PARK CHILDREN'S NURSERIES

Head office: 48 Nursery Lane, Alwoodley, Leeds LS17 7HW

Tel: 0113 266 7221

Fax: 0113 288 8833

E-mail: sahutchinson@fsmail.net

Directors: Sandra Hutchinson, Malcolm Hutchinson

Established: 1991

Owns 3 nurseries: Leeds, Alwoodley (50), Moortown (50), Roundhay (75)

Places: 175

Employees: 70

PUFFINS OF EXETER CHILDCARE CENTRES

Head office: 13 Mont le Grand, Heavitree, Exeter, Devon EX1 2PD

Tel: 01392 496017

Fax: 01392 439903

Website: www.puffinschildcare.co.uk

Managing directors: Maureen Gard, Rosalind Taylor, Gemma Rolstone (operations director)

Established: 1990

Owns 7 nurseries: Exeter, Clystheath (60), Heavitree (40), St Leonards (72), Southernhay (70), Sowton (60), Winslade Park (46); Torquay, Shiphay (48). Training and assessment centre offers NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4, plus technical certificate for foundation and advanced modern apprenticeship courses.

2 after-school clubs: Exeter, Clyst St Mary (16), Manston Terrace (30)

Places: 264

Employees: 169

RAINBOW NURSERY

Head office: St Marks Hall, Birling Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5LX

Tel: 01892 516677

Proprietors: Lorraine Evans, David Evans, Amanda Semark, James Semark

Established: 1991

Owns 2 nurseries: Tunbridge Wells 1, Kent (26), Tunbridge Wells 2 (30)

Places: 56

Employees: 14

Plans: To open a third nursery.

*RAINBOW NURSERY

Head office: 14 Moss Way, Hillend Industrial Estate, Dalgety, Fife KY11 9JS

Tel: 01383 821970

E-mail: rainbownursery2@btconnect.com

Website: www.rainbowchildcarefife.co.uk

Directors: Craig Skinner, Ian Skinner

Established: chain acquired 2010

Owns 3 nurseries: Glenrothes (79), St Andrews (64), Dalgety Bay (89) (all in Fife)

Places: 232

Employees: 70

RASCALS DAY NURSERIES

Head office: 121a Circular Road, Belfast BT4 2GE

Tel: 028 9076 1333  

Fax: 028 9076 9333

Managing directors: Lynne D'Arcy, Roger D'Arcy

Established: 1988

Owns 7 nurseries: Belfast, Belfast East 1 (156), Belfast East 2 (50), Belfast South 1 (50), Belfast South 2 (28), Belfast North 1 (50), Belfast North 2 (100); Londonderry (50)

Places: 484

Employees: 208

Plans: Belfast South 3 (140) opening in January; also seeking acquisitions and organic growth.

ROSEDENE NURSERIES

Head office: Guisborough Day Nursery, 66a Hutton Lane, Guisborough TS14 6QP

Tel: 01287 633007

E-mail: enquiries@rosedenenurseries.co.uk

Website: www.rosedenenurseries.co.uk

Directors: Clare McCullagh, John McCullagh

Established: 1993

Owns 6 nurseries: Guisborough (54), Hemlington (50), Middlesborough, St Thomas More School (36), Ormesby (41), Saltburn by the Sea (45), Yarm (52) (all in Cleveland)

Places: 272

Employees: 80

ROSY APPLE CHILDCARE

Head office: 23 Herschell Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 3QU

Tel: 01772 200718

E-mail: sharon@rosyapplechildcare.com

Website: www.rosyapplechildcare.com

Managing director: Sharon Alexander

Established: 2003

Owns 5 nurseries: Blackburn (75); Lancs County Council Workplace (42); Preston 1, Avenham (62), Preston 2, Ribbleton (59), Preston 3, Ribbleton Children's Centre (59)

Places: 297

Employees: 72

Plans: To develop nursery buildings and increase registered occupancy at two nurseries to satisfy growing demand for places.

RHYMETIME NURSERY

Head office: Connolly Lodge, Berrywood Close, St Crispins, Northampton NN5 4BW

Tel: 01604 586440

E-mail: michelle.avenue@btinternet.com

Managing director: Michelle Harris

Established: 2000

Owns 6 nurseries: Corby (70), Kettering (64), Northampton (96), Rushden (94), Woodleys Farm Day Nursery (40), Woodleys Park Day Nursery (72), (all in Northants)

Places: 436

Employees: 80

SEQUAL CHILDCARE

Head office: St Swithun's House, 21 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 3NS

Tel: 0845 370 0215  

Fax: 0845 370 0219

E-mail: info@sequalchildcare.co.uk

Website: www.sequalchildcare.co.uk

Directors: Stephen Fraser

Established: 2008

Owns 2 nurseries: Bournemouth, Boscombe (48), Southbourne (20)

Places: 68

Employees: 22

Plans: Plans for future nurseries throughout the southern region in the next financial year.

SEYMOUR HOUSE DAY NURSERY SCHOOLS

Head office: Seymour House, 140 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1RN

Tel: 01245 213213

E-mail: admin@seymourhouse.co.uk

Website: www.seymourhouse.co.uk

Directors: John Player, Julie Player

Established: 1988

Owns 8 nurseries: Basildon (55); Chelmsford, Broomfield Hospital (50), Broomfield Road (50), Lawn Lane (112), Springfield Road (50); Colchester (51); Laindon (51); Wickford (113) (all in Essex)

Places: 532

Employees: 168

SIXPENNY CHILDCARE

Head office: Kennet Barns, Church Lane, Mildenhall, nr Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 2LU

Tel: 01672 515763

E-mail: kate@sixpenny-childcare.co.uk

Website: www.steppingstonesschool.co.uk

Proprietor: Kate Easter

Established: 2001

Owns 5 nurseries: Aldbourne (39), Devizes (33), Froxfield (54), Marlborough (68) (all in Wiltshire)

Places: 194

Employees: 80

Plans: Further expansion in Wiltshire and neighbouring counties.

SMALLWORLD PRE-SCHOOLS

Head office: Leftwich Primary School, Old Hall Road, Leftwich, Northwich CW8 3DH

Tel: 01606 45422  

Fax: 0870 706 4899

E-mail: maria_baker@btconnect.com or walton2000uk@yahoo.co.uk

Website: www.smallworldpreschools.co.uk

Established: 1994

Directors: Maria Baker, Sharon Walton

Owns 6 nurseries: Distington (23), Workington (52) (both in Cumbria); Leftwich (44, plus 16 beforeand after-school places); Sandiway (52, plus 48 beforeand after-school places); Winsford (36, plus 16 beforeand after-school places) (all in Cheshire)

Places: 207

Employees: 30

SNAPDRAGONS NURSERIES

Head office: Prospect Farm, 43 Bath Road, Atworth, Melksham, Wilts SN12 8JW

Tel: 01225 707009

Fax: 01225 705076

Website: www.snapdragonsnursery.com

Directors: Paul Collard, Rosemary Collard

Established: 1998

Owns 6 nurseries: Atworth (31), Corsham 1 (100), Corsham 2 (70), Melksham (27) (all in Wilts); Bath, Somerset, Grosvenor (60), Weston (134)

4 out-of-school clubs: Atworth (8), Corsham 1 (48), Corsham 2 (16), Weston (50)

Places: 422

Employees: 128

SNEAKERS CHILDCARE

Head office: 15 Lodge Pool Drive, Lodge Park, Redditch, Worcs B98 7LH

Tel: 01527 523279

Director: Karyn Maddison

Established: 1995

Owns 3 nurseries: Redditch 1, Worcs (34), Redditch 2 (14) (both part of Sure Start children's centres); Studley, Warks (30)

8 before-and after-school clubs and 1 holiday club (2 are part of Sure Start children's centres, all in Worcs)

Places: 78

Employees: 55

SPRINGFIELD LODGE DAY NURSERIES

Head office: Powder Mill Lane, Dartford, Kent DA1 1NT

Tel: 01322 228154  

Fax: 01322 319116

Website: www.springfieldldn.co.uk

Directors: Linda Berriman, Sonia McCluskey

Nursery managing director: Linda Berriman

Owns 2 nurseries: Dartford, Kent (175); Swanscombe, Kent (144)

Owns 2 after-school and holiday clubs: Dartford Holiday (50-70), Swanscombe Holiday (30)

Places: 319

Employees: 75

*ST PETER'S SCHOOL

Head office: Harefield, Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5AU

Tel: 01395 274 938

Directors: Mr J Middleton and Mr and Mrs C Abram

Owns 3 nurseries: Exeter 1, Devon (40), Exeter 2 (63); Exmouth (56)

Places: 159

SUNHILL DAYCARE (EUROPE)

Head office: PO Box 157, Royston, Herts SG8 9WY

Tel: 01763 247474

Fax: 01763 243033

Website: www.sunhilldaycare.com

E-mail: enquiries@sunhilldaycare.com

Directors: managing director, Geoff Chapman; head of operations, Claire Jones; facilities manager, Steve Moss; quality manager, Kirsty Love

Established: 1991

Owns 8 nurseries and 1 out- of-school club: Abington (82), St Neots 1 (47), St Neots 2 (25) (all in Cambs); Aylesbury, Bucks (94); Basildon, Essex (87); Berkhamsted (87), Hemel Hempstead (77), Royston (30) (all in Herts); Luton, Beds (75)

Places: 604

Employees: 150

Plans: Two new projects pending planning approval, and further acquisitions are under consideration in the south-east.

SWINGBOAT NURSERIES

Head office: 147-149 Hermitage Road, Whitwick, Leics LE67 5EL

Tel: 01530 814477

E-mail: info@hermitagedaynursery.co.uk

Website: www.swingboatnurseries.co.uk

Directors: Elaine Blunt, Graham Blunt

Established: 1996

Owns 3 nurseries: Ashby (50), Hermitage (80) (both in Leics); Woodville, Derbys (110)

4 out-of-school clubs: Ashby-de-la-Zouch (48), Griffydam (48), Whitwick (49) (all in Leics); Woodville (48)

Places: 240

Employees: 132

Plans: Looking at future purchase and development.

TARA KINDERGARTENS

Head office: 4 Ridgemead Close, Southgate, London N14 6NW

Tel: 020 8886 8334  

Fax: 020 8886 8334

Proprietor: Raj Nagendran

Established: 1992

Owns 4 nurseries: Enfield (50), Uxbridge (60) (both Middlesex); London, Edmonton (72), Southgate (100)

Places: 282

Employees: 90

THOMAS'S LONDON DAY SCHOOLS

Head office: Monmouth Court, Southampton Road, Ringwood, Hants BH24 1HE

Tel: 01425 481500  

Fax: 01425 481501

Website: www.thomas-s.co.uk

Principals: Tobyn Thomas, Ben Thomas, David Thomas, Joanna Thomas

Established: 1972

Owns 2 kindergartens: London, Battersea (46), Pimlico (50)

4 preparatory schools: London, Battersea (550), Clapham (580), Fulham (420), Kensington (359)

Places: 96

Employees: 500

TINY TOEZ

Head office: 224/226 Milton Road, Sneyd Green, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST1 6HT

Tel: 01782 265000  

Fax: 01782 269933

E-mail: eastvalley@tinytoez.com

Website: www.tinytoez.co.uk

Directors: Ranjana Mair, Kamal Mair

Established: 2004

Owns 6 nurseries: Cannock, Staffordshire (48); Nottingham (60); Stoke-on-Trent 1 (56), Stoke-on-Trent 2 (62), Stoke-on-Trent 3 (57); Stourport, Worcs (41); Tipton, W Midlands (66)

Places: 390

Employees: 93

Plans: To provide a caring and safe learning environment where individual attention maximises and enriches the development and potential of children in their first journey through life.

TOAD HALL NURSERY GROUP

Head office: 3rd Floor, Wembley Point, 1 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6DE

Tel: 020 8795 0650

Fax: 020 8903 3557

Website: www.toadhall-nursery.co.uk

Director: Sarah Owen

Established: 1998

Owns 16 nurseries: Chessington, Surrey (69); Ealing (50); Haslemere, Surrey (79); Hitchin, Herts (75); Horley, Surrey (53); Iver, Bucks, Pinewood Film Studios (41); Langley, Berks (60); Ottershaw, Surrey (42); Ripley, Surrey (40); Shepperton Film Studios, Middlesex (42); Swindon, Wilts (176); Walton-on-Thames 1, Surrey (81), Walton-on-Thames 2 (48), Walton-on Thames 3 (12); Watford, Herts (90); Woking, Surrey (112)

2 after-school clubs and playschemes: Swindon (50), Walton-on-Thames (24)

Places: 1,070

Employees: 275

TOPS DAY NURSERIES

Head office: Unit 11, Bournemouth Central Business Park, Southcote Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 3SJ

Tel: 01202 551553  

Fax: 01202 551303

E-mail: admin@topsdaynurseries.co.uk

Director: Cheryl Hadland

Established: 1990

Owns 11 nurseries: Boscombe (85, plus 23 playclub); Bournemouth, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (100, plus 24 playclub); Newport, Isle of Wight, IoW College (61, including playclub); Poole (105, plus 24 playclub); Parkstone (56); Portsmouth, Queen Alexandra Hospital (87, plus 12 playclub); Taunton: Bridgwater Road (35), Musgrove Park Hospital (90, plus 32 playclub); Wareham (47); Wimborne (71, plus 27 playclub); Winchester, Royal Hampshire County Hospital (61). Creche opportunities avaiable. Also provides Training in Care, with Beacon Awarded Aspire Training Team. Also owns two care homes in Dorset.

Places: 798

Employees: 350

TORRIDON EDUCATION GROUP

Head office: 23a King Street, Lossiemouth, Moray IV31 6PZ

Tel: 01343 813342

Managing director: Sharon Hayward

Established: 1994

Owns 2 nurseries: Elgin Bishopmill Pre-School Centre (60), Torridon Pre-School Nursery (60) (both in Moray) and an accredited training centre offering SVQs in childcare and education.

Places: 120

Employees: 15

*TOWNSEND MONTESSORI NURSERIES

Head office: Port Regis Montessori Nursery, Convent Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3PR

Tel: 01843 600 444

E-mail: office@tmnurseries.com

Website: www.tmnurseries.com

Managing director: Philippa Townsend

Established: 2005

Owns 4 nurseries: Broadstairs (94); Margate (58); Ramsgate (98); Whitstable (100) (all in Kent). All nurseries have a holiday club.

Places: 350

Employees: 69

Plans: Opening a 100-place nursery in Ashford, Kent this year, and a 78-place nursery in Faversham, Kent in January.

TREETOPS NURSERIES

Head office: 1 St James' Court, Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BT

Tel: 01332 223553  

Fax: 01332 223593

E-mail: info@treetopsnurseries.co.uk

Website: www.treetopsnurseries.co.uk

Managing director: David Hancock

Established: 1990

Owns 31 nurseries: Ashbourne (50), Barlborough (83), Belper 1 (90), Belper 2 (90) Derby (64), Duffield (58), Matlock (82), Oakwood (65) (all in Derbys); Birlingham, Worcs (62); Bolton, Lancs (78); Bromborough, Merseyside (68); Carlton House, Wirral (98); Cheam, Surrey (62); Chester, Cheshire (64); Deeping St James, Lincs (50); Dudley, W Midlands (75); Epsom, Surrey (68); London, Fulham (130), Teddington (63); Gloucester (68); Headingley, Leeds (54); Hyde, Cheshire (90); King's Heath, Birmingham (50); Mansfield, Notts (75); Neston, Merseyside (65); Pudsey, Leeds (92); St Neot's, Cambs (93); Sutton, Surrey (43); Tewkesbury, Glos (56); Toton, Nottingham (65); Worksop, Notts (85)

Places: 2,236

Employees: 800

*TUDOR HOUSE MONTESSORI

Head office: Tudor House Montessori, Gloucester Road, Burgess Hill, W Sussex RH15 8QD

Tel: 01444 241 491

E-mail: TudorHouseMontessori@hotmail.com

Managing director: Carole-Ann Benson

Established: 1998

Owns 6 nurseries: Burgess Hill 1 (41), Burgess Hill 2 (48), Burgess Hill 3 (26); Haywards Heath (44); Lindfield 1 (30), Lindfield 2 (28) (all in W Sussex)

1 after-school club at Lavender Lodge, Burgess Hill

Places: 217

Employees: 50

TURTLES CHILDREN'S NURSERIES

Head office: Wolverhampton Road, Penkridge, Staffs ST19 5DR

Tel/Fax: 01785 716111

Directors: Karen Laycock, Greg Laycock

Established: 1996

Owns 3 nurseries: Penkridge 1 (36), Penkridge 2 (48), Stafford (64) (all in Staffs)

2 before-and after-school clubs and 1 holiday 48-place playscheme

Places: 148

Employees: 50

WHITE HORSE CHILD CARE/THE TREES DAY CARE NURSERIES

Head office: Stanley House, 65 Victoria Road, Swindon, Wilts SN1 3BB

Tel: 01793 488988

Fax: 01793 488428

Directors: Richard Lay, Lester Lay, Lloyd Lay, Peter Lay

Established: 1989

Owns 4 nurseries: Devizes, Wilts (68); Southampton, Portswood (85), Shirley (83); Swindon, Wilts (88)

Places: 324

Employees: 84

Plans: To purchase properties suitable for nurseries for at least 48 children.

WIND IN THE WILLOWS CHILD CARE

Head office: 45 Cross Lane, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9PT

Tel: 01925 221445

Fax: 01925 220220

Directors: Ginny Taylor, Neil Taylor

Established: 1993

Owns 4 nurseries: Canal Street (54), Earle Street (49), Pewfall (29), Sefton (54) (all in Merseyside)

2 after-school clubs: Cross Lane (16), Newton-le-Willows (40) (both in Merseyside)

Places: 186

Employees: 56

WYNGARTH DAY NURSERY

Head office: Wyngarth, 26 Kings Road, Westend, Colwyn Bay, Colwyn LL29 7YH

Tel: 01492 533151

E-mail: neale.v@tesco.net

Website: www.wyngarthdaynursery.com

Director: Victoria Neale

Established: 2006

Owns 3 nurseries: Colwyn (35); Glanwydden (18); Llandudno Junction (35)

Places: 88

Employees: 20

*YELLOW DOT NURSERY

Head office: Deer Park Court, Ampfield, Hants

E-mail: Jane@yellowdotnursery.co.uk

Website: www.yellowdotnursery.co.uk

Directors: Jane Dyke, Trevor Dyke

Established: 1997

Owns 4 nurseries and 2 kindergartens in Hants

Places: 287

Employees: 137

Plans: Opening a 64-place nursery in March 2011.

WHAT THE DIRECTORY COVERS

• This list includes details of all the private and independent chains of nurseries, kindergartens, playgroups and creches known to Nursery World. Under the term 'chain' we have included groups with only two nurseries up and running if they have specific and imminent plans for expansion, or also offer some other form of childcare provision.

• While we have tried to be comprehensive, we may have omitted some chains not known to us. If your chain is not in our listing, please contact us at nurserychains.nw@haymarket.com and we can include you in the next edition of Nursery Chains, due out in October 2011.

• Individual nurseries have not usually been named. Figures after each nursery's location denote the number of places they are registered for. The number of employees includes full-time and part-time staff unless otherwise stated. Nurseries are listed alphabetically by location.

• 'Places' denotes the total number of registered nursery places. This does not include nursery classes in schools, out-of-school care or holiday places, but does include creche provision and places in any nurseries that are owned and managed by each group. We have included plans only where they are specific. The information in each entry reflects the state of play as at the end of October 2010.

• * Denotes entries that are new for this issue of Nursery Chains.