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Handkerchief Day Nursery Kegworth is renowned for its extensive outdoor learning environment, which forms a central part of the nursery experience. Highly experienced Forest School leaders deliver daily Forest School sessions, supporting children as they explore the natural world through hands-on activities. Under close supervision, children are encouraged to use real tools, chop wood, cook over a fire pit, and enjoy experiences such as making hot chocolate, while the discovery cabin provides year-round outdoor learning opportunities in all weather conditions.
Both indoors and outdoors, children are encouraged to explore a wide range of open-ended resources designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and a sense of awe and wonder each day.
The dedicated and knowledgeable staff team nurtures children’s natural inquisitiveness, supporting learning through exploration and play while building strong relationships with each key child.
Mealtimes are a sensory experience, with the comforting smell of freshly baked bread and the chef’s much-loved lemon drizzle cake filling the nursery. Children are provided with healthy, delicious meals made using locally sourced ingredients, supporting both wellbeing and an appreciation for good food.
Type of Service
- Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all yearFull days available
YesGroup / Owner
- Family First Day Nurseries
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Julie Stamps (Nursery Manager)
Number of Childcare Staff
- 30
Total Places for Children
- 110
Age Range
- from 0 years 3 months
- to 5 years 0 months
Opening Times
- Monday08:00-18:00
- Tuesday08:00-18:00
- Wednesday08:00-18:00
- Thursday08:00-18:00
- Friday08:00-18:00
When Closed
- Bank Holidays & Christmas
Parking
- Onsite parking available.
Funding & Fees
We don't have fee or funding details for this nursery. Contact them directly.
Contact Handkerchief Day Nursery to get a personalised quote:
Handkerchief Day Nursery Reviews (64)
Handkerchief Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.939) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Handkerchief Day Nursery has 64 reviews.
My daughter has attended from when she was 1 until going to school. In every room, she has been well cared for by friendly, attentive staff who have taken the time to get to know her and us. The provision is engaging and has supported her to thrive at each developmental stage and the outdoor...
My daughter has attended from when she was 1 until going to school. In every room, she has been well cared for by friendly, attentive staff who have taken the time to get to know her and us. The provision is engaging and has supported her to thrive at each developmental stage and the outdoor facilities are fantastic. My daughter's more complex dietary and medical needs have been well met by the nursery and staff have been happy to accommodate her additional requirements. We're very sad to be at the end of her time at Handkerchief but she has had the best possible start before school.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Were delighted to hear that your daughter has had such a positive experience throughout her time at Handkerchief Day Nursery. Its lovely to know that she has felt supported at every stage of her development and that our team has been able to meet her individual needs with care and attention.
We chose Handkerchief at the start of the year for our children after moving house. A three year old had been going to a different nursery since ten months old, and our little girl was just going to join the baby room at six months. The transition of our 3 year old was amazing. They really helped...
Both kids get the support they need at the right level. The outside space is brilliant and it's used a lot, rain or shine. And forest school, our little boy loves. Both are super excited to go and don't always want to come home.
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're so pleased to hear that both of your children settled in so well and that our team was able to make the transition a positive experience for your family. It's lovely to know they're enjoying our outdoor spaces and Forest School, and that they look forward to coming each day. Thank you for trusting us with their care and for your kind recommendation.
Handkerchiefs is a welcoming, humble, joyful place. Our baby moved unexpectedly here and she took to it ecxcellently! The staff are warm and show genuine care about her. The food is loved by my little one, with the most varied menu I have come across. The outdoor environment is rustic and great for...
Handkerchiefs is a welcoming, humble, joyful place. Our baby moved unexpectedly here and she took to it ecxcellently! The staff are warm and show genuine care about her. The food is loved by my little one, with the most varied menu I have come across. The outdoor environment is rustic and great for little explorers to be at one with nature. I would definitely recommend this Nursery. My extremely good encounters have been with Penny, Jayne and Deputy Manager Zoe; they are a credit to your team!
Thank you for your lovely review and for recommending Handkerchief Nursery.
We're so pleased to hear that your daughter settled in so well and has enjoyed her time with us. It's wonderful to know that our team's care, the varied menu and our outdoor environment have all contributed to a positive...
Thank you for your lovely review and for recommending Handkerchief Nursery.
We're so pleased to hear that your daughter settled in so well and has enjoyed her time with us. It's wonderful to know that our team's care, the varied menu and our outdoor environment have all contributed to a positive experience for your family.
Thank you also for your kind words about Penny, Jayne and Zoe. We will be sure to share your feedback with them. They will be delighted to know they've made such a positive impression.
We really appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to support your little one's learning and development.
She is always happy to attend nursery and is excited to see her favourite key worker. My daughter has thrived and her...
She is always happy to attend nursery and is excited to see her favourite key worker. My daughter has thrived and her confidence had grown since going to nursery.. I'm really pleased with the nursery as a whole, I know there recent offstead wasn't the best but the nursery have worked hard to make the chances where necessary.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
We're delighted to hear that your daughter enjoys coming to nursery and has built such a positive relationship with her key worker. It's wonderful to know that she has grown in confidence and continues to thrive as she progresses through...
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
We're delighted to hear that your daughter enjoys coming to nursery and has built such a positive relationship with her key worker. It's wonderful to know that she has grown in confidence and continues to thrive as she progresses through the rooms.
We also appreciate your recognition of the work the team has put in following our recent Ofsted inspection. We remain committed to continuous improvement and providing the best possible experience for our children and families.
Thank you for your support and trust in the nursery team.
The nursery is wonderful. My son who is now 8 attended and my 2 year old currently. Despite changing from privately owned to family first I was pleased to find the nursery just as great as when my eldest attended. I had viewed so many nurseries and my 2 year old attended elsewhere to begin with but...
The nursery is wonderful. My son who is now 8 attended and my 2 year old currently. Despite changing from privately owned to family first I was pleased to find the nursery just as great as when my eldest attended. I had viewed so many nurseries and my 2 year old attended elsewhere to begin with but he just wasn't happy. Now at Hankerchief he is thriving. The staff are superstars and the rooms are stimulating, fun, safe, cosy and clean.
Thank you for your lovely review and for choosing us for both of your children.
We're so pleased to hear that your youngest is happy and thriving with us. It's especially rewarding to know that you found the nursery just as positive after the transition to Family First.
Thank you for your...
Thank you for your lovely review and for choosing us for both of your children.
We're so pleased to hear that your youngest is happy and thriving with us. It's especially rewarding to know that you found the nursery just as positive after the transition to Family First.
Thank you for your kind comments about our team and environment. We work hard to provide a safe, engaging, and welcoming place for children, and it's great to hear that this has made a difference to your family.
We really appreciate your continued support.
My son has been attending since August 2025 and he absolutely loves it here, he gets excited to go, which says everything. The staff are all so lovely, caring, and supportive, and they've created such a warm and welcoming environment.He has developed so much and learned an incredible amount. We've...
It's so reassuring as a parent to know your child is happy, safe, and genuinely thriving. We're so grateful to all the staff for the care and effort they put into every day. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation.
We are delighted to hear how much your son enjoys attending the nursery and that he is excited to come each day. Creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where children feel happy and confident is something we are very...
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation.
We are delighted to hear how much your son enjoys attending the nursery and that he is excited to come each day. Creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where children feel happy and confident is something we are very passionate about.
It is especially rewarding to hear about the progress he has made in his confidence, communication, and overall development since joining us. We are also pleased that he enjoys the outdoor experiences and opportunities to explore and learn through play outside.
Your kind words about our team and the care they provide each day mean a great deal to us, and we will be sure to share your feedback with all of the staff.
Thank you again for your continued trust and support.
The staff are friendly and helpful and genuinely care about the children and building strong relationships with them!
My little boy has been in each room now and has come away every day with a big smile...
The staff are friendly and helpful and genuinely care about the children and building strong relationships with them!
My little boy has been in each room now and has come away every day with a big smile on his face, my little girl is currently in babies and really enjoys it :)
A great nursery with great staff that id recommend to anyone!
Thank you very much for your kind review and recommendation.
We are delighted to hear that both of your children are so happy and settled with us. It is wonderful to know that your little boy has enjoyed his journey through each room and that your little girl is also thriving in our baby...
Thank you very much for your kind review and recommendation.
We are delighted to hear that both of your children are so happy and settled with us. It is wonderful to know that your little boy has enjoyed his journey through each room and that your little girl is also thriving in our baby room.
Our team takes great pride in building strong, caring relationships with every child and family, so your lovely feedback means a great deal to us. We will be sure to share your comments with the staff.
Thank you again for your continued support and trust in our nursery.
Our son moved to handkerchief nursery at the start of the new year, following the closure of the nursery he was previously at. with such a change we were worried about him resettling etc, but all the staff were absolutely amazing and so reassuring during the settling in process, it really helped...
Our son seems to have settled so well and happily goes over to staff at drop off. We get frequent pictures on the family app of what he has been up to during the day and things he's enjoyed! What he's eaten and how much he's ate!
The nursery itself is lovely both inside and outside, and I really enjoy how much they get the children outside playing, at several pick ups they have been playing out in the gardens having fun!
Thank you to all staff who have been so reassuring, helpful, and supportive with everything
It's wonderful to know he has...
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We completely understand how worrying a nursery transition can be, so we're delighted to hear that our team helped make the settling-in process reassuring and positive for both you and your son.It's wonderful to know he has settled in so well and enjoys his time with us each day. We're also so pleased that you're enjoying the updates through the family app and seeing all the fun activities, especially the time spent outdoors in our gardens.
Your kind words mean so much to our whole team and we truly appreciate your support. Thank you again for trusting us with your son's care and development!
I've also experienced their incredible support personally during a challenging time, and it...
I've also experienced their incredible support personally during a challenging time, and it reassured me that I wouldn't want my daughter anywhere else.
She comes home singing the songs they teach and proudly shows me the paintings and drawings she's created. The updates on the app are fantastic and so reassuring while I'm at work-it's lovely to see photos of her happy and playing, or to know she's slept well and enjoyed her meals.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this nursery-and my daughter would too!
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear how much your daughter enjoys her time at Handkerchief and that she feels so happy and settled with us. It means a great deal to know that our team has been able to support both your daughter and your family, especially during more challenging times.
All 3 of my children have been to Handkerchief and I have always been pleased with their care. The children have been safe and happy. The team are lovely and approachable and form lovely relationships with the children. I would highly recommend the nursery.
All 3 of my children have been to Handkerchief and I have always been pleased with their care. The children have been safe and happy. The team are lovely and approachable and form lovely relationships with the children. I would highly recommend the nursery.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is lovely to hear that all three of your children have been happy, safe, and well cared for at Handkerchief. We're also pleased to hear that the team's relationships with the children and families have made such a positive impact.
And super friendly, and I couldn't think of a better place to set her.
Outdoor time and forest club, she's absolutely adores.
Thanks guys
And super friendly, and I couldn't think of a better place to set her.
Outdoor time and forest club, she's absolutely adores.
Thanks guys
Thank you so much for your kind words. Were thrilled to hear how much Phoebe-Drew loves coming to nursery and that youve had such a positive experience with our team.
My daughter has attended Handkerchief since she was 9 months old and settled in straight away. She absolutely adores the staff and this has made dropping her off in the mornings such a breeze as I know that she is in great hands of staff that are loving and caring.
My daughter has attended Handkerchief since she was 9 months old and settled in straight away. She absolutely adores the staff and this has made dropping her off in the mornings such a breeze as I know that she is in great hands of staff that are loving and caring.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that your daughter settled in so quickly and feels so happy with us. It's wonderful to know she adores the team-that really means a lot, as building warm, trusting relationships is at the heart of what we do.
My little boy Arthur has been here since September 2025 and he loves it.
From the moment I came to look around, to sorting the preperation out before the start date and up until now every member of staff has been fabulous. They are caring and friendly and go...
My little boy Arthur has been here since September 2025 and he loves it.
From the moment I came to look around, to sorting the preperation out before the start date and up until now every member of staff has been fabulous. They are caring and friendly and go above and beyond to support you on your childs journey but also you on your new parent journey.
Ive felt so welcomed by the team, the babies team are amazing and i genuinly believe my little boy is confident, outgoing and smiley because of them.
He has now moved up to tweenies and again the transtion was easy.Hes learning lots and is on track with his development, again thanks to the variety of activities they do.
The outdoor space here is brilliant, im so glad I chose this nursery and would recommend to anyone
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. It means a lot to know that you've felt supported not only in Arthur's journey but in your own as a parent too-that's something we truly value. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to both the babies and tweenies teams; they'll be delighted to hear...
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. It means a lot to know that you've felt supported not only in Arthur's journey but in your own as a parent too-that's something we truly value. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to both the babies and tweenies teams; they'll be delighted to hear how much of a positive impact they've had. Thank you again for your recommendation-it really does mean a great deal to us all.
The care for the children is second to none. My little one has settled in perfectly and thats down to the devoted team.
Staff dont only care for my child but they're understanding of us as parents.
The surroundings and facilities are great.
My little one loves the food there is so much...
The care for the children is second to none. My little one has settled in perfectly and thats down to the devoted team.
Staff dont only care for my child but they're understanding of us as parents.
The surroundings and facilities are great.
My little one loves the food there is so much variety
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear that your little one has settled in so well-it's always our priority to help children feel safe, happy, and confident in their environment. It's especially lovely to know you feel supported as parents too; building strong...
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We're delighted to hear that your little one has settled in so well-it's always our priority to help children feel safe, happy, and confident in their environment. It's especially lovely to know you feel supported as parents too; building strong partnerships with families is so important to us. We're also really pleased that you're happy with our surroundings, facilities, and the variety of food we provide. Your comments mean a great deal to the whole team-thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
I have two children at Handkerchief, both in different rooms and I am so very pleased and happy with their care. They both have food allergies which are catered to incredibly well and treated formally and professionally. I feel they are treated with true care and compassion. As well as a brilliant...
I have two children at Handkerchief, both in different rooms and I am so very pleased and happy with their care. They both have food allergies which are catered to incredibly well and treated formally and professionally. I feel they are treated with true care and compassion. As well as a brilliant amount of time outside - my 2 year old taught me how to saw wood this weekend and was very insistent on telling me how not to touch the blades of his plastic saw. The staff are 'the village' we all hear about and I am safe in the knowledge I trust their judgement. Their communication and updates via the app are also very efficient, in real time and thorough which I really appreciate. Would highly recommend
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed feedback. We're absolutely delighted to hear how happy you are with the care your children receive across both rooms. Supporting children with food allergies safely and professionally is incredibly important to us, so it's wonderful to know you...
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed feedback. We're absolutely delighted to hear how happy you are with the care your children receive across both rooms. Supporting children with food allergies safely and professionally is incredibly important to us, so it's wonderful to know you feel confident and reassured in this area. Building strong, trusting relationships with our families is at the heart of everything we do. We're also so pleased that you find the app updates helpful and informative.
Thank you again for your recommendation-it truly means a lot to all of us.
My son has been at Handkerchief since September 2025 amd he's loving every minute of every day that he attends. The staff always keep me up to date on his well being and he's always happy to run to them at drop off, even after a week off sick, he runs in to warm welcome arms and tell the staff he...
My son has been at Handkerchief since September 2025 amd he's loving every minute of every day that he attends. The staff always keep me up to date on his well being and he's always happy to run to them at drop off, even after a week off sick, he runs in to warm welcome arms and tell the staff he missed them. My child is well looked after, happy and safe at Handkerchief.
Were especially pleased to hear how confident and excited he is at drop-offeven after time away, that warm...
Thank you so much for your kind words about Handkerchief Nursery. Its truly lovely to hear how much your son is enjoying his time with us and that he feels so happy and secure in our care.Were especially pleased to hear how confident and excited he is at drop-offeven after time away, that warm connection with our team means a lot. Building those trusting relationships is at the heart of what we do, so its wonderful to know he feels so comfortable and welcomed.
Thank you also for highlighting our communication we always aim to keep families informed and reassured about their childs wellbeing.
It means a great deal to know you feel your son is happy, safe, and well cared for at Handkerchief. We look forward to continuing to support his growth and development.
Our daughter joined Handkerchief in September 2025, she is currently in the Baby room and settled so quickly. The staff in the whole nursery are so welcoming and caring. The developments our daughter has achieved already is amazing and it's thanks to the wonderful team caring for her. Knowing our...
Our daughter joined Handkerchief in September 2025, she is currently in the Baby room and settled so quickly. The staff in the whole nursery are so welcoming and caring. The developments our daughter has achieved already is amazing and it's thanks to the wonderful team caring for her. Knowing our daughter will be spending the first 4 years of her life here getting the best possible start in her education makes us very happy. We recommend Handkerchief to anyone looking for a nursery where their child can shine!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt review. Were absolutely delighted to hear how well your daughter has settled into the Baby Room and that shes already thriving. It means so much to our team to know that their care and dedication are making a positive difference in her...
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt review. Were absolutely delighted to hear how well your daughter has settled into the Baby Room and that shes already thriving. It means so much to our team to know that their care and dedication are making a positive difference in her development.Creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, happy, and supported is at the heart of everything we do, so your kind words are truly appreciated. Were honoured to be part of your daughters early years journey and to help give her the best possible start.
Thank you as well for your recommendationit really means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your daughter as she grows and shines with us.
Our daughter adores attending this nursery. The staff are so warm and welcoming to her and she's made real bonds with both staff and other children. She's moved up from the baby room, to the Tweenies room and is currently in Toddlers 1. All rooms have been great with her. They have lovely...
Would recommend!
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased to hear how much your daughter enjoys coming to nursery and that she's built such strong bonds with both staff and her friends. It's wonderful to know her transitions through the rooms have been positive and that she's enjoying the facilities, outdoor spaces, and creative activities.
My child really enjoys going to Handkerchief nursery. They love the outdoor playing spaces and forest school activities in particular. The staff are all friendly and there are some really lovely, caring people working there. The food menu is varied, healthy and interesting. The children learn about...
My child really enjoys going to Handkerchief nursery. They love the outdoor playing spaces and forest school activities in particular. The staff are all friendly and there are some really lovely, caring people working there. The food menu is varied, healthy and interesting. The children learn about a range of topics and get to do lots of drawing. We can really see progression in being able to draw shapes and hold a pen correctly. Most days she loves it so much she doesn't want to come home.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear how much your child enjoys their time at Handkerchief, especially the outdoor spaces and forest school activities. It's lovely to know that our team's care, as well as the varied menu and learning experiences, are making a positive impact.
My son has spent time in each room from Babies, Tweenies and now Toddlers and our experience has been so positive. The staff show genuine care and interest in his welfare and interests. When he's struggled settling in they have even borrowed a toy from another room because they know that he likes...
My son has spent time in each room from Babies, Tweenies and now Toddlers and our experience has been so positive. The staff show genuine care and interest in his welfare and interests. When he's struggled settling in they have even borrowed a toy from another room because they know that he likes it. It's so reassuring as a parent to know that your child is thriving and settled away from home. Nursery is amazing for little ones and I'd have no hesitation in recommending Handkerchief.
It's wonderful to hear that the team's care and attention to his interests, especially during transitions, has made a difference.
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
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There are no upcoming events for Handkerchief Day Nursery.
Awards / Recognitions (3)
- 28 Apr 2023Recipient: Family First Day Nurseries
- 29 Apr 2022Recipient: Family First Day Nurseries
- 20 Nov 2021Recipient: Family First Day Nurseries
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Handkerchief Day Nursery.
Meet the Team (1)

I have built a diverse and extensive career in the early years of education, including 16 years leading a preschool within a school setting. My...
I have built a diverse and extensive career in the early years of education, including 16 years leading a preschool within a school setting. My experience also encompasses managing private day nurseries, leading individual rooms, and working as a nanny, giving me a well-rounded understanding of childcare across different environments.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Education, alongside the NNEB qualification. I am committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for everyone I work with, including children, practitioners, parents, and families. Guided by my Christian values, I take a compassionate and collaborative approach to my work. I adopt a holistic perspective on childcare and firmly believe that all children can thrive and achieve when provided with the right environment and support.
I joined Handkerchief in September 2025, and I love it here because there is so much support. Basically, I just love to make a difference to the lives of the people I encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Handkerchief Day Nursery
What is the Age Range of Children that Handkerchief Day Nursery accepts?
Handkerchief Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is Handkerchief Day Nursery Open?
Handkerchief Day Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.
How many Children does Handkerchief Day Nursery have capacity for?
Handkerchief Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 110 Children.
How far is Handkerchief Day Nursery to the centre of Derby?
10.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Handkerchief Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Handkerchief Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.