Handkerchief Day Nursery

High Street, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DA
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8.6 40 Reviews
  • Handkerchief Day Nursery, Derby
One of the best features of Handkerchief Day Nursery Kegworth has to be the extensive outdoor area. Highly experienced Forest School leaders provide daily Forest School sessions for children at the nursery. Practitioners support the children to use real tools to chop wood and use the fire pit to cook meals and heat up hot chocolate and the discovery cabin supports children's learning in the great outdoors in all weathers.

Both indoors and out, children are encouraged to explore a range of open-ended resources which create magic, awe and wonder on a daily basis.

Dedicated and highly knowledgeable staff encourage children's natural sense of curiosity and inspire and nurture inquisitive minds in all their key children.

The smell of fresh bread and the chef's famous lemon drizzle cake fills the air around lunchtime as children are provided with healthy delicious meals made from locally sourced products.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sara Williams (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Total Places for Children

  • 110

Age Range

  • from 0 years 1 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • F/D £56.50
    AM/PM £31.50

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:30
    Tuesday 07:00-18:30
    Wednesday 07:00-18:30
    Thursday 07:00-18:30
    Friday 07:00-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • There is parking onsite

Handkerchief Day Nursery Reviews (40)

8.6

Handkerchief Day Nursery has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.627) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Handkerchief Day Nursery has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Handkerchief Day Nursery
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Total of 40, showing 1-20
Review from Amelia B (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can't fault Handkerchief Day Nursery! My daughter was there from babies right through to pre school she is now turning 11 and it was the best then so there was no doubt in my mind when I had my son 8.5 years on that he would go there too. I think it says something when some of the staff are still there
all these years on! They are all so friendly and loving, they go out there way to give me a full handover when I pick up. My son absolutely loves it! He has developed so early with his speech and funny character!! His favourite day being Tuesday when and entertainer goes and now he is starting Forest School which is just the best for his learning and development and getting all that fresh air!
Every time he moves up a room I feel nervous but they do the transitions so well and my son has never been upset or worried, just excited and the bond he builds with the team in each room is so wonderful to see!!
All in all a positive experience that has lasted years!! Thank you everyone xx
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Handkerchief Day Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We're pleased to hear that both your children have had positive experiences with us over the years. It's great to know our long-standing team, smooth room…read more
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Review from Becca N (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Daughter is in the tweenies room and absolutely loves it! The staff take wonderful care of her, offering fun, engaging activities, lots of support & encouragement for developmental growth, and tasty, nutritional meals.


The center is well-organized, clean, and welcoming and the outdoor play space

is wonderful!


Management is very pleasant and communicative.


We have zero complaints - it's a fantastic daycare center!

Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Handkerchief Day Nursery
Thank you for your positive feedback. We're glad to hear your daughter is enjoying her time in the Tweenies room and benefiting from the activities, support, and meals provided. We also appreciate…read more
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Handkerchief Nursery have been truly amazing since our son started in May.
We were incredibly impressed with the process of settling our son in, offering as many settling in sessions needed for him to feel comfortable.
Due to a medical condition and ongoing tests, we have a personal treatment plan which
the team have remained diligent with the whole way through.
There is absolutely no doubt that everyone genuinely cares.
The nursery is our sons favourite place, he loves socialising with the other children as well as adults, painting, outside play, food, and is also given the time and space to play independently.
The team are always warm and welcoming and are so informative with updates throughout the day, both on the app and in person on pick up.
Parents evening offered is in depth, with personal feedback and time to discuss any questions or concerns.
The team have always respected our schedule around feeding and naps etc, and have always been reactive and supportive with any change.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Handkerchief Day Nursery
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're pleased to hear that the settling-in process, communication, and support around your son's routine and medical plan have met your expectations. It's great to…read more
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Review from B N (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to the nursery since she was 1 year old, and despite being nervous leaving her the nursery soon settled her in and she has loved going from day one. The nursery do a variety of activities inside and outside. My daughter's confidence and learning has grown phenomenally. Would
highly recommend.
Reply from Jennifer OShea, Customer Experience Team Leader at Handkerchief Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased to hear that your daughter settled in well and has enjoyed her time with us.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My baby started at 6 months old and I was nervous to leave her but she absolutely loves it. Everyone is lovely that works there and made our transition easy and comfortable. I’m really happy we have this place for my daughter.
Reply from Sonny, Marketing at Handkerchief Day Nursery
We're so happy to hear that your baby loves her time with us! We know how nerve-wracking it can be to leave your little one, and we're delighted that our team helped make the transition easy and…read more
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Review from Liz L (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great family feel nursery - my daughter loves it. All staff are so kind and caring. The food is excellent and varied and the room and outdoor space is great.
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Review from Sarah P (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery staff provide excellent care and support to both the children and the parents. They are never too busy to update parents or answer questions.


Your outdoor space is amazing and imaginative with something for all tastes and interests. Forest School is a big hit in our family and it is

evident that the staff put a lot of thought into everything.


Well done to those staff who work within the preschool and baby room.

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Review from Gemma W (Mother of Child) published on 7 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery's support has been outstanding and my daughter has love every minute! So thank you.
She's ready now for school and that's thanks to your help.
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Review from Jim D (Father of Child) published on 5 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the minute we visited Handkerchief we knew this was the nursery for our boy.
Overall appearance, features, rooms, areas, facilities and especially the staff really stood out and still do on a daily basis.
We love the ethos of Handkerchief and the efforts everybody goes to maintain it, great variety
of fresh fruit and cooked food on a daily basis, utilising natural, rustic and effective equipment to stimulate all of the children and modern technology to record, report and keep the parents updated regularly.
Every member of Handkerchief really is a credit to it in every role they play. Top marks!
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Review from M H (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We fell in love with the nursery from the first visit to look around and it hasn’t disappointed. We love everything about the place and the philosophy and vision trickles through to every detail. The staff are wonderful, the delivery is consistent. I couldn’t ask for more!
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Review from Katie K (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Handkerchief is a lovely nursery.
Both my daughters attend here. They both have special dietary and heath conditions. Handkerchief have always kept up to date with their health conditions, informing all staff who keep my daughters safe. They are able to cater and carefully plan around my children
to ensure they’re involved in all activities. My eldest loves forest school. She enjoys looking after the animals, climbing the trees and exploring the workshop area. My youngest daughter started in the Spring and settled well with the staff members. Despite her separation anxiety, the staff are able to help keep her calm at drop off times.
The staff are all well trained and treat each child with the love, care and attention they all need.
They give me great confidence knowing my children are safe and happy.
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Review from Jan (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't sleep the night before my daughter started at Handkerchief because I was just so excited for her to start there. Luckily my excitement has continued as she has such a lovely time at every session. The staff, the surroundings, the energy, the other pupils just everything is brilliant and what
you want from your child's nursery.
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Review from Julie (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Handkerchiefs are amazing and so lovely with the children. My little girl started at seven months in the baby room and is now in the Tweenie room so have met staff in both rooms. My girl settled very quickly in both rooms and it’s reassuring I can leave her and she will have a lovely day.
It’s great that everything is included and the meals are nice and healthy too.
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Review from Erin D (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has LOVED going to Handkerchief’s from the very first day she started.
The staff in the Tweenies room are lovely and they think up extremely creative activities for the children to do which I could never replicate at home.
Would recommend to anyone.
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Review from Catherine O (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment we visited Handkerchief Day Nursery we knew it was the one.
Our son is very happy here and developing well. The staff are fantastic and the facilities are outstanding!
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Review from Lee H (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
You will not find another nursery where the word excellent can be applied to every aspect of it. From the office team, through to the nursery facilities and all the nursery staff right down to its very ethos Handkerchief shines out above all others.


We looked at 9 separate nurseries before we decided

on Handkerchief Nursery and I cannot convey succinctly enough just how pleased and impressed we have been. They make you feel like you are part of one big family, where nothing is too much trouble and your parenting is their parenting, and this can be seen in just how happy our little boy is with them.


The facilities and approach the nursery has is without doubt leading the way in modern childcare, providing brilliant enrichment, enhancing our little one's development and encouraging him to explore, interact and grow. The Nursery Manager, Office Manager and ALL the team in the baby room are to be commended on a truly brilliant job.


This nursery should be your only choice.

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Review from Ayaka M (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves going to nursery because all staff are lovely and friendly. No plastic toys is another good point. There is a huge garden right next to the baby room and babies can feel nature all the time.
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Review from Chris T (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery now for 4 months, at the start she would not settle when dropping her off but now loves attending and waves us off. This is down to the baby team being patient and helping her settle in. They are all very helpful and clearly caring of the children they have
in their care. We receive detailed events of her day which always seem jam packed with fun and learning activities along with random emails with pictures during the day of what she is up to.


Our daughter loves attending and, knowing this, we enjoy sending her there.

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Review from Charles H (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The disruption of the extension/building work did cause some initial issues. However, now this is complete, I feel it is an excellent area for the children to be.


I really like the varied activities the team seem to do with the children, from pumpkin carving to tasting of lemons etc and feel this

will only get better as my child becomes older.


I would love more photos to be sent, but understand this is not always possible and do appreciate the ones which are sent.


The flexibility of the care staff (ie feeding early when an early pick up is required), is great and the team are very supportive and welcoming.

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Review from Teresa (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I would definitely recommend this nursery to my family and friends as it provides a safe, fun and great learning environment for my daughter to grow. The staff are excellent and have been great with both of my daughters.
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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.627)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.627) out of 10 for Handkerchief Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.900 for Handkerchief Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (56 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.9
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 3.727 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Handkerchief Day Nursery is based on 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.5
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 110 number of registered child places is 22. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 22 = 0.227
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

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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 1 month to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Handkerchief Day Nursery Open?

Handkerchief Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-18:30, Tuesday 07:00-18:30, Wednesday 07:00-18:30, Thursday 07:00-18:30, Friday 07:00-18:30.

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 - more info.