My story
It all began with a simple idea driven by my passion for early years. As a small business, I prioritised personal attention and dedication to every detail. The belief was that my success depended on my team’s support and collaboration, embodying the Investors In People approach from the beginning.
Quality and integrity were my guiding principles, ensuring every action reflected my commitment to excellence.
Deborah Robinson
My history
After renovating a derelict building, an initial 29 place setting was created (2001), however due to demand an expansion was required creating an additional 24 places (2002). A second expansion soon followed to fulfil further demand increasing the setting to 72 places (2002).
In 2006, an opportunity arose allowing me to design and project manage the development of a purpose building, and relocate.
Sure Start status: 2006
Investors in People: 2008/2011
Runner up, Business of the Year: 2008
Investors in Education: 2011
Investors in Children: 2011
Additional developments
The company grew from 3 settings 2010 to 6 settings 2011 offering 353
Ofsted registered places to under 8’s and unrestricted places to over 8’s employing 107 staff.
West Oxfordshire Day Nurseries (2)
Northants Day Nursery (1)
Gloucestershire Day Nursery (1)
Forest Schools created on all sites by leasing land from local farmers.
The company twinned with a Swedish provider resulting in exchanges of practice and visits.
Le Club created providing Wraparound and holiday clubs on all sites as well as at 2 additional stand alone sites, a hub model was also created providing wraparound care to 3 rural schools.
Flexi-Care created at 2 sites, providing flexible childcare within softplay establishments.
La Crèche created to fulfil babysitting and wedding crèche services to a renowned Golf and Spa resort in the Cotswolds as well as to families using the settings.
Sale to Co-operative Childcare
Life after being a nursery chain owner
Gloucestershire County Council: Early Years and Childcare; Market Management and Business;
TUPE transfer from National Day Nursery Association 2018 - 2025
National Day Nursery Association: National Business Advisor & Trainer; 2012 - 2018
British International Education E-League UK Manager - Business Development Consultant
Midcounties Co-operative: Head of Petit Enfant Integration - Hand Over; 2012 - 2012
Inclusive Care and Education Ltd; ICE: Business Development Consultant; 2010 - 2015