Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare and Early Learning Centres in Lincolnshire
Established in 1989 by qualified educators Diane Smith and Susan Jenkins, our nurseries provide a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5 years. Our team of highly trained practitioners delivers structured early years education alongside flexible childcare solutions, with a focus on individual development and school readiness. We maintain OFSTED-registered provisions across multiple locations, offering dedicated baby rooms, toddler zones, and preschool learning centres.Our outdoor spaces are designed to extend learning opportunities through exploration and physical activity. We work closely with parents and external agencies to tailor care plans to each child's needs, while our Clubhouse facilities provide holiday care for school-aged children up to 11 years. With over three decades of experience, we combine professional expertise with a warm, homely atmosphere to create an environment where children thrive.
Services
Nursery Care
Preschool Programmes
Out-of-School Clubs
Holiday Childcare
Special Needs Support
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Experienced team with over 30 years in childcare provision
- OFSTED-registered nurseries with structured early years programmes
- Dedicated baby rooms and age-specific learning environments
- Inclusive practice supporting children with special needs
- Strong partnerships with parents and external healthcare professionals
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Caring staff
Confidence growth
Happy children
Excellent facilities
Strong communication
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery care provides safe, stimulating environments for children aged 0-5 years. With dedicated rooms for different age groups, we offer structured activities and free play opportunities. Each child receives individual attention through our key person system, ensuring their developmental needs are met in a warm, homely setting.
Preschool Programmes
Our preschool programmes prepare children for school through structured learning activities. Focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills, we create tailored educational plans. The curriculum combines play-based learning with formal sessions to develop essential skills in a supportive environment.
Out-of-School Clubs
Clubhouse facilities offer care for school-aged children up to 11 years. Providing before and after school supervision, we deliver structured activities and homework support. Our holiday clubs ensure continuity of care during school breaks with engaging, age-appropriate programmes.
Special Needs Support
We provide tailored support for children with additional needs. Working with parents and external specialists, we create individual care plans. Our trained staff implement targeted interventions while ensuring full participation in all nursery activities.
Parent Partnerships
We maintain regular communication with parents through daily updates and formal progress reports. Offering parent workshops and home-link activities, we ensure consistent support for children's development. Our open-door policy encourages active family involvement in the nursery community.
People
Diane Smith
Founder
Co-founder with a B.Ed.(Hons) and MA in Education. Over 30 years' experience in child development and early years education. Established Lincolnshire Childcare Group in 1989 to provide high-quality childcare solutions.
Rita McMath
Area Manager
Early Years Professional with B.A. (Hons) qualification. Oversees nursery operations and staff training. Ensures compliance with childcare standards through regular quality assessments and professional development programmes.
Nicola George
Senior Manager
Early Years Teacher with B.A. qualification. Leads nursery management team. Focuses on implementing innovative childcare practices and maintaining high educational standards across all provisions.
Kerry Tempest
Nursery Manager
Supernumerary manager at Headstart Market Deeping. Holds Level 3 childcare qualifications. Oversees daily operations and staff supervision to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality childcare services.
Olwen Owen
Nursery Manager
Supernumerary manager at First Steps Ruskington. With extensive early years experience, she ensures compliance with educational standards while maintaining a nurturing environment for children's development.
Questions
What childcare options do you offer?
We provide nursery care for 0-5 year olds, preschool programmes, and Clubhouse facilities for school-aged children up to 11 years during term time and holidays.
How do you support child development?
Our structured curriculum combines play-based learning with formal sessions. Each child has a key person who creates tailored development plans aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements.
Are meals provided?
We offer healthy hot meals at lunchtimes, with menus following nutritional guidelines. Parents may also provide packed lunches if preferred.
How can parents get involved?
We encourage parental participation through regular updates, home-link activities, and workshops. Our open-door policy allows parents to discuss their child's progress at any time.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
We follow The Children Act 1989 and Lincolnshire Child Protection Committee guidelines. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and regular safeguarding training.
Do you support children with special needs?
Yes, we provide tailored support plans developed with parents and external specialists. Our staff receive regular training to support diverse needs in an inclusive environment.
Reviews (6)
Michaela Jaid Peinado
Feb 01, 2022
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My children love headstart nursery and so do I! The whole team there in particular Nicola, Tiffany, Hannah and Sarah are lovely people. They all are! Friendly yet professional! Thank you!
Melissa Ashton
Jul 12, 2019
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So it's been a little over a year since my youngest started here and how I wish I'd taken my eldest here too! Amazing, friendly and downright lovely staff: nothing is too much trouble. My boy adores it here, I have no qualms whatsoever leaving him here as its like leaving him with family. He adores "his" ladies ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you Headstart! I shall be absolutely gutted next year when we leave you for primary school xx
Emma Fisher
Jun 23, 2018
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A fantastic nursery, lovely welcoming staff. My sons have been there since October 2017 and they love going. My eldest has enjoyed forest school twice and cookery club. Would highly recommend
Cally Gage
Nov 29, 2017
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Our son has been attending this nursery for two years now and the speed of his development, from speech and behaviour through to skills and attitude, has been absolutely amazing, we are so pleased and happy… with Head Start in Bourne. The staff are friendly, professional and it shows in their methods that they love what they do. Jackson is sometimes shy when spending time with people but every day he runs through the door when we arrive and often forgets to even give us a kiss goodbye as he wants to get right into things! With the ever-growing need for child care we are confident we have
Ceili Comerford
Jul 19, 2017
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A amazing play school. Didn't want my girls to leave. Staff go the extra mile to please both parents and children. Not just a lovely playschool but lovely people.
Peggy Kent
Jul 15, 2016
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A truly fantastic nursery with fantastic staff, you made the words "special needs" very acceptable and we will never forget that, thank you all xx Peggy & Matt parents of HONEY-BEA xx
