About Us
More than anyone, at Kiddycare, we know that children are unique and special, bringing their own set of qualities; we are there to passionately support, respect, listen and respond to them.
Our Story
The Birth of Kiddycare Nurseries
Kiddycare, which was founded in 1984 to provide affordable quality childcare, has grown into a multi award-winning group of nurseries.
Kiddycare is a leading provider in childcare, with facilities across Leicester and one in London. We believe in giving children the best possible start in their formative years, and as our founder explains, this is exactly why Kiddycare was born.
Our Founder
Kala Patel OBE
I first set up my nursery to ensure my son had the sort of care every mother wanted. I believed then and still believe now that the formative years of a child’s life are foundational to their success and development. So, over the last 38 years, I have worked tirelessly with my team to raise the standards in the early years sector and support our local communities in providing fully inclusive, high quality and accessible childcare.
I am immensely proud of Kiddycare. I couldn’t have achieved this without the remarkably high level of commitment and loyalty my staff have shown me. Many of my senior team have been with us for over 30 years, and some members of staff have been with us for over 10 years. It is this level of loyalty and commitment that helps underpin the stability that all children need.
Our Achievements and Milestones
Detailed below are some of our significant achievements across all our settings and our amazing journey so far:
Kala Patel OBE, opened her first Nursery.
The success of our philosophy and outstanding service led to a high-profile coverage. We had delegates from China and Japan visit our settings as well as childcare ministers Margaret Hodge and Sarah Teather. Over the years we have continually had many visits from members of DfE.
Kala won the Midas Business Award which created a platform to setting up her second facility in Leicester.
Parkview nursery in Leicester opens its doors.
Kiddycare Nursery in Leicester opens its doors.
Kiddycare Nurseries sponsored the opening of the NSPCC Bal Raksha Project in Leicester.
Kiddycare opens its fourth nursery in partnership with Royal Mail in Islington, London. Kiddycare won this highly competitive tender to provide childcare for Royal Mail employees. Kiddycare maintained this contract until 2021 when Royal Mail closed the nursery down due changes in their business model.
The Beacon of Business Award is a highly recognised award to businesses that made an outstanding contribution.
Kala was invited to a reception at Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister in recognition of Kiddycare’s outstanding work with the local community.
Kala was shortlisted for the National Asian Women of Achievement Award and attended a reception at Buckingham Palace.
Kiddycare sponsored the building of a large water well for a village in Kenya. This helped many members of the local community.
Kala won the English Asian Business Award sponsored by the Lloyds banking group.
Kala was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year honours list 2016 for her contribution to childcare. In April 2016, she attended Buckingham Palace and was presented with her OBE by HRH Prince William.
Kala won the Life Achievement Award from NMT (Nursery Management Today).
The Nactural Lifetime Achievement Award is an award in recognition of successful business owners.
Our Angels Nursery manager, Bhavna Shrimanker, a finalist for the NMT Manager of the year award.
Our Operations Manager, Nadine Burrell, wins the NMT Award for 'Operations Manager of the year.'
Kala was awarded with the ‘WOW women’ of the Year Award.
Our Angels setting was shortlisted for TES Schools Award for 'Early Years Setting of the Year,'
Angels Nursery became one of a handful of nurseries to have successfully completed the Quality Counts award from the National Day Nurseries Association. They received the highest rating; Platinum.
Millies Kite Mark recognises nurseries that follow high standards in first aid, which requires all staff to be first aid qualified; this surpasses national guidelines.
