Community childcare provider named 2025 Rising Star

The Early Years Community, which provides care and education for young children, has been named as Marketing Derby’s Rising Star for 2025.

During the investment promotion agency’s Annual Business Event, the business, which has three nurseries in Derby, was announced as the winner of the competition, which aims to give a helping hand to upcoming business ventures.

Founded in 2023 by three directors with over 60 years combined experience in the childcare sector, the aim of The Early Years Community is to give young children the best possible start in life.

It was founded “by the community, for the community”, with the aim of providing high-quality childcare, enabling families to return to work, creating jobs in the community and supporting young adults as they enter the childcare workforce, through placements and apprenticeships.

Catering for children aged up to five years old, its three nurseries – Osmaston Day Nursery, Sunnyhill Day Nursery and Rosehill Day Nursery – provide an environment for youngsters to explore, learn and grow.

At the Annual Business Event, founding directors of The Early Years Community, Lisa Snell, Sarah Oswald and Sophie McClusky, took the stage to accept the Rising Star Award from Joshua Leach-Aslam, of Two Chevrons Group – the winner of the 2024 Rising Star Award.

Lisa said: “We believe in delivering high quality childcare and education for all children regardless of individual circumstances. We believe that all children deserve the best start in life.

“We believe that it takes a village to raise a child and that working together in partnership with parents/carers and other professionals only increases a child’s chance to reach their full potential.”

Lindsey Hatfield, commercial development manager at Marketing Derby and Rising Star lead, said: “Many congratulations to The Early Years Community.

“We received lots of applications, but their entry really stood out in terms of what they are trying to do to help the communities in which they operate – and their passion for the city.”

To find out more about The Early Years Community visit https://www.theearlyyearscommunity.co.uk/.