We’re excited to share that Storal has officially welcomed Little Faces Childcare in Great Baddow, Chelmsford, into our growing family of nurseries. Little Faces has been a cornerstone of the local community for over 23 years, providing high-quality early years care in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
Situated in the beautiful grounds of Pontlands Park, the nursery features generous outdoor spaces where children can play, explore, and discover. Outdoor play and learning are central to the Storal approach, helping children develop new skills in a stimulating, natural environment.
Little Faces is rated Good by Ofsted and is supported by a dedicated team of 20 passionate childcare professionals. Our Chief Executive, Sarah Mackenzie, said:
“Little Faces has been part of the local community for over 23 years and has built a strong reputation. What resonated with us is how closely the nursery’s values align with our own - a genuine commitment to putting children at the heart of everything and creating a nurturing, supportive environment. Families will see continuity. The nursery’s name will remain, key relationships will be maintained, and we will support the team to keep delivering the high standards that parents expect. I am delighted to welcome Little Faces to Storal.”
Founder and former owner, Jane Deighton, commented:
“Being the owner of Little Faces has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, bringing me immense joy, purpose and pride. That’s why choosing the right partner to carry it forward was so important to me. From my very first conversations with Storal, I knew they shared the same passion for creating a warm, family-centred environment while delivering outstanding early years education. I am delighted to know that Little Faces will remain in safe hands, with Storal supporting our dedicated team and continuing the nursery’s legacy for many years to come.”
We focus on developing communication, language and literacy skills as the essential building blocks of learning.
We know that children learn best when they're healthy, active and have easy access to fresh air and nature.
We carry out termly assessments to ensure that every child is well-supported and on track with their learning.
We are committed to empowering our team to provide the best possible experience for our children and families, while also nurturing their own wellbeing and passion for learning. Learn more about the people supporting Children 1st nurseries in this exciting new chapter.
At Storal, we believe in creating environments that inspire and engage every child’s potential. We are excited to continue this approach with the added expertise of Children 1st, ensuring that every child’s story is filled with discovery, creativity and joy.