Dukes Education buys group of 10 nurseries

With the deal, Dukes Education now runs 26 nurseries across London, providing more than 1,000 childcare places.

Founded in 1991 by Carol Evelegh and her late husband Philip, The Kindergartens operates 10 sites in Kensington, Fulham, Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea and Notting Hill – all rated outstanding by Ofsted. The Kindergartens’ principal Joanne Allen will continue in her role.

Dukes Education, which operates under the names of Eaton Square Nursery Schools, Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools, Riverside Nursery Schools; Hopes & Dreams; Reflections and also runs independent schools and colleges, was founded by chairman Aatif Hassan six years ago.

He said of the acquisition, which was handled by brokerage Gerald Eve, ‘I am delighted The Kindergartens, a group of nurseries I have long admired, is joining the Dukes family. Many of our existing Dukes settings already have strong relationships with the nurseries. They will make a fantastic addition to the Dukes family and together we can continue our mission to set the gold standard for early-years education, in London and further afield.’

Morgan Allen, partner at Gerald Eve, added, ‘I could not be more pleased for Carol with this outcome, which will ensure her husband’s legacy will continue to flourish and grow under new ownership.’

 In July, Dukes Education launched a training academy - Little Dukes Academy, offering a range of Montessori Centre International (MCI) programmes.