Kids Planet buys nursery number 20

Kids Planet Day Nurseries, which offers more than 1,800 places across the North West of England, has acquired Hilltop Day Nursery in Congleton - its twentieth setting.

The nursery features a secure garden area and proximity to local parks for exploring the outdoors.

The group plans to open two more nurseries later this year in Billinge in Wigan (84 places) and Swinton in Manchester (124 places).

In July, Kids Planet also acquired the 60-place Happy Day Nursery, now known as Kids Planet Davenport, in Stockport.

In an interview with Nursery World last year, Kids Planet chief executive Clare Roberts said the group plans to open five more sites and acquire more nurseries over 18 months, thanks to a £10 million investment from BGF.

Kids Planet Day Nurseries was founded in 2008 by Ms Roberts and her father John Hoban, who is chairman.

After acquiring its first two settings in Warrington and Widnes, the nursery group has grown to become one of largest in the north west. It currently owns 15 nurseries rated outstanding by Ofsted, and five awaiting inspection.

In November, Kids Planet came top in our annual Nursery Chains supplement table, which ranks the largest nursery groups in England according to their Ofsted grades.

Ms Roberts said, ‘We’re so pleased to have acquired this Ofsted outstanding nursery in Congleton and Happy Day Nursery in Stockport. Our aim is to provide the same outstanding childcare across each and every one of our nurseries.’