Nursery chain expands as the sector shows growth

The Cheshire Day Nursery Group has bought the former Fledglings Day Nursery in Warrington. Fledglings continues to operate three day nurseries in the north-west of England.

The setting, which had been closed for two years, is now being refurbished and is expected to cater for around 100 children. Its new owners are planning to employ around 30 members of staff.

Once the new setting has opened, the Cheshire Day Nursery Group will be offering a total of 413 childcare places and employing 115 staff across its five nurseries.

Julie Mannering, co-owner with her sister Brenda Burling of Cheshire Day Nursery Group, which now has three settings in the Warrington area, said, 'We have recently celebrated ten years in the nursery business. We opened our first nursery in February 2000 and we remain as passionate and enthusiastic about children as we were when we first started.

'The sale of Fledglings presented us with a new opportunity. It is a fabulous building with a great outdoor area and we are really excited about preparing it for its opening in June or July.'

Rosie Everett, associate director of Christie & Co, which handled the sale of the setting on behalf of the Fledglings group, said, 'It was a pleasure to work with both parties during the sale process, both of whom have a wealth of experience within the childcare sector. I am delighted for the new owners, who were very eager throughout to secure their purchase and very excited about starting their new project.

'The sale of the former Fledglings nursery highlights the continuing confidence in the childcare sector. Experienced nursery operators continue to look for good-quality nurseries and possible sites throughout the north-west and are eager to expand their portfolios.'