Nursery groups continue to grow

The second largest nursery group in the UK, Bright Horizons, has bought a former independent school in Buckhurst Hill, which, after undergoing a full refurbishment, will open this autumn.

Known as Buckhurst Hill Day Nursery and Pre-school, the setting will provide care for 90 children.

Bright Horizons now operates more than 250 nurseries in the UK.

The nursery group’s regional director Lianne Grace said, ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming families to our new nursery in Buckhurst Hill this autumn. In the coming months, we’ll start to see real progress on exciting renovations we are making to the building. A key priority for us now is our recruitment drive. We have approximately 36 positions to fill and we’re keen to get the right team members on board to ensure that our nursery will offer children an environment where they can flourish.’

Thrive Childcare and Education has also added another nursery, taking it to 46 settings across England and Scotland.

The nursery group, formerly known as Bertram, has bought Homestead Children’s Nursery in Frodsham, Cheshire, a 94-place setting.

Michael Forrester, head of nursery acquisitions for Thrive Childcare, said, ‘Homestead is a very healthy and successful business with strong parent reviews.  It is well-equipped and run, providing a high-quality indoor and outdoor environment which gives children the space to play and learn.

‘Like all our nurseries, it is part of the local community, and we are committed to maintaining its local identity. We will work with and continue to develop the excellent and trusted team.’

The deal is Thrive Childcare and Education’s third acquisition in the last six months after buying the Poplars Nursery in Lancashire in December and the Village Group of eight nurseries in February.