Busy Bees buys Just Learning

The nursery group now operates 214 nurseries offering more than 19,600 childcare places, consolidating further Busy Bee’s position as the biggest provider of nursery places and early years settings.

Just Learning, which includes the brands Just Learning Ltd, Careshare Ltd and Nunu Ltd, provides over 6,000 places, with its 71 settings throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Most of the nurseries are rated good by Ofsted.

Conservative MP Michael Fallon and Duncan Bannatyne established Just learning in 1995. After Mr Bannatyne sold his share in 2001, the nursery chain acquired the Careshare nurseries in Scotland in 2003 and following that Nunu nurseries in 2009.

The move will see Busy Bees have greater coverage across the North East and Scotland.

Marg Randles, Busy Bees' managing director, said, ‘We are delighted to have acquired Just learning, the nurseries are a perfect fit for Busy Bees.

‘The acquisition demonstrates our confidence in the UK childcare market.’

She added, ‘Parents demand quality care for their children, and throughout the UK, during a long number of years Busy Bees has established an enviable reputation for its high standards.

‘We have been working closely with the management team to ensure the handover is seamless for children, parents and staff. We will be keeping parents informed every step of the way, as we hope to further develop the excellent care, resources and services the nurseries currently offer.

‘As always managers and the staff teams at the nurseries will continue to play the most important role, working closely with children and families.’