Kids Planet acquires Little Learners and Squirrels nurseries

We are excited to announce our two latest acquisitions: Little Learners – a single setting in Sunderland, and Squirrels Childcare – a group of two nurseries in Northamptonshire.

Little Learners is situated in Barnes, Sunderland, serving the local and surrounding communities. It is home to a skilled and professional team committed to giving children the chance to develop skills with confidence in an exciting learning environment.

Squirrels is a family-focused group with nurseries in Duston and Thrapston. The teams are dedicated to ‘growing happy children, home from home’.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, said:

“I am delighted to welcome both Little Learners and Squirrels into the group. With their child-centred approaches, there are many synergies with Kids Planet. Little Learners join us with a highly-qualified team and a strong reputation for partnership working and the community, and the Squirrels group are renowned for their strength in SEND provision, with the local authority consistently signposting parents to the wonderful settings. We look forward to supporting them moving forwards as part of the Kids Planet family.”

Beverly & Lawrence Smith, former owners of Little Learners, said: 

“It has been a difficult decision to retire and sell Little Learners as we have had 20 happy years of helping children and families. We will be eternally grateful to parents past and present for their support over the years. We also have forged firm bonds and friendships with the Little Learners team, whom we will miss greatly. However, Kids Planet have the same child-centred ethos that we have held dear and they have been incredibly supportive of both of us throughout the sale process. This has been very reassuring and gives us peace of mind that the nursery is left in good hands. We wish all children, families, team members and of course Kids Planet every success for the future.”

Melissa Swain, former owner of Squirrels Childcare group, said:

“Having seriously considered selling my company for some time, I was introduced to Kids Planet, and from our first meeting I had confidence they were the right buyer and the right home for our nurseries. They have delivered on their word. We worked well together and the sale process completed within our overall target timetable. The experience was a rollercoaster but overall very positive, enabling a great transition for staff, parents, and children. I would highly recommend Kids Planet and the way they operate. They have reassured all the team and I know they will take care of the business I have built over the last 10 years”.

 Kids Planet Day Nurseries has grown to 188 settings across the UK through a combination of acquisition and greenfield developments. Our focus continues to be acquiring existing nursery settings that fit with our values for the highest quality in childcare and seeking development opportunities to build our geographical presence.

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