Bank supports latest expansion of established childcare group

Manchester nursery group Just Childcare has secured a multi-million-pound investment from Allied Irish Bank (GB) for the acquisition of a Leeds-based operator.

Primley Park operates four childcare nurseries in Leeds, and the expansion forms part of plans by Denton-based Just Childcare’s plans to expand its day care children’s nurseries across the UK and strengthen its position as a leading childcare provider.

Just Childcare is currently the 12th largest nursery group in the UK and has been rolling out a programme to enhance the facilities at many of its nurseries.

This latest acquisition extends its operations to 41 nurseries across the UK, offering 3,009 child places.

The new nurseries acquired include Primley Park Nursery in Alwoodley, Primley Park Moortown Nursery, Primley Park Nursery in Roundhay and Mulberry Bush Nursery and Pre-School in Leeds.

AIB (GB) has supported the nursery operator with previous acquisitions and this latest funding further assists Just Childcare’s continued strategy for future growth through potential acquisitions and creating new jobs as the group looks to expand further.

Just Childcare was established in 2004 by directors David and Jaqueline Johnson who have between them 65 years of childcare and education experience.

In 2014 Phoenix Private Equity invested into the business, commencing a buy and build strategy.

Today Just Childcare employs 874 staff, all of which have achieved Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ ratings.

David Johnson said: “We’re delighted to have acquired the Primley Park group of nurseries. They are all well-established settings in locations that have a natural synergy with our existing operations.

“We look forward to working with the existing nursery teams and providing them with the support and expertise our group can offer to further improve and enhance their excellent reputation.”

Evan Geoghegan, relationship manager at AIB (GB), said: “Just Childcare has an established reputation and we are very pleased to be part of this latest stage of their development as they look to enhance their current nurseries.

“The Primley Park nurseries are a great addition to the group and they have exciting plans for its future.”