Nursery provider busy on acquisition trail with third purchase in Channel Islands

One of the UK’s leading nursery providers, based in Burntwood, has completed its third acquisition in the Channel Islands.

Busy Bees has snapped up Leeward Childcare in Jersey, based at the Springfield Stadium in St Helier.

Leeward Childcare is one of the longest-established nurseries in Jersey that has been part of the community for 24 years.

Catering for 100 children from birth to five years, the centre has a long-standing team in place, including centre director Emma Eden, who has been with the nursery for 20 years.

The purchase means Busy Bees now has three early years settings based in Jersey including Castle Quay on Rue De L’etau, and La Providence on La Vallee de St Pierre, both of which were acquired from Organic Kids in 2019.

The Busy Bees group now cares for more than 40,000 children across 379 nurseries in the UK and Ireland, and 55,000 children globally across eight countries.

Cheryl Creaser, Europe CEO at Busy Bees, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leeward Childcare to our growing family. Its vision for providing children with the best start aligns with our own and we are looking forward to continuing their great work. Leeward Childcare has a great reputation for delivering exceptional childcare and this acquisition expands our offering in Jersey and cements our vision of being the childcare provider of choice on the Island.

“Over the next few months, we will be working closely with the team and building on the service they provide to ensure children can grow, learn and have fun in a nurturing environment.”

Tanya and Tim Brint, owners of Leeward Childcare, added: “We have thoroughly enjoyed caring for hundreds of children over the years, growing and working alongside our dedicated team of childcare professionals, who have an ever-deepening knowledge and expertise of working with families and children.

“Busy Bees shares our mission to ensure every child’s happiness, wellbeing and progress are prioritised, so we have no doubt that Leeward Childcare is in safe hands. They have an excellent reputation for providing outstanding, quality childcare and a deep wealth of resources and experience that our staff, parents and children will benefit from. We wish them the very best.”