Nursery group adds to Stockport sites with acquisition

Nursery group, Kids Planet, which includes the Stockport-founded Kids Allowed brand, has announced the acquisition of Greater Manchester chain, Fledglings.

Kids Planet has grown to 182 settings following investment by BGF, who have backed the group since 2016. The 2020 acquisition of Kids Allowed, founded in Stockport in 2003, enabled the group to become the third largest childcare group in the UK.

The takeover of Fledglings adds a further four Greater Manchester locations to the group in Bredbury, Irlam, Stretford, and Worsley, which complement existing Kids Planet sites across the city-region.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet Day Nurseries, said:

“We have always admired Fledglings as being strong pillars of the Early Years community in the north-west. With their child-centred approach, I see many synergies with Kids Planet. We are delighted to welcome the teams, children and families and very much look forward to supporting them moving forwards as part of the Kids Planet family.”

Christopher Gray, former owner of Fledglings, said:

“The decision to hand over the reins was incredibly difficult. Fledglings, originally founded by my wife Christine in 1989, has been such a huge part of my family’s life. We are left with fantastic memories and it has been a privilege to have been chosen by many thousands of parents to give their children the best possible start in life. We are confident that the children and our wonderful colleagues will continue to flourish as part of Kids Planet and that has been a major factor in our decision.

“The acquisition process was faultless, it was conducted with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism. The target completion date, which we earmarked from the outset, was met and that is something of an achievement! Finally, may I wish all those associated with Fledglings and Kids Planet every success for the future.”