ICP Nurseries continues to expand

The group has acquired the two settings previously owned by Orchard Barns Group, taking ICP’s total number of nurseries to 31.

Orchard Barns Ardleigh and Stratford St Mary, both in Colchester, were set up by Anita Huckle, who has sold the nurseries to begin her retirement.

The 54-place Ardleigh setting was set up in the grounds of Ms Huckle’s family home in 1995, and a second nursery in Stratford St Mary followed in 2000 to take the group’s combined number of places offered to 107.

Tracey Storey, chief executive of ICP Nurseries, said, ‘We are extremely excited to have acquired the outstanding Orchard Barns nursery group. Both nurseries operate in very premium locations, have fantastic, long earned, reputations, exceptional staff, and a dedication to the very best childcare in the local community.

‘ICP Nurseries’ strategy is to acquire the very best nurseries in affluent areas of London and the South East, and Orchard Barns is a great example of our ambition.’

Jenna Caldwell, director of childcare and education for Redwoods Dowling Kerr, which handled the sale, commented, ‘We are delighted to have been able to assist Anita with the sale of her childcare group. Both nurseries are of exemplary quality and will continue to thrive under the ownership of ICP Nurseries Limited.’