The new nursery group, formed by investment manager Downing, has bought Katey’s Nursery and Pre-School and appointed Sinead Johnson as the CEO.
Johnson has held senior positions with several leading childcare groups, including as the chief executive officer at All About Children, which was bought by Dutch company Partou in 2022. She said she is ‘excited’ to be working with Downing to provide additional nursery places for more children ‘as we grow the group’.
Downing said it has a longstanding track record of backing high calibre management teams to create and grow leading platforms across healthcare and education.
Investment director Jon Simon said, ‘We are delighted to be working with Sinead and proud to be building a business where we are supporting children in their formative years.’
Johnson added, 'I am proud to have joined Chalk Nursery Group, and to have made our first acquisition. Katey’s Nursery and Pre-School embodies our vison of high-quality care and education, delivering the very best outcomes for children. It’s a privilege to have this excellent group of nurseries as the cornerstone of our business. The early years sector is well placed to thrive with continuing cross-party support and recognition of its educational and social benefits for children.’
Katey’s House Nursery has settings in Kingston, Ham, Hampton Court, Teddington and Brentford. Four settings have ‘good’ Ofsted ratings and one has ‘outstanding’.
Its website describes its Kingston setting as 'boutique' with 43 places, and says it has been running for over 13 years.
