Nursery World - Nursery groups continue to grow

Bertram Nursery Group has acquired Cheshire-based Smarties nursery, taking its total to 37 nurseries across the north-west of England and Scotland, while independent operator Chatsworth Schools continues to expand.

Annie Silcock, former owner of Smarties nursery with Cary Rankin, CEO of Bertram Nurseries Group

The 100-place Ofsted Outstanding Smarties nursery, set in more than two acres of grounds with a tepee tent, was awarded UK Nursery of the Year by the National Day Nurseries Association in 2018. It also runs a holiday club for older children.

Former owner, Annie Silcock, who ran the nursery for 32 years and is now retiring, but will continue to work as an early years consultant, said, ‘In Bertram Nursery Group, I have found my ideal successors. We share the same ethos and values regarding our approach to our people and childcare. They feel it is important that nurseries in the group retain their individual character, and Bertram have an exciting long-term vision for developing one of the best outdoor provisions in the UK.’

Cary Rankin, Bertram Nursery Group's chief executive officer, described Smarties as a ‘gem’.

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