Rose Cottage Day Nursery in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, has been bought by Saurus Nurseries as part of the group’s expansion in the south of England.
Originally opened in 2015, the nursery provides places for up to 53 children and operates from a converted barn, with an outdoor space including a play area, woodland area and animals for the children to interact with. The nursery has an Outstanding rating from Ofsted.
Previous owners Paul and Nicola Bowen decided to sell the nursery four years after they set it up, in order to move house and pursue other interests.??
Owners of Saurus Nurseries Ray and Rikke Phoon said they plan to continue to expand their growing group, which was set up in 2006 and now offers 794 childcare places across 10 nurseries.
Ray Phoon said, ‘The nursery really appealed to us with the forest and farm space. Having outdoor space with goats, chickens and guinea pigs is really nice for the children.
‘We would like to take our total to 15 nurseries in the next 18 months and then see how far we can go. We have funding in place to expand and will look in our existing areas in the south of England and upwards towards London too.’
Sophie Willcox, associate director at Christie & Co, which handled the sale, said, ‘The nursery generated a lot of interest due to its Ofsted rating, unique outside play area and location. I am delighted to have assisted Mr and Mrs Phoon in expanding their group and hope to work with them again in the future.’
