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’.
‘It is a beautiful nursery with wonderful, carefully planned, outdoor facilities that we will continue to grow and develop in line with our shared vision for outdoor learning,' he said. 'We believe learning outside is hugely beneficial for children and we plan to increase the range of outdoor activities offered.’
Independent nursery sector growth
Meanwhile, Chatsworth Schools, the private schools group, which predominantly owns settings in London and the Home Counties, has bought two schools with on-site nurseries from the privately owned education group, Riverston Group, taking its total to 14 settings.
Beech Hall School, a non-selective school for boys and girls aged six months to 16 years, is on a 19-acre site on the edge of the Peak District.
Riverston School, a London-based small co-educational and non-selective school which supports children with moderate learning needs, celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2016. Its nursery and early years department is for children aged nine months to four years and the senior school caters for children aged 11 to 19. Chatsworth has also appointed Professor Michael Lewis, chairman of The Riverston Group as a Governor of Chatsworth Schools.
He said, ‘The next stage in the growth of our schools will be greatly enhanced by the involvement of a broader educational team, which can deepen the range of experience, collaboration and support available.’
Anita Gleave, founder and CEO, of Chatsworth Schools, said, ‘The Chatsworth team has a track record of exceptional educational leadership, a passion for schools as learning communities and particular expertise in learning support practices that allow children to flourish and exceed expectations. Through high standards, excellent pastoral care and by fostering a love of learning in a supportive environment, we enable all our pupils to be confident and well-rounded individuals.’
