Oldham nursery that can look after 50 children has been sold

For the last 18 years, Ladybirds Educational Nursery, in Chadderton, has been owned by Timothy and Barbara Clarkson, and in that time has received its fair share of plaudits - most notably from Ofsted inspectors who awarded them a 'good' rating.

Now, the husband and wife duo have sold the Victoria Street business to Arron Leech, who owns Jungle J’s Play and Party Centre in Chadderton, as they prepare for a life in retirement.

Ladybirds Educational Nursery, in Chadderton (Image: Christie & Co)

The couple released the following statement: "After nearly 18 years, we say farewell to Ladybirds with heavy hearts but with much optimism that the setting will continue to thrive under its new owner.

"The foundation of a successful nursery is, of course, its staff. We have been immensely fortunate in employing a fantastic team of dedicated professionals, who have consistently maintained the setting's reputation for high-quality childcare and education.

"We thank them for their hard work over the years and wish them and Arron all the best for the future. Our thanks also to Sofia Beck for her steadfast support and guidance throughout the sale process."

Ladybirds Educational Nursery, Victoria Street (Image: Christie & Co)

Arron is expected to continue the business under the name Ladybirds, which was only visited by Ofsted in 2022 and has can look after  up to 54 children aged nought to five years.

Sofia Beck, director of childcare and education at Christie & Co finance - which helped fund the sale, said: “I’m so pleased to have helped facilitate Tim and Barbara’s exit plan.

"Having offered early years care and education to children for so many years, selling their last trading nursery was a decision which didn’t come lightly.

For the last 18 years, Ladybirds Educational Nursery, in Chadderton, has been owned by Timothy and Barbara Clarkson (Image: Christie & Co)

“We have experienced a busy start to 2024 with several day nursery transactions completing in January and a solid increase in new business instructions and offers accepted."

She added: "We are also seeing lots of new interest in the sector, with first-time nursery buyers like Arron, who have previous experience in the early years and education space, being keen to own their own businesses.”

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