31 March 2021: Family First has expanded into Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, bringing our total number of nurseries to 17 in our first 22 months of operation. We have bought the six Poppies Day Nurseries and are on target to owning 30 nurseries by the end of August.

Family First Chairman Andy Morris says: “Poppies Nurseries are very well-run and are at the heart of their local communities. We are the perfect match as we share the same ethos when it comes to providing excellent quality childcare implemented by skilled members of the team with years of experience between them.

“Providing a safe, high-quality environment for our staff and children is our number one priority. Acquiring these day nurseries is a perfect example of how our joint expertise can make a positive impact on the staff and children in our care.”

The Poppies nurseries, providing almost 400 nursery places and employing over 100 staff, are in Bourne End, Marlow, Beaconsfield and Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire, as well as Maidenhead and Old Windsor in Berkshire. The group was founded in 2006, and all are rated by Ofsted as Good, apart from the most recent, Maidenhead, which is awaiting inspection. Family First has also acquired the 54-place Kiddies Academy Day Nursery in Beaconsfield, which is also rated Good by Ofsted.

Family First Director of Operations and Quality Dianne Lumsden-Earle added: “These nurseries are known for their exceptional, nurturing staff who have provided a safe, progressive environment for the children in their care, especially throughout Covid-19. Each nursery has a relaxed yet stimulating environment with plenty of educational play and activities provided on a daily basis and fits perfectly with our own ethos of providing the best possible start for all of our children.”

The latest acquisitions mean that Family First now offers more than 1,000 childcare places within a 35-mile radius of London.