The deal means that Casterbridge now offers 2,800 childcare places at 27 settings, primarily in London and the south-east of England.
The group has bought Springfield Lodge Day Nurseries, two settings in Swanscombe and Dartford in Kent, which offer a combined total of 275 places. The nurseries also operate two after-school and holiday clubs called ‘School’s Out’.
Matthew Moore, Casterbridge operations director, said, ‘We are delighted to have acquired the Springfield Lodge nursery business. Their highly committed staff team and overriding dedication to providing a top quality service fits very well with our own philosophy. The teams have been very engaging since the acquisition completed and we are working very well together.’
Springfield Lodge was founded by directors Linda Berriman and Sonia McCluskey. Both of the previous owners are moving on to new ventures within the early years sector.
Ms Berriman is starting a nursery management training company, which will deliver internal nursery leadership training, support for nursery layouts, and a quality performance consultancy.
Meanwhile, Ms McCluskey is continuing to run Springfield Education & Training, the company she set up with Ms Berriman.