Family-run UK nursery sold after trading for 34 years

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Cygnet Nursery in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.

Established in 1992 by David Smith, Cygnet Nursery has built a strong local reputation for its early years education offering.

The ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated day nursery, which is registered for up to 72 children from the age of zero to five years old, operates across three buildings on one site and has both a patio and grassy outdoor space.

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Located on Evenlode Crescent in Kidlington, just outside Oxford and close to Bicester, the nursery benefits from convenient access to major local employers via both road and public transport links.

David’s daughters, Sarah Barnett and Eleanor Smith, took over the business in 2023 following the sad passing of their father.

After 34 years of family ownership, they decided to sell Cygnet Nursery to concentrate on their own careers and families, as well as not living close to the nursery.

Following a confidential sales process with Jassi Sunner at Christie & Co, the business has been sold to Anthony Pickford of Quackers Day Nursery & Pre-School, who owns other settings in the region.

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Sarah Barnett and Eleanor Smith, the former owners of Cygnet Nursery, commented: “We’re so happy that the nursery has been taken on by someone who will carry it forward in the same spirit as our dad did.

“I believe it will go from strength to strength because of the dedication of the team and support from the management.”

Anthony Pickford, Director of Quackers Nursery Limited, said: “We are delighted to have taken over the running of the setting.

“There is clearly a fantastic team in place offering high-quality childcare, and we are excited about the future ahead.”

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Jassi Sunner, director of Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, added: “When I met with Sarah and Eleanor, they were very clear that selling to the right person was the most important aspect of the disposal, in order to continue their father’s strong reputation and therefore legacy.

“Following an extensive marketing period which included over 50 enquiries and 13 viewings, there was significant competitive interest for the business.

“I know that Sarah was delighted to find Anthony at Quackers, but also someone who will improve the business and work with the existing team to push things forward.

“We wish Sarah and Eleanor the best with all of their future plans.”

Christie & Co added that Cygnet Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.