The founder of Kiddlywinks Nurseries, Karen James, has announced the sale of the Penrith-based childcare settings, Kiddlywinks and Kiddlywinks The Meadows, to the award-winning Kids Planet group.
Founded in 2003 by Karen James, Kiddlywinks has grown from welcoming its very first child in Penrith to becoming one of the most highly regarded childcare providers in the UK. Over the years, the nurseries have achieved multiple national awards and earned Ofsted Outstanding ratings at both their Penrith and Redhills settings.
Reflecting on the decision, Karen described the move as “heartbreaking but necessary,” citing recent personal family health circumstances. She explained:
“My priorities must now focus on us as a family and living our best lives each and every day. Kiddlywinks has always been a ‘work of heart’, and I am confident that Kids Planet will carry forward the same values of love and family that have been at the core of our nurseries.”
Kids Planet, a family-owned group founded in 2008 by Clare Roberts, now operates more than 240 nurseries nationwide. The group has been widely recognised for its quality provision and commitment to nurturing environments.
Karen expressed her pride in the Kiddlywinks journey, from opening in November 2003 with just one child to creating a thriving community:
“It has been a privilege to play such a special role in so many children’s lives and to watch them grow into amazing teenagers and adults. Kiddlywinks has been built on partnerships, reflection, and celebrating successes, and I know the future holds exciting opportunities under Kids Planet.”
Importantly, families are assured that there will be no changes to the daily experience of the children. All staff have transferred through the TUPE process and will remain in place, including Miss Natalie and Miss Rachel as Senior Managers, Miss Kelly as Duty Manager, and Miss Nat Nat as SENCo specialist.
Karen added that she will continue to support the transition to ensure a smooth handover, and hopes to remain involved in the sector through her early years specialist work.
The sale marks the start of a new chapter for Kiddlywinks, with Kids Planet planning to support future growth and development while maintaining the nurseries’ strong community spirit.
As Karen concluded:
“Kiddlywinks will always be part of my beating heart. I thank every child, family, and member of staff for making this journey so special. The nurseries will continue to be a place of love, fun, and learning – an extension of home for generations to come.”
Parents of children at both nurseries received the news of the sale on Thursday afternoon.
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