Childcare ‘pioneers’ establish new nursery business Back to the Garden

A joint venture between an entrepreneurial couple and property firm McGoff Group is set to create a new nursery business in Altrincham.

Stewart and Jeannie Pickering, the duo behind the kidsunlimited brand of nurseries, are teaming up with The McGoff Group to establish Back to the Garden Child Care.

The move marks a return to the sector for Stewart and Jeannie, who are preparing to re-enter the marketplace after selling kidsunlimited in 2008.

At the helm of kidsunlimited, which today trades as Bright Horizons, the duo opened over 50 full day care nurseries.

For McGoff Group, Back to the Garden represents its second foray in a new strategy to develop ventures that rely on the delivery of new-build settings for rapid roll outs, creating asset-backed businesses with strong operating cash flows.

The site chosen for Back to the Garden is located away from busy local transport routes, in answer to government calls for childcare facilities to be positioned away from main roads and areas of elevated pollution levels.

Back to the Garden will seek to stand apart from competitors with its garden and external space, designed to give youngsters the opportunity to explore and discover in a natural, safe environment.

Stewart commented: “It is exhilarating to be involved in the childcare sector again and in such a hands-on capacity.

“From the initial set up of the nursery and overseeing the curriculum and equipment to co-ordinating the recruitment, both Jeannie and I will be an integral part of Back to the Garden Child Care.”

He added: “Our philosophy focuses on the health and wellbeing of each and every child, enhancing their nursery experience with a dedicated commitment on outdoor play and activities in the fresh air.”

Jeannie said: “We want and will strive to provide the very best child care in the North West, and incorporated into the heart of the design of the nursery and its location are concerning issues regarding air pollution, which causes health problems and affects children’s development.”

Chris McGoff, director at McGoff Group, said: “We are proud to be partnering up with Stewart and Jeannie, who are pioneers in this sector, and firmly believe that we are creating a dream team operator for Back to the Garden Child Care.”

Law firms Fieldfisher and Beyond Corporate acted for the McGoff Group on the deal, which is part of a larger community village project that includes the delivery of a family-friendly restaurant and Community Hall for people in Broadheath.