A unique and specialist nursery near Darlington has been sold to a major company 20 years after it was independently set up by a couple.

High Bank Nursery, based in Stapleton, is a ‘Good’ rated setting with a capacity for up to 110 children aged nought to four years.

The business was founded by Lesley and Angus Thompson in 2003 and was brought to market earlier this year as a genuine retirement sale.

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It was purpose-built to give a spacious feel to all its rooms and comprises a unique outdoor space including a large play area, mini-farm, garden, and Forest School.

The nursery was extended with a purpose-built preschool unit in 2021 due to increased demand. 

Following a confidential sales process with Vicky Marsland at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Kids Planet, which now owns 167 settings across the UK.

Lesley and Angus, founders of High Bank Nursery, said: “Kids Planet is an ideal buyer for the nursery that we have spent the last 20 years growing. We will miss the staff and children at the setting, however, we know that they are in good hands.”

Clare Robers, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “A warm welcome to the team at High Bank - a unique, family-feel setting that aligns with our Kids Planet approach.

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"The nursery will strengthen our presence in County Durham, and I look forward to supporting and welcoming the team and families as they join our group.”

High Bank Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.

Vicky Marsland, associate director of childcare and education at Christie & Co, added: “I met Lesley and Angus in 2019 and have since built a good working relationship, which has been key in understanding the best way of achieving their desire to eventually retire when the time came.

"This is truly a beautiful nursery with an amazing team of staff, a great opportunity for Kids Planet to grow its offering in the North East of England.

"It’s been a pleasure working with Lesley through this process, even if it has been stressful at times but, together, we achieved what we set out to.

"I’d also like to give a special thanks to Chris Morgan and David Williams at Savage Silk Solicitors, for all their hard work.”