Pair of Portsmouth day nurseries sold to Surrey-based operator

Husband-and-wife duo Rachel and Dean Dolman have opted to sell their two day nurseries in Portsmouth ready for retirement.

The couple first opened Farlington Day Nursery in 2003 – the popularity of which prompted them to launch a second, Dolls House Day Nursery, four years later.

Between the two sites, they offer care for up to 110 children at any one time in a home-from-home setting that’s been rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Rachel and Dean’s ethos is for children to grow up to be kind, independent and resilient, and have a love for themselves, for others and for learning.

Now looking to pass the torch, they approached Sophie Willcox at property adviser Christie & Co who arranged the sale of both sites to Surrey-based Happy Days Nurseries.

Sophie said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Rachel and Dean on the sale of their business and ensuring we found the right fit for what they wanted from a buyer in the long term.

“As they owned the freeholds of the nurseries, we approached the market on both a freehold and leasehold basis and evaluated between us the offers as they came in to ensure that they proceeded with the route that suited them and their plans the best.

“We were inundated with interest from local and regional operators, and I’m delighted that the settings have sold to Happy Days Nurseries who, I’m sure, will take them to further success.”

Kim Herbert, managing director of Happy Days Nurseries, added: “Farlington and Dolls House’s values and beliefs of providing children with the very best care and education align with our own.

“The staff team will remain in place, and we look forward to working with them to support children to become strong and motivated learners for life and provide a top-class service to enable parents to work and live their daily lives knowing their children are cherished and cared for to the highest standard.”

Both nurseries were sold for an undisclosed price.