An East Yorkshire nursery that has looked after young children for more than 20 years has been bought by an expanding regional operator after the founder sold up.
Wishing Well Day Care was established in Cottingham in 2002 by Victoria Wheeldon, developing into a 49-place operation for those aged six weeks to five years. Family commitments led to the move, with a confidential sales process launched and undisclosed deal agreed within three months with Blue Sky Day Nurseries.
Led by Vivienne Poolemen, Wishing Well becomes the group’s fourth setting in East or North Yorkshire, with plans to add more in the coming years.
Read more: Hull Trains breaks daily passenger record to get KR fans to Wembley
Vivienne said: “Wishing Well is a wonderful setting with an amazing team and, as such, is a great match to the other Blue Sky nurseries. The team are remaining in their roles and so parents can rest assured that their children will continue to get the same great care as they are used to.”
The nursery actually features a wishing well at the front of the property, with enclosed garden to the rear.
Victoria said: “Owning Wishing Well Day Care for over 21 years has been extremely rewarding, seeing so many lovely young children develop and grow, whilst providing care for parents/carers. I count myself very fortunate to have met and worked with so many wonderful colleagues, customers, and suppliers during this time, I will miss them all. Selling the nursery was a very difficult decision to make, but I am now at the time in my life where I want to take some time out with my family and see what the future holds.”
Blue Sky adds Cottingham to settings in York, Pocklington and Market Weighton, stretching the footprint along the A1079 towards Hull.
Vicky Marsland, associate director for childcare and education at Christie & Co, said:“This is a beautiful, profitable nursery which I truly believe will flourish under the ownership of Blue Sky and could even lead to creating more opportunities for career development for the staff. “It’s been a pleasure working with Victoria, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”