Millfield Nurseries Ltd makes first acquisition with recent Somerset purchase

Dolphins Childcare Centre is an established day nursery setting registered to care for up to 67 children. It is located on the same site as North Petherton Community Primary School in the Somerset town of North Petherton.

The setting has been owned by friends, Sharon Lawrence and Di Donald, since 2004. The pair decided to sell to retire.  

Following a confidential sales process with Jassi Sunner at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Millfield Nurseries Ltd (MNL), which was incorporated in 2024, and its purpose is to deliver high-quality early years education across a number of settings.

Sharon Lawrence and Di Donald, former owners of Dolphins Childcare Centre, comment, “We opened on 5 January 2005 - after realising there were no all day nurseries or wraparound care, we decided to go for it! We started off on a different part of the school site and quickly became a vital part of many families' lives. From there, we were relocated within the site, allowing us to gain another classroom and enabling many more spaces. We always knew that, at some point, we would retire and, after 20 years, felt the time was right. We are immensely proud that Millfield Nurseries Ltd saw the passion and dedication within the setting, and are extremely excited to see Dolphins’ future in their hands.”

Holly Angelinetta, Director of Enterprises Millfield Nurseries Ltd, comments, “The aim of Millfield Nurseries is a simple one; to operate a group of well-run nurseries where we can utilise our skills and experience, as well as the skills and expertise of the nursery teams. The well-being of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to provide high-quality childcare in nurturing environments where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their potential. Through play, creativity, and discovery, we foster confidence, independence, and a love of learning. By working closely with families and the local community, we create a supportive space where children can thrive. We were attracted to Dolphins Childcare Centre as this vision was clearly echoed, and we are very proud that this has become the first site to join the MNL Group.”

Jassi Sunner, Associate Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comments, “It has been a real pleasure to work with Di and Sharon on the sale of their fantastic business that they have developed and nurtured from a small business to a nursery with a fantastic reputation. The reputation has seen children pass through, grow up and then send their children to the same nursery, which is probably the most glowing reference you can achieve in this sector. The business attracted a number of enquiries, but Sharon and Di were keen to sell to the right buyer and target a particular asking price. MNL expressed their interest and impressed both Sharon and Di, and we quickly agreed a sale. MNL will now look to add to their first day nursery in the wider region and use Dolphins as a fantastic platform to develop that from.”

Dolphins Childcare Centre was sold for an undisclosed price.

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For further information on this press release, contact:
Phoebe Hill, Associate Director – Corporate Communications
P: 07540 063 598 or E: phoebe.hill@christie.com

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