Three local authority-owned day nurseries in Hillingdon have been sold to national operator, the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF).

The sale, led by Christie & Co, saw the same of nurseries in Ruislip, Uxbridge, and Hayes.

Despite the councils’ best efforts, the nurseries were trading unsustainably, and so it decided to look for a suitable replacement to take on new leases, the trading businesses, and to expand on the current offering at each site.

Under local authority ownership, each setting provided care for 34 children, while Ruislip and Hayes have the space to accommodate 100 children.

Following a competitive process with Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co, the three leasehold settings have been purchased by London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), which was seen as a values-led, stable, reliable, high-quality group to maintain and grow the offering.

LEYF plans to extend the current operation to increase capacities at the sites, which will, in turn, increase the number of staff needed, creating jobs in the local community.

Dr June O’Sullivan OBE, chief executive of LEYF, said: “We are proud to step in to ensure these vital services truly flourish.

“Our social enterprise model strengthens occupancy, attracts talented staff, and reinvests the surplus back into the nurseries, securing a brighter future for children.

“We’re delighted to bring this proven approach to Hillingdon and remain committed to expanding by acquiring more nurseries across London and the surrounding areas.

“This will cement LEYF’s role as a national leader in reviving the early years landscape, proving that, with the right investment, vision, and social enterprise ethos, nurseries can be reborn as sustainable, high-quality, community-driven spaces where children thrive.”

The settings were sold for an undisclosed price.