SPEL is wholly-owned by a single family, which allows us to take a long-term view. We assume we will own our nurseries for many years, if not decades, to come. We are not seeking to maximise short-term profits to satisfy external investors. 

Long-term thinking gives our nurseries space to breathe and fulfil their potential. This is our secret weapon. It gives us time to work with teachers to build on what they do well. And to listen to parents to see where we can improve their children’s experience.  

Our track record backs us up. Since 2017, we have kept total fee increases to levels at or below inflation. Our average salary is almost 15% above the market, and we have set our pay scale to meet the London Living Wage at a minimum. During COVID-closure, we topped up employees' salaries to 100% to ensure they didn't suffer financially. 

What changes do we make when we buy a nursery? We focus on our strengths by centralising non-teaching functions: invoicing, local authority funding, team training, HR, financial reporting, admissions (and so much more!). This allows teachers to focus on the number one priority: spending time with children. 

We also introduce best practice learnings via our SMART Safety Plan. This ensures we exceed regulatory requirements, but more than anything else, it prioritises the safety of children and teachers. 

A safe and caring environment is the foundation for learning. Doing the right thing for the families we serve and our employees creates a strong business in the long term.

Many educational approaches can create great outcomes. When we take over a nursery, we do not seek to change the educational ethos or impose a specific approach. 

We acquire nurseries that have established strong teaching practices, a caring team, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our job is to create a strong operational foundation that supports teachers to focus on the children in their care and provides great service to our parents.

Reputation is important, but we don't really invest in branding. The nurseries we acquire already have a strong local reputation and we retain the name, look and feel of the nursery that the owner and team have spent so long building.

If we need to invest in enhancing the premises or the resources, we will do that. But no website, marketing campaign or glossy brochure will get us there. Our actions will build a reputation for being a safe and caring place to learn. And that's what any nursery needs to prosper.