Early Childhood Education

The first years of childhood are crucial for a child’s development. As a result, there is a global trend towards greater public and private investment in education from birth to age five.

In the UK, the childcare market has rebounded swiftly from the Covid-19 pandemic and is benefiting from supportive regulatory tailwinds, most notably the introduction of funding for children from the age of nine months. However, increased demand is putting pressure on providers, who face significant staffing challenges and rising operational costs. We support operators and investors to capitalise on the UK market opportunity and navigate the risks.

Globally, there is significant opportunity for groups and investors in the sector. Key considerations when assessing the attractiveness of a market include population demographics, maternal workforce participation rates, childcare penetration levels, pricing structures, openness to private provision, pricing structures and ability to make returns, and fragmentation and the availability of acquisition targets. We have supported numerous clients in navigating these factors to make informed investment decisions.

How we help

Our experience in early childhood education includes:

Evaluating the attractiveness of international markets for expansion and developing strategies for different geographies, including the UK, Europe, and North America.
Evaluating nursery opportunities to support the strategic growth of K-12 education institutions and groups, both for-profit and not-for-profit.
Conducting buy-side and sell-side commercial due diligence for investments, acquisitions, and mergers globally.
Supporting operators in building market intelligence, conducing competitive analysis, developing pricing strategies, and developing internal capabilities.

Cairneagle regularly surveys UK nursery operators. This research provides us with unparalleled insights into the latest trends and developments within the sector.

Our Capabilities

We provide our clients with structured insights and expert judgement to drive impactful strategic decisions. Our deep industry knowledge and tailored approach ensure that we deliver high-impact results, helping our clients navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities for growth and excellence.

OUR SERVICES