

Child care, children’s services and fostering agencies
Specialist knowledge to provide clear and practical guidance
Lawyers with expertise in the nurseries, specialist schools, children’s homes and fostering agencies sector
Whether you are buying, selling or running an existing business, our knowledge of the sector enables us to provide clear, practical and specialist advice.
Our knowledge of the sector, including issues arising from Ofsted, enables us to ensure your process runs as smoothly as possible – whether you are buying, selling or running an existing setting.
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Sales and acquisitions
We have extensive experience in acting in the sales and acquisitions of nurseries, specialist schools, children’s homes and fostering agencies. We can work with you and your professional team to plan and structure your transaction, anticipate potential obstacles and manage timescales to meet your expectations.
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Refinancing
If you are refinancing, our experienced team can help with the legal work required. We are familiar with most of the major UK banks and understand what they will need and how to meet their requirements quickly and cost-effectively.
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Property Development and construction
We advise on all aspects of property acquisition, refurbishment and development from planning to implementation.
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OFSTED advice, complaints and crisis response strategy
Our team can help with all aspects of your relationship with OFSTED including registration advice, inspection reports and complaints. This includes managing safeguarding concerns and investigations.
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HR & employment advice
We understand that the regulation of your business by OFSTED requires effective management and recruitment of your staff. Our extensive knowledge of the regulatory system within which you operate assists us in providing clear, practical advice in relation to:
- Recruitment and retention
- Compliance with the National Minimum / Living Wage
- Suspending staff and taking disciplinary action
- Whistleblowing and safeguarding investigations
- Disclosure and Barring Service referrals
- Managing sickness absence and poor performance
- Grievance and discrimination investigations
- Business immigration
- TUPE advice on the sale or purchase of a business or on the re-tender of local authority funded contracts
- Employment contracts for care staff and Registered Managers
- Policies and staff handbooks for care staff
- HR training
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Dispute resolution
We offer dispute resolution services tailored to the child care sector including fee disputes, defamation and business owners and internal disputes.
Recent success stories
Restructure and sale of the business and assets of a fostering agency to a national provider.
Sale of a children’s services group consisting of a specialist school and six children’s homes to national provider for undisclosed sum.
Contact our health & social care team