BRITISH Red Cross has announced that its popular day nursery has changed ownership – and admitted that it was looking into the future of its Knutsford base.

The charity, based in Memorial House on Northwich Road, has been home to Poppies Day Nursery but this week unveiled plans to transfer it to a private nursery owner in March this year.

Ownership of Poppies will be handed to David and Jenny Salmon, a private nursery provider, on March 4 – Jenny already owns a nursery in Sale called Happitots.

The nursery will be known as Poppies Day Nursery and will move to a completely refurbished building on Sugar Pitt Lane, just round the corner from the nursery’s present location.

Jenny said: “I am very excited about the opening our new nursery.

“The transfer has gone so smoothly and I am very impressed with how well the refurbishment is going.

“I am delighted that – highly regarded – nursery manager Helen Woodman will be joining us and hope that most, if not all, of the existing staff will choose to make the move too.

“I hope that parents will feel confident that their children will continue to receive excellent care from the same great staff – and all in a bright, new building.”

The Red Cross said it expects most parents will want their children to transfer to the new provider and is working closely with Jenny, the nursery staff, parents and children to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Barbara-Anne Walker, operations director for Cheshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said it was clear the nursery had an excellent reputation in the town.

“Poppies is the only nursery that we have in the Red Cross in the UK and we felt that it was important the nursery was with a specialist provider,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic nursery and the staff are fabulous. We had a meeting with the parents on January 16 and they were very positive about the move.

“All the staff are transferring to the new provider and all of their terms and conditions are protected. We wish everyone involved with the nursery all the very best for the future.”

For more information about the new nursery call Helen Woodman on 01565 682302.