Award-winning 29-year-old day nursery group in Edinburgh sold

Images: Pinocchio logo, setting in Eskbank, setting in Heriot-Watt, setting in Lasswade, setting in Penicuik, setting in Gilmerton 

Pinocchio’s Children’s Nurseries Ltd, one of the largest privately-owned nursery groups on Scotland’s east coast, was founded by Stratos and Lewissa Koulis in 1997 with the opening of their first site in Lasswade. Over nearly three decades, the group has grown to five high-quality settings in Lasswade, Penicuik, Eskbank, Gilmerton, and Heriot-Watt, collectively offering places for up to 365 children.

The group is widely recognised for its commitment to quality and innovation, holding multiple industry accolades including the Investors in Young People Gold Award, the Silver Eco Schools Award, and several NMT Nursery Awards. Pinocchio’s also champions outdoor learning through woodland classrooms and Forest School principles, alongside a diverse curriculum of creative and wellbeing activities.

Looking ahead to retirement, Stratos and Lewissa engaged Christie & Co to manage the sale, ensuring the nurseries would be passed to an operator who shares their values and dedication to excellence in childcare.

Following a confidential sales process with Martin Daw and Callum Lancaster at Christie & Co, the group has been purchased by investment manager, Foresight Group, which holds investments in three childcare settings in the UK and Ireland. This is their first venture into the Scottish day nursery sector.

Stratos and Lewissa Koulis, the former owners of Pinocchio’s Children’s Nurseries Ltd, comment, “We would like to thank all our families over the last 29 years for their trust in our nursery teams, and to our employees for all their hard work and commitment to deliver the very best childcare and education to the children in our care. Foresight shares our vision and brings the expertise and resources needed to help Pinocchio’s grow while preserving the quality and values that have defined the business.”

Duncan Thorburn, Investment Manager at Foresight Group, comments, “Pinocchio’s is a high‑quality operator with a strong reputation, committed team, and a clear opportunity to grow. We are delighted to support the next phase of expansion and help build on the excellent foundations already in place.”

Martin Daw, Regional Director – Scotland at Christie & Co, and Callum Lancaster, Senior Business Agent - Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comment, “We are absolutely delighted to have supported Lewissa and Stratos in achieving a successful sale. After many years of dedication to building Pinocchio’s into one of Scotland’s most respected nursery groups, they can now look forward to the next chapter. Foresight Group is an excellent fit to carry forward the values and reputation they’ve established, and we are confident the nurseries will continue to thrive under their stewardship.”

Pinocchio’s Children’s Nurseries Ltd sold for an undisclosed price.

----------------------

For further information on this press release, contact: