Co-operative Childcare nursery chain growing in Wolverhampton

Specialist provider The Co-operative Childcare is the new operator of the City of Wolverhampton College nurseries.

The country's only co-operative chain has acquired Metro One in Bilston Street, Paget Road and Wellington Road Nurseries which between them offer a total of 101 places. The jobs of their 42 existing staff have been secured.

The nurseries cater primarily for the children of staff and students but are also available to the wider community. Each will be rebranded and refurbished as part of a phased investment programme.

Additionally, the former Early Birds Nursery in Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood, has also joined the expanding business.

The Co-operative Childcare, which is part of The Midcounties Co-operative, offers more than 3,000 childcare places and is one of the eight largest providers in the UK.

Group manager Mike Abbott said: "Midcounties has a significant trading presence in the Black Country. We are delighted to acquire our first nurseries in Wolverhampton and Walsall as part of our continued expansion in this, the International Year of Co-operatives.

"The deal safeguards the future of the college's nurseries and parents can rest assured their children will be well cared for. We are committed to running our nurseries according to co-operative values of trust, honesty and openness and to developing strong connections with the local community."

Vice principal Paul Polowyj from City of Wolverhampton College said: "The Co-operative Childcare is a trusted provider with considerable experience and a proven track record. It can access the investment needed to enable the nurseries to flourish and continue to provide quality care."

The Co-operative Childcare runs 47 nurseries and two after school clubs across the country.

Last year The Co-operative Childcare acquired the Buffer Bear chain and refurbished and rebranded its nurseries, investing more than £2 million in a roll-out programme.