Pictured above: (l-r) David Hateley, Emma Catton and Richard Bridgwood with children from ABC Early Learning & Childcare Centre

A children's day nursery in the Midlands has been able to undertake the next stage of its development following funding from Barclays Business.

ABC Early Learning & Childcare Centre UK Ltd, based in Bilbrook, opened its first nursery facility in 2004 and caters for 81 children. Just seven years on, the business is opening a second purpose-built centre on a plot of land at Wolverhampton Business Park. 

The £1.8 million facility, which is due to open in January 2012, will cater for 124 children and will create a further 38 jobs in the area. 

The plot, which is currently woodland, will enable the business to adopt a 'Forest School Status' whereby the children will be encouraged to explore the natural environment and participate in the growing of their own herbs and vegetables.

The Directors of ABC Childcare are confident that the location of the business park will offer their clients extended choice due to the easy accessibility from the motorway network and its close proximity to the A449 dual carriageway.

Commenting on the expansion, Emma Catton, Director of ABC Childcare said: "We are extremely pleased that Barclays Business has recognised the quality service delivered at our current centre and to support the next stage of our business development. The site is going to enable us to offer an extended first-class childcare facility for our children and will complement our existing centre at Bilbrook."

Richard Bridgwood, Relationship Director at Barclays Business said: "ABC Childcare has strived to deliver a continually high standard of childcare which is evident from the success of their first centre. I am delighted that Barclays Business has been able to support them in their latest, exciting expansion plan which will take the business to further strength."

Work is due to commence on the site early May. David Hateley, Executive Director of ABC Childcare will be overseeing the development of the new site. 

Jonathan Rogers, Director of Broadlands Wolverhampton Ltd that own and develop the Park, believes that ABC Childcare's decision to locate at Wolverhampton Business Park is testament to its prime location and access to thriving businesses already on the scheme.

He said: "It's encouraging to see ABC Childcare go from strength to strength and we look forward to work commencing at the Park to provide a brand new facility for this successful business and the new employment it will bring to the area as a result."

In January of this year, the nursery was awarded 'Outstanding' in every area of the setting following an Ofsted inspection - the highest possible achievement. This was soon followed by an Environmental Health Food Hygiene inspection last month where the facility achieved the maximum five-star gold rating. Just this week, the nursery has obtained a 'Star Award' in recognition of the Ofsted outstanding award, by Staffordshire County Council.