A failed nursery school saved from closure by an enterprising mum has now been classed as outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.
My First Friends Day Nursery and Pre-School in Rubery, Birmingham is expected to be amongst the top three per cent of nurseries in the country.
Formerly known as the Jigsaw Day Nursery, My First Friends was rescued in August 2004 just ten minutes before administrators shut its doors.
The nursery was bought by chartered surveyor and mum-of-three Caroline Lyle for an undisclosed sum.
At the time of its rescue it had only 20 per cent of its spaces were taken. However, the nursery now claims to be more than 80 per cent full. Staff numbers have grown from 14 to 42.
The nursery has a restaurant-grade kitchen, which provides fresh food for the children, as well as cookery lessons.
Mrs Lyle said she was delighted with the Ofsted grade.
"It reflects the huge effort that everyone has put into the nursery since those dark days of imminent closure," she said.
"My First Friends operates from easily one of the best childcare facilities in the Midlands. However, we are very well aware that beauty is only skin deep and that the quality of the childcare needs to match the quality of the setting.
"We therefore strive to create not only a safe, friendly childcare environment, but one which is educational and fun as well."
Mrs Lyle said plans were in place for a holiday club, which will undergo a trial this Easter. The company is also continuing to expand its staff numbers.
