WOLVERLEY couple Debbi and Andy Gould are celebrating a hat-trick for their chain of children's nurseries.

Three nurseries run by the pair, both former teachers, have received "outstanding" Ofsted ratings.

They said it was a major boost for them and the 100 staff they now employ at their "First Steps" nurseries in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

“We are delighted the nurseries, and particularly our hard working staff, are recognised for the high quality care and fun environment they provide,” said Mrs Gould.

“It is really rewarding when other professionals, particularly Ofsted, tell us we are doing a brilliant job.

"It echoes the lovely feedback we already get from the children and their parents.”

The couple, who live in Wolverley village, set up First Steps Children’s Nursery 22 years ago.

They quit the teaching profession to open a private nursery in Harborne, with the aim of using their experience to help under fives become confident, independent and better prepared for school life.

The first nursery, called First Steps Stonehouse Farm, thrived, so they later bought two more premises - in Northfield and Compton, Wolverhampton.

They now run their own apprenticeship scheme for child carers and offer training opportunities for their own and other nursery staff.

Earlier this year the Goulds added a fourth nursery to the group, acquiring a former Victorian school in Raddlebarn Road, Selly Park, Birmingham.

Ofsted said of First Steps nursery’s Rathvilly School in Northfield: “Strong leadership and great team work by everyone in the nursery ensures a warm welcome for children and families and underpins the smooth running of rewarding sessions and well-managed routines.

"Everyone is enthusiastic and completely dedicated to providing high quality daycare.”

It adds: “Children make excellent progress in relation to their starting points and are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their learning, including school.”