A MERSEYSIDE pre-school and day nursery company is to embark on significant growth, after securing a “substantial investment” to support its expansion.

Gingerbread Pre-Schools Group already operates two centres in Crosby and Fazakerley, with a third one in Mossley Hill due to open in the autumn.

A fourth site in south Liverpool will open early next year.

The company’s chief executive, Stephen Collins, has drawn up plans to build the chain up to as many as 10, over the next five years, which would involve the creation of about 200 jobs.

Gingerbread is backed by national investment company Downing LLP, which has made a substantial investment to assist with the planned roll-out.

Mr Collins said: “During the past 10 years, Gingerbread has established itself as a quality pre-school and day nursery provider with two successful centres, Gingerbread House in Crosby and Gingerbread Cottage in Fazakerley.

“We are passionate about providing high-quality child care in an environment that is safe and stimulating – a place where learning takes place through play, and everyone is treated as an individual.

“Our aim is to be the top early years childcare provider in the North West and one of the most successful in the UK.

“We have put in place a strong management team and secured the support of Downing and are very excited about the future.”

The deal will see Downing’s Paul Beaumont become a director of Gingerbread.

He said: “Downing has a history of backing strong management teams, and we are excited to be involved with this business.

“We have spent some time looking at the way they operate and have been attracted by the enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism of the people within the business.

“We are very confident that we can provide the financial support to take the business to the next level.”

Gingerbread is currently renovating Greenbank Park Pre-School, a former convent in Greenbank Road, Mossley Hill.

Gingerbread, which currently employs 60 staff, utilises technology to provide an enhanced service. The nurseries have installed biometric fingerprint access technology and offer parents a secure online “internet viewing system” which allows them to access live nursery images to watch their child playing at any time. It can also be accessed on smartphones.

Gingerbread House was among the first nurseries in the area to be accredited with five stars under Sefton Council’s Scores on the Doors.