This will take the number of settings operated by the group to 47 nurseries across the UK by the beginning of next year, with plans to double in size in the next five years.
Co-op Childcare currently owns 45 nurseries across England, offering more than 3,600 childcare places, and is part of the Midcounties Co-operative, one of the UK’s largest independent co-operatives.
It owns the Co-op's portfolio of nurseries nationwide, which trade under the Little Pioneers brand.
Sally Bonnar, chief operating officer for Co-op Childcare, said, ‘Excellent quality childcare has shown just how important it is over the past 18 months. Our nurseries have been so valuable to their communities and the children and parents we support, and we see real opportunity in continuing to grow our portfolio across the country.
‘£1.5million is a significant investment and will bring two new excellent nurseries for their local areas, but this is just the first step in our journey. Our purpose is to deliver the very best childcare, which has the wellbeing of children and colleagues at its heart, and truly values collaboration with parents.'
Parents at Little Pioneers nurseries can become a member of The Midcounties Co-operative, giving them a say in how it is run, and access to deals and offers from across the Co-op group of businesses.
Ms Bonnar added, ‘We’re incredibly excited for the future and look forward to bringing our nurturing, caring and rewarding nursery environment to more communities around the UK.’
The Co-op Childcare group was the 10th largest in the UK in Nursery World’s Nursery Chains Spring 2021 league table.