Nursery could close within weeks

PLEASE don’t close . . . parents are against the proposal to shut Hollinwood Sure Steps Nursery

Parents are devastated at hews that a popular nursery could shut within weeks.

Hollinwood’s Sure Steps nursery, run by Barnardo’s and based at St Chad’s Centre in Lime Green Parade, faces closure in December due to financial pressures. Bosses have until the end of the month to reach a decision on its future and find an alternative provider.

Frustrated parents say it’s another nail in the coffin for early years provision in the area - which is already in short supply.

Upset mum Vicky Billington sent both her children to Sure Steps and Kayda (2) still attends. She said its closure would have a big impact on the community as a whole.

“If Sure Steps goes, the whole of the community will be affected because there’s no other nursery in the area with fully-qualified nursery staff,” said Vicky, whose daughter Claris (6) also went there.

“I understand it is under threat due to government funding cuts. They’re supposed to be encouraging people back into work, so why are they taking away the childcare that allows them to do so?

“My eldest daughter loved going to Sure Steps and so does my youngest. I can honestly say I’ve never had any issues, and that’s unusual. I just hope they find someone to take it over.”

Other parents echoed Mrs Billington’s sentiments.

In the Barnardo’s letter to parents “cost pressures” caused by “national policy changes particularly around subsides, coupled with financial pressures” are to blame for the nursery’s problems.

A spokesman for Barnardo’s said there is a funding shortfall of around 20 per cent nationally.

The spokesman added: “We are in a consultation period where the future viability of Hollinwood Sure Steps Nursery will be looked at.”