Popular Wakefield nursery confirms closure after more than 20 years

A popular Wakefield nursery has confirmed that it will close next month, after more than 20 years in business.
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First Steps Day Nursery, in Eastmoor, said that "rising operational costs" had made the business unsustainable and confirmed it would close on Friday, April 3, 2020.

The nursery, which is run by Wakefield and District Health and Community Support, opened in 1994 and has operated from its Warrengate site since 2001.

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But the charity said they had now taken the decision to end all front line services as part of a "wider charity review".

A popular Wakefield nursery has confirmed that it will close next month, after more than 20 years in business. Stock image.A popular Wakefield nursery has confirmed that it will close next month, after more than 20 years in business. Stock image.
A popular Wakefield nursery has confirmed that it will close next month, after more than 20 years in business. Stock image.

One parent said they were concerned that they would not be able to find alternative childcare before the nursery's closure.

Mrs Elaine Strutt, Chair of the Board of Trustees said: “The decision to close the nursery has not been taken lightly.

"We run the service on the edge of Eastmoor Estate, where most of our families come from, and so we realise the impact closure will have on them, and also on our fantastic staff team.

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“We have done everything possible to try and avoid closure, including talking to other providers and running a major marketing drive to attract privately funded places from the local areas.

“Sadly we have been unable to reduce the deficit which has left the board with no choice but to stop delivering the service.

"We will continue to work alongside the local authority’s Early Years Team, to ensure that families find places for all the children we currently support, and we will also do all we can to help our incredibly talented staff team find alternative employment elsewhere."

According to an Ofsted report published last year, around 80 children are enrolled at the nursery, which employs 16 members of staff.

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Wakefield and District Health and Community Support said the decision to close the nursery had been taken as part of a wider charity review, which will see the charity stop delivering front line services.

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