Parents call sudden pre-school closure 'unfair'

A group of parents have said they have been left in a "difficult position" after a pre-school announced it would close in one month.

Eyrescroft Pre-School in Bretton, Peterborough, have informed parents that it will shut on 22 June due to financial struggles.

The pre-school, which is run by Early Years Alliance, said the decision was "a direct result of the acute financial pressure created by the continued underfunding of the early years sector".

Hayden Mills, whose toddler has been going to the childcare facility since April, said the announcement "sprung out of nowhere" adding that it was "unfair to parents and staff".

"It is going to be such a struggle for parents... especially if both work," he added.

The pre-school, which currently has 50 children, is located next to Eyrescroft Primary School, but is run privately.

In April Ofsted rated the pre-school as good.

One mum, who wished to remain anonymous, told the BBC the closure would be "a nightmare".

"My younger one was supposed to start there in September. Other nurseries have long waiting lists so, I am actually panicking."

Billie Jeffreys two-year-old child attends the pre-school.

"If you close one childcare setting then you are going to force more children to go to another setting which will lead to a rise in costs because they will need more staff to maintain the children ratio.

"It is just going to move the struggles from one child setting to another," she said.

Another mum, who wanted to rename anonymous, said she was "gutted" by the closure.

"It is insane. If the pre-school shuts - my daughter might have to stay at home until she starts primary school next year."

Currently children aged over nine months and under three receive 15 hours of government-funded childcare.

This will increase to 30 hours from September, which is already offered to three and four-year-olds.

A spokesperson for Yearly Years Alliance, said the financial challenges were "exacerbated" by recent national insurance changes and national minimum wage rises.

"We will do all we can to give them [the parents] the support they need throughout this process."

Katy Cole, a Labour councillor and the cabinet member for children's services at Peterborough City Council, said parents were being encouraged to engage with the consultation process regarding the closure.

"The local authority has a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient early years places and will work closely with the provider following the outcome of the consultation to ensure that this duty is fulfilled," she said.

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