Parents protest possible closure of Steps Ahead Nursery after “inadequate” rating. Concerns raised over childcare impact.
Inspectors returned in December and January, gathering evidence after concerns arose. A legal notice told the nursery to improve. Further visits assessed their progress, leading to a final notice with a February 14 deadline.
Inspectors are moving to cancel the nursery’s registration because it has not improved, they said. Parents protested the possible closure on February 7. Closure would disrupt the local community and potentially require parents to adjust their work hours.
The protest included kids’ shoes and handprints, representing children at risk. Parents believe closure harms childcare and working families countywide. One organizer emphasized that the impact spreads, affecting services across Wiltshire.
A petition to save the nursery has garnered over 1,000 signatures. Parents fear a lack of nearby childcare spaces. Some parents may lose their jobs if they need to care for their children. One parent expressed prior satisfaction with the nursery.
An NHS nurse questioned the closure notice. Another parent, who had moved her children from a different inadequate nursery, praised Steps Ahead’s support. She admitted that the threatened closure is upsetting and costly.
One parent claimed neglect, using freedom of information to allege the nursery ignored their child’s medical needs. The child required special feeding equipment, and a nurse had even offered to train staff.
Wiltshire Council will continue funding childcare and will assist parents in finding alternatives. The council had offered help to the nursery last year, aiming to support the nursery and its planned changes.
Ofsted makes the decision to cancel registration independently. The council offered to find a buyer for the nursery, ensuring funding would continue during the sale. The council also stated that the nursery informed the parents about the possibility of closure.
The council claims the closure was not their request, affirming that funding remains available for the children. They have also shared lists of other providers. The nursery declined to comment initially, stating that they would issue a statement later.
The Times re-approached the nursery for a statement. Ofsted cannot comment on individual cases. A petition site aims to prevent the closure. Its address is change.org/p/prevent-the-closure-of-steps-ahead-day-nursery-due-to-one-complaint.