Closing a nursery in Sharnbrook near Bedford would be a ‘body blow’ for the local community, UNISON warns.
Sharnbrook Academy Federation, which runs the nursery attached to Sharnbrook Academy as well as four other Bedfordshire schools, has announced it will close Brook Day Nursery after failing to find an alternative provider.
Brook Day provides a vital service both for parents in the village and staff at Sharnbrook Academy, says UNISON, with many teachers and support staff sending their children to the nursery.
Campaigners say the academy trust has not explored ways to keep the nursery open and parents have even offered to pay higher fees to help improve keep Brook Day’s finances.
UNISON Eastern area organiser Cathrine Ward said: “Staff and parents at Brook Day have made it clear they’re willing to go the extra mile to keep this valuable community asset in the village, but unfortunately it appears Sharnbrook Academy Federation doesn’t want to listen.
“Closing Brook Day will be a body blow not only for the locals who rely on its top-quality childcare, but also the school as so many of its own staff chose to work at Sharnbrook because of the excellent nursery nearby.
“We urge Sharnbrook Academy Federation to think again and work with the staff and parents to keep Brook Day open for the benefit of the local community.”