Fishersgate nursery closure would be a ‘devastating loss’

Stepping Stones nursery in Gardner Road is set to be closed down by West Sussex County Council, as low user numbers make it financially unviable.

But parent representative Carol Springgay, whose son went to the nursery, is leading a campaign to find a new operator.

“It would be a devastating loss to the community,” she said. “It’s a really well run nursery that does great work in a deprived, overlooked community.”

MP Tim Loughton has written to local nurseries – with three expressing an interest in taking over – and Carol has started a survey to assess local demand.

She said one of the reasons for low attendance was insufficient marketing by the council.

A council spokesman disagreed and said: “Despite the dedication and hard work of staff and a sustained effort to market it through promotional materials, open days, the children and family centre’s social media and with dedicated staff, the nursery has not been financially viable for some time. This is due to a low take up of places over a long period of time, despite changes to the operational model.”

The council supported the search for a new provider, the spokesman added, and would help families find alternatives.

Contribute to Carol’s survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LM7YTQ7