Market Harborough Nursery School To Close

A Market Harborough nursery school is to close due to financial pressures.

Welland Park Academy says funding to operate its Pre-School has not increased in line with rising costs and it will shut this summer.

The school is working to find alternative placements for children from 32 families it supports and says seven members of pre-school staff have been placed at risk of redundancy.

Welland Park Pre-School is to close this summer

Welland Park Principal Pete Leatherland said: “Following a consultation with Leicestershire County Council, Welland Park Academy and its Governing Body have made the decision to close Welland Park Pre-School from 31st August 2024.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision, not least because of the employees and the families it affects.

“Despite our best efforts, and given the costs associated with running a preschool provision, it is no longer financially viable for us to continue to operate the setting.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of the seven employees who are at risk of redundancy, and we are working closely with them to provide the necessary help and support during the consultation process and beyond if required.

“We have also communicated our decision to the affected parents and carers to give them time to find alternative provision from September 2024; a process which LCC is supporting us with.

“Market Harborough is a growing town and as an Academy we are committed to providing first-class secondary school provision for the town’s families and wider community.”

The county council says its records show there are enough places available in Market Harborough to accommodate children currently attending Welland Park Pre-School.