Grantham and Kirton nurseries shut after Alpha Nurseries ceases …
Two Lincolnshire[1] nurseries have closed after their parent company shut down permanently due to money woes. Middlecott House in Kirton and Newton House in Grantham were both affected by the closure of Alpha Nurseries and are no longer open.
In a letter to parents, seen by Lincolnshire Live, managing director Gerard Dooley said on Friday, December 29 the Ipswich-based company would cease trading immediately due to its ‘financial position’. Its nurseries will not reopen, he said.
He added: “This was an extremely difficult decision and was not taken lightly, however, there was no ability for the business to continue to remain open.” The staff at Newton House Day Nursery, in Dysart Road, confirmed the news on Friday evening.
Poll: What’s the best sandwich shop in Lincolnshire?[2]
In a statement signed off by the ‘ladies at Newton House, a spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we write our final goodbye to our lovely children and their families. We have been informed today that we will no longer be re-opening for business.
“Myself and the staff would like to thank all of our parents past and present for allowing us to watch your children grow and being part of their journey.” Parents of children who had attended the nursery left touching tributes, saying the staff’s ‘love and encouragement’ had helped their little ones grow in confidence.
One parent wrote: “A sad day. Not the news any of us wanted.” Another said: “Olivia had a fab time at your nursery and you helped her progress into a lovely, chatty young lady.”
A fellow parent added: “Lucie loved every minute of her experience. She came on leaps and bounds and you readied her for school. You started her journey and I’m forever thankful for it.” The staff at Middlecott House posted a similar statement and thanked the parents for their support.
Ofsted had rated both providers ‘good’ during their last inspections. There were 44 children enrolled at Newton House as of July 2021, and 99 out of 100 possible pupils enrolled at Middlecott House as of August 2022.
According to Mr Dooley’s letter, Begbies Traynor LLP will help place Alpha Nurseries Ltd into creditors’ voluntary liquidation. The company was founded in 2010 and had nurseries across the UK.
References
- ^ Lincolnshire (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ What’s the best sandwich shop in Lincolnshire? (xd.wayin.com)