Little Explorers: Gosport nursery terminates all pre-school places as children left with nowhere to go
Dozens of parents have been left scrambling to find a new pre-school for their children.
Little Explorers, a nursery and pre-school in Heritage Way, Gosport, has sent a letter to parents today (Wednesday, April 8) telling them that their children’s pre-school places are being terminated at the end of this week.
In total, 42 children are being left without a pre-school place.
The news comes following an Ofsted inspection of the nursery, which led to a welfare notice being issued. Inspectors pointed to safeguarding failures, health and safety concerns, and special educational needs not being met.
A letter from Little Explorers’ management team, which was sent to all pre-school parents, said: “Following a recent Ofsted visit, the nursery was issued with a welfare notice, alongside a clear recommendation that numbers within the pre-school room must be reduced. As you may be aware, maintaining appropriate staffing ratios is a statutory requirement within early years settings, and it is essential that we remain fully compliant at all times to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and quality of care for all children.
“After careful consideration, it is with regret that we must inform you that we will be terminating your child’s place at the nursery from Friday, April 10.
“This decision has not been taken lightly; however, due to current staffing constraints, we are unable to safely accomodate all children while adhering to required ratios.
“We understand that this news may be upsetting and inconvenient, and we sincerely apologise for the impact this may have on your family.”
One grandparent of a Little Explorers pre-school child told The News that staff turnover has been “abysmal” under new ownership at the nursery, and that agency staff are being brought in by management to fill the gaps.
Parents who have paid for April’s pre-schooling will apparently be refunded.
Hampshire County Council is reportedly supporting families in finding new pre-school places for their children. The News has contacted the county council for comment - and for info on whether the children will all be relocated to pre-schools in Gosport.