The nursery is part of a children's centre at Carter Community School in Hamworthy, Hampshire, and has 12 staff and 40 children.
Parents convinced Poole council and Buffer Bear that the nursery could find more business, after it was announced earlier this month that it would be closed on 6 March.
Following a meeting between all parties, Poole council promised to issue a Sure Start Sustainability Grant to Buffer Bear.
'It's all down to the parents,' said Kay Turner, chief executive of Buffer Bear. 'Without the long-term possibilities the parents offered, we wouldn't have carried on. The parents pointed out that there was a lack of similar flexible childcare in different areas of Poole so we should promote the nursery there, and that we could begin partnerships with local Poole employers. What works best to increase take-up is word of mouth.'
The nursery began experiencing financial difficulties after a drop in occupancy last autumn and the end of five-year Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative funding.
Ms Turner said, 'It was really unfortunate, because we had reached sustainability last year. A high number of three- to five-year-olds left for school, which is expected at times. But the places just weren't filled. I would say the credit crunch has been a factor. People who had booked places were made redundant and others reduced their hours.
'Of all the nurseries in our network, this community was most affected. In other nurseries, we have seen earlier take-up of places as new mothers shorten their maternity leave.'
Ms Turner is meeting with Poole council to discuss details of the short-term grant next week.
