A statement from Busy Bees confirms that the 108-place setting will close on 20 December.
The nursery group says it made the decision following a ‘full and comprehensive review of operations at the nursery and after a range of alternatives had been fully explored’.
It goes on to state that, ‘due to the high rental costs at the nursery, which are increasing each year, and having tried a number of initiatives to improve the financial situation, it is not viable to continue to operate the setting.’
Reports suggest that there is currently a total of 114 children attending the nursery, which employs 16 members of staff.
Anita Wilden, operations director at Busy Bees said, ‘This decision has been made after a detailed review of all our operational activities at Chandlers Ford. Sadly, we cannot find a way to provide the affordable childcare that meets the highest quality standards that parents expect of us. We recognise the impact that our announcement will have for parents and our team. We will do all we can to help parents find suitable alternative nursery provision and also to support the staff team at this time.’
The news of the closure comes after the nursery was rated inadequate by Ofsted last month.
In its report, the inspectorate states, ‘Leaders have limited expectations for all children. They fail to ensure staff provide children with good-quality teaching. The children’s experiences vary considerably depending on the room they attend and the amount of staff available to work with them.
‘Staff lack knowledge of safeguarding matters and procedures. This compromises children’s welfare and safety.’
Ofsted has given the nursery until 5 December to improve.
