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Nursery fights to survive in Sustainability

Councillors appear to have backed away from their decision to support the closure of a Sure Start nursery in a school-based children's centre after vigorous opposition from parents. Head of pupil and school improvement at Dorset County Council, Harry Turner, said that, although the council had initially supported the governing body of Somerford primary school, Christchurch, in its decision to shut the loss-making Little Explorers nursery, 'the situation is now being revisited'.

Head of pupil and school improvement at Dorset County Council, Harry Turner, said that, although the council had initially supported the governing body of Somerford primary school, Christchurch, in its decision to shut the loss-making Little Explorers nursery, 'the situation is now being revisited'.

He said, 'Little Explorers nursery is an excellent example of a good-quality childcare provider in an area that needs it most. We are therefore working with partner agencies to explore all options available in a bid to keep the nursery open.'

The council's U-turn follows an angry reaction from parents at a meeting with the governing body and senior staff last week. Head teacher Jocelyn Smail told parents that she and the governors would be meeting with council officials to look at ways of saving the nursery.

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