The future of the Arc nursery in Southwark, London, appeared in doubt when the Charterhouse-in-Southwark, a local charity that owns the setting, put it up for sale after running into financial difficulty. When a buyer could not be found, it was announced that the nursery, which has 47 places, would close and that the 14 members of staff would lose their jobs.
But quick-thinking parents put together a plan for running the Arc as a charitable trust and took the proposal to Southwark council, which has agreed to provide practical assistance and financial support to the parents, if necessary.
The board meeting last Tuesday was attended by nine shadow board members, 60 local parents, Mike Smith, assistant director of nought to five services at Southwark council, and Paulette Jones, Sure Start programme co-ordinator at Southwark, among others. The board announced plans to extend the number of parents getting financial assistance and to raise funds so that some help could be given to low-income families. The parents are also in talks with Southwark council about reserving some places at the nursery for vulnerable children.
Julie Nelson-Rhodes, a shadow board member whose two-year-old-daughter attends the Arc, said, 'As a parent I am thrilled to pieces that the Arc has been saved, because I absolutely rely on the good quality childcare they provide. I've been connected to the Arc for five years, as my son attended the nursery. The staff are amazing - they feel like part of the family. It's amazing how people have got so interested in saving the Arc, and it has bought a whole section of the community together.'
Lorraine Zuleta, councillor for the Chaucer ward of Southwark, said, 'I was dismayed when I heard the private bidder for the nursery withdrew, but delighted that the parents decided that this was an organisation that they personally were willing to back and get involved with. The council and Charterhouse supported it, and this to my mind is partnership working at its best.'
Pictured at the meeing are (left to right) Mike Smith, acting nursery manager Jan Bedden, Charterhouse trustees chair Armel Cates, Emma Barrington, Andrew Wright and Paul Goode.