Joy as nursery wins reprieve

Around 50 parents, grandparents and supporters of the Old School Nursery turned out to a demonstration, in Arundel town square last Thursday, to protest against the closure of the pre-school.

Based in a classroom at Arundel C of E School, in Jarvis Road, Old School had been given until July to vacate, due to an expanding number of pupils at the primary school.

A reprieve has been granted, though, in the guise of an, as yet, undisclosed Arundel location.

In a joint statement, Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, and Mark Dunn, who represents the town on West Sussex County Council, said that a potential temporary venue had been identified, and that negotiations were underway.

"West Sussex County Council is committed to funding any necessary refurbishments to ensure the premises are suitable for young children.

"In the longer term, discussions are underway with the Arundel Lido Trustees about the possibility of the nursery relocating to a new building on the lido site, in 18 months to two years."

The option of a temporary building on the school's playing fields has also been raised as a contingency plan.

Angie Holden, who owns and runs the pre-school, said the news was wonderful.

"We are elated and delighted for the children of Arundel, and I am

really pleased for my staff. They were facing unemployment, but have stayed professional throughout. It really has been a roller coaster of emotions."

The joint statement went on to confirm a decision made in October, to keep Butterflies Pre-School, Arundel's only other nursery, at its current premises.

"All plans by West Sussex County Council to use the building for a pupil referral unit, for teenagers who have been excluded from mainstream education, have been suspended indefinitely."