Under-threat West Bromwich nursery saved after protest

Parents were left outraged last week after Moorlands Little Learners in West Bromwoch said it may not be reopening in September.

It comes after a decision to look at the closure of the nursery, which caters for 39 children, was announced by the governing body of the school last week.

Now Sandwell Council has backed the parents' campaign to keep it open, by putting £7,200 forward from a sustainability grant.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services, said:

“I’m thrilled Moorlands Primary School has reversed their decision to close their pre-school. With our help they will now continue with providing this vital service to children.

“I realise this uncertainty has been distressing to parents and carers and want to reassure them, that with the school, we will make sure there is no disruption to the care Little Learners provides.

“I want children to have the best start in education and will continue to support Moorlands Primary School in running Little Learners pre-school.”

The nursery had been based at a mobile unit in Moorlands Primary School, in Winchester Road, for around 18 years before being moved to a church hall in recent months. It caters for 29 children.

It is hoped that money will also be put forward for a new building within the school grounds and possible further investment later in the academic year.

Kate Roberts, headteacher at Moorlands Primary School said: "We are delighted that Moorlands Primary School will be able to continue to run Little Learners at the church hall and provide 15 hours of pre-school learning each week.

"We are working with Sandwell Council and have received money from their early years team to help us to continue to run the pre-school at the church until December.

"We are also working with the council to come up with a more permanent venue for the pre-school and hope to have proposals ready for September.

"We are writing to parents of children who attend the nursery and to parents who have applied for a place in September to let them know the nursery will continue to provide pre-school education."

More than 500 signatures were gained on a petition to keep the school open by parents last week.

A protest was also staged outside the school gates.