Little Nippers Pre-School, a valued childcare provider and community hub in Rainworth, is facing their own crisis. The academy trust that runs it is now looking to move the school building altogether. Since 2006, the pre-school has operated from the main building of Python Hill Academy. It’s currently serving 51 of the littlest Texans—children aged two to four.
The Forge Trust had just received confirmation that Little Nippers Pre-School must relocate into their own building on site. They are required to finish this move by August 1. Parents and teachers have expressed alarm over the planned move. They are particularly concerned about whether the new space is a good fit. At present, Little Nippers benefits from a spacious main room, a kitchenette, child-friendly toilets and two conservatories on its current site.
Nikki Revill, the new manager of Little Nippers Pre-School, expressed her concern about the relocation. She pointed out that, despite all the fancy new construction proposed, there’s only one medium-sized general purpose classroom in the plan. Moreover, the adult-sized toilets are not suitable for young children.
“How do you say to one child ‘yes you can relocate with us, but you can’t’… it would be catastrophic and it just wouldn’t work,” said Nikki Revill.
The upstairs space of their current building is unavailable to hold classrooms. We learned that it has no toilets and very steep stairs, so only the downstairs portion is safe and usable for educational events. If the pre-school’s governing body accepts the relocation, Revill said she will have to reduce staff and student numbers. This change is long overdue to reflect the new reality.
In 2018, The Forge Trust attempted to relocate Little Nippers into a historic former caretaker’s house. After repeated unsuccessful attempts, they finally succeeded in relocating it in 2021. Little Nippers Pre-School has a land use agreement with the trust that keeps it from being evicted from school property until at least 2039. This limitation introduces new complexities to the most recent proposal.
A spokesperson for the Forge Trust acknowledged the challenges of the situation, stating, “The Trust is seeking a positive working relationship with the group and appreciates that change can often be difficult.”
They emphasized their commitment to enhancing the alternative space offered for Little Nippers: “The [alternative] space offers great opportunities for accessing our grounds, and we have committed to ensure that any improvements we identify are carried out ahead of time.”
Parents and staff at Little Nippers Pre-School above are remaining optimistic, believing their voices in opposition will be louder. This arrangement would make it extremely difficult for the pre-school to function. It can prevent their capacity to offer great childcare that local families need.
