Hunter's Bar Playschool, a beloved institution in Sheffield, will close its doors permanently this Thursday. Located on Botanical Road, the nursery has provided early years education for children aged between two and five since its founding in 1975 by a group of "feminist mums." Despite its rich history and a "good" rating in its last Ofsted report in 2022, the nursery cannot afford to stay open, leaving 30 children and their families searching for alternatives.
The nursery, known for its play-based and community-centered approach, has been operating Monday to Thursday from 08:30 to 16:30. Managed by Katie Shipley for the past seven years, the playschool has been a cornerstone for many families in the area. Shipley expressed the emotional weight of closing, acknowledging the significant role the nursery played in early childhood development.
Parents have voiced their concerns and sadness over the closure. Emily Baughan, chair of the parents committee, highlighted the nursery's unique environment, saying it was a "second home" for her child. Another parent, Rowanne Bennett-Waters, emphasized that her son, who struggled in traditional settings, benefited greatly from the playschool's approach. She noted the limited options available for similar care.
Feedback from parents underscores the financial challenges facing the nursery. Baughan pointed out that funding rates have not kept pace with rising operational costs such as rent and staffing, a situation echoed by many childcare providers post-pandemic.
"The rate they pay us doesn't cover rent, staffing costs, heating, so we are one of a number of settings to go out of business since the pandemic," stated Emily Baughan.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson from the Department for Education (DfE) asserted that early years funding had increased by over £2 million. The government remains committed to ensuring childcare is both accessible and affordable.
"We will ensure childcare is accessible and affordable for all families, to deliver on our Plan for Change by getting tens of thousands more children, a record proportion, school-ready by aged five," said a DfE spokesperson.
"Delivered on our commitment to put education back at the forefront of national life," they added.
