Full-time day care places at a nursery school rated outstanding in its last three Ofsted inspections could be lost because of a funding crisis.

Low Hall Lane Nursery School and Children’s Centre, in Low Hall Lane, Walthamstow, must enrol more children in less than three weeks or face a significant cut to services.

An emergency meeting held with parents and staff on Tuesday revealed that a drop in enrolments meant a significant restructure could be imminent – resulting in shortened hours and potential job losses.

The nursery, rated outstanding three times since 2006, currently has 97 children on its books.
Governor and parent Dan Edelstyn said: “It’s the best place in our area, undoubtedly a treasure to the children who attend and their families.

“It would be very sad to see such an amazing community resource close.”

He said enrolments have decreased because the centre lacks visibility - both to passers-by and to the “increasingly technologically savvy” parents in the borough.

“We need online presence to show what an exceptional place this is. The only thing we’re missing is awareness,” he said.

“There’s a crisis in early years education and here’s a place that’s struggling to catch people’s attention.”

Governors five additional children must enrol for full-time day care by February 11 to prevent the cuts.

Executive headteacher Sandra Campbell said: “To lose such a valuable community resource would be a real blow to the parents and children of west Walthamstow.

“Low Hall Nursery has long been seen as a beacon in terms of its special needs provision and general early years foundation stage education.

Interm deputy headteacher Mandy Douglas said: “We want to keep the nursery daycare open next year, service the community and providing a happy and constructive environment for the children who come here.”

An open day will be held at the nursery school on Thursday, running from 8am until 11am and from 1pm until 2.30pm.