AN ‘outstanding’ nursery fears it may have to close if it does not get permission to extend its opening hours.
Tiny Tots Nursery in Chingford wants to open between 7am and 7pm to better serve working parents.
But the nursery is worried neighbours with concerns over noise and parking may object to the proposal. But Iain Duncan Smith MP is supporting the nursery, claiming the move would provide a boost for the local community.
Charlotte Brewer, manager of the nursery in Higham Station Avenue, Chingford, said: “Our current hours are not long enough for working parents. As the number of children reduces the number of staff will too, unfortunately. It’s a shame.”
The nursery, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, is currently open from 8am to 6pm, but Ms Brewer said this does not leave parents enough time to pick up their children.
It has capacity for 40 children but currently looks after just 30.
Mr Duncan Smith visited the nursery last Friday (October 14), where he pledged his support for the nursery’s application.
He said: “Tiny Tots nursery provides a valuable service to the local community in Highams Park and I very much support their application.
“I hope the council will see fit to approve this application as it would do the local community a lot of good and it would potentially save a struggling organisation from closure.”
Ms Brewer added that at full capacity, children would not all arrive at the same time, while only a small number are taken into the garden at once to reduce noise problems for neighbours.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here