A nursery boss says she is “really disappointed” to announce the closure of the business just a few days short of the end of term.
JAKS Nursery sent home an email to parents on Monday (July 14) informing them with “immense sadness and regret” it would be ceasing operations after tomorrow (July 17) – just three school days short of the end of term.
It is located within Twydall Primary School, which is run by the Rainham Mark Education Trust (RMET).
The nursery, which has 39 children on roll, told parents it had received a letter from the Trust’s solicitors earlier this month relating to an ongoing legal process regarding the “use of the premises”.
It also pointed out ongoing problems in the schools’ sector which had contributed to its demise.
The letter added: “Like many providers, we have found government underfunding and additional employer costs through things like increased National Insurance contributions, without any sector support to mitigate, have made operating the nursery virtually financially impossible.
“We are left with no choice other than to end operations.
“It is with immense sadness and regret that we have to inform you JAKS will be closing on Thursday, July 17.
“As always, our priority is the children and the staff, especially for September.
“Thank you for choosing JAKS for your children, we have enjoyed having them with us so much.”
Nursery director Jo Watson told KentOnline she was “really disappointed” about the closure, and that their staff and children were the “absolute priority”.
The Trust in charge of the school where it leased space has undergone a turbulent six months, having sought to merge with another school group.
As tension among parents mounted, some of whom felt the mooted link-up between RMET and Veritas Multi Academy Trust, based in Deal, was ”unethical”, the proposal collapsed.
This led to “a time of uncertainty and change” with the boss of one suddenly quitting and the other Trust pulling out.
Last week, Matty Peacock, RMET chairman, announced that Owen McColgan, who is chief executive of Rainham-based The Howard Academy Trust, is taking on the interim CEO role on a part-time basis.
Jo, who opened the nursery in January 2022, explained: “We’re having to close on Thursday, so that we can move out on Friday.
“This will mean the children have had three days cut off their school year. I’m really disappointed”.
Parents who had paid for sessions on the last three days up until Tuesday (July 22), the end of term, have been told they will be refunded.
They are now being advised to contact alternative preschools in the area – including Bears, which is on the same site, and 2J’s in Gillingham.
Jo added the nursery were grateful for the assistance from Independent Medway councillor Chris Spalding, in “navigating and exploring options to remain open”.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: “We can confirm that correspondence has been sent to JAKS Nursery operating within Twydall Primary School via our solicitors.
“This is part of an ongoing process regarding the use of the premises.
“As this is a legal and confidential matter, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Some have expressed their sadness at the closure online.
One parent, whose child was set to join the nursery in September, said: “We loved it when we visited it, I am so sad they are closing”.
