Key Milestone for New Wincanton Children’s Nursery

On Wednesday 18th March, the local South Somerset DC Planning Committee, Area East, passed the planning application for change of use from offices to a children’s nursery use. The proposal covers the lower ground floor at the SSDC Churchfields and adjacent garden. The proposed nursery will have a capacity of 30 0-4 year-olds and operate on a "wrap-around" basis.

Tim Carroll, Chairman of the Balsam Centre which will operate the nursery commented,

"This is a significant milestone as it means that we have finally concluded all the planning processes and work to adapt the building will start in the near future.

“We did originally intend to have the nursery up and running by early April but regrettably we underestimated the amount of preparatory work involved in concluding agreements with the District Council and the length of their internal processes. The delay is disappointing not only to us as an organisation but to parents who had also anticipated this earlier opening date.

“I am pleased to say that we have had many enquiries for places, which is not surprising as there is an existing deficiency in childcare provision in Wincanton, specifically in the 0-2 year age range based on evidence from the County Council and Health Authority. This doesn't of course include any additional demand generated by the future incoming families in the Deansley Way or the New Barns estates.

“The nursery will be run by staff who are currently employed in the Children’s Centres in Wincanton and Castle Cary, who will be redeployed once the Children’s Centre contract with the County Council expires. These are long serving and professional staff who are already very well-known to parents in Wincanton.

“As soon as we know a precise completion date for the works plus the statutory inspection by OFSTED, we will advertise that we will be open for business."

Sue Place, Balsam Centre Manager said,

"It’s great news for families that we can go ahead. The nursery will be a key part of what the Balsam Centre does, providing local choice and keeping our staff’s skills and expertise in the community.”

Comments

nigelengert
Posts: 1

New Children's Nursery
Reply #1 on : Wed April 01, 2015, 21:41:17

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It's great to hear that your patience has been rewarded at last and that pre-school children and their parents will benefit from this new service.

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