Looming crisis over pre-school places in Brightlingsea

Residents are calling on education chiefs to help plug the shortfall in pre-school provision in the town, with Bizzy Bees Pre-school expected to close in July.

The pre-school, rated outstanding in its last Ofsted report, is one of only two pre-school’s in the coastal town, which has a population of more than 8,500.

It has not officially announced its closure, but it is understood its lease at the New Church Hall is not being renewed, and it has not found another premises.

Its closure would leave only Brightlingsea Playcentre providing nursery provision to all under-fives in the town. Brightlingsea Town Council is to meet Essex County Council today to ask for money to provide temporary accommodation and extra staff at the playcentre. It is hoped this will prevent children being turned away when the new term starts in September.

Nichola Spicer, a county council spokesman, said: “We are very aware this closure will potentially leave a shortfall of childcare places in Brightlingsea. We are now working with another provider to see whether it can expand to meet the need.”

Carolyn Rix, who runs Brightlingsea Playcentre, said: “I’m full to my capacity at this time, and I have my own waiting list. It will be a sad state of affairs if these children can’t go somewhere.

“There is definitely a need for something else in the town.

“I’m hoping the county council will step up the money and we can get something in place, but we won’t know anything until after the meeting.

“I don’t want to give everyone hope that I can help these children until we know we can have the money to take them on board.”

Graham Steady, Brightlingsea town and Tendring district councillor, said: “The first problem is the September intake.

“Bizzy Bees has a waiting list and on top of that, the play centre has a waiting list. We are hoping the county council can provide us with special funding to increase facilities at the play centre on a temporary basis.”