In September 2022 Minster Nursery, in the grounds of Minster Primary School, shut its doors with the loss of 18 staff.
But it will now re-open, and the out-of-school club returns, in April 2024 thanks to investment from The Manor House Nursery Group.
Owner Jayne Sheerin, of The Manor House Nursery Group Ltd, said: “When we heard that Minster Nursery was to close, we wanted to keep the nursery going for the sake of the children and families that attended.
“Unfortunately, because of legal issues, the nursery closed in September 2022, and we commenced the process of formally taking over ownership. The process took a year, and we received keys recently.
“The works needed are extensive, every inch of the floors, walls and ceilings, the exterior, the gardens, toilets, kitchen etc, all need renovating! The works will take several months, and we are aiming for an opening date in April 2024.
“With the government announcing that all two years olds will receive 15 hours free early years childcare from April 2024, and for babies from 9 months also receiving 15 hours from September 2024, we want to provide outstanding childcare to the community of Minster.
“The nursery will care for babies and early years children from 4 months to 5 years, and the out of school club for children aged 4 to 11 years, will provide childcare before school and after school and during school holidays.
“The community of Minster village needs its nursery back and we will strive to provide high quality care for both working parents and for families who wish to access the government free early years education hours also.
“The old Minster Nursery was loved by the community in the village and we are really excited that we can bring a new and improved provision with Manor House Minster Nursery.
“We will bring our ethos of outdoor learning to Minster, which promotes confidence, resilience and independence.”
There is now a Manor House Minster Nursery Facebook page where progress and regular updates, including photographs, will be posted.
Jayne added: “We can’t wait to include the local community and the children of Minster to help us come up with some design features and we want all their ideas for their new nursery and out of school club.”
For parents interested in reserving nursery sessions or out of school club sessions, please request an information pack by emailing: [email protected]
The Manor House group has been running since 2008 and is headed by Jayne and husband Sean. There are currently three parts to the organisation – the Manor House Nursery, the Manor House Forest School and the Kindergarten Woodland Nursery – and settings in Margate and Quex Park, Birchington.