Petition launched after sudden closure of Aylesbury preschool

Kindred announced on Tuesday (04/08) their Buckingham Park Big Top Preschool will not reopen in September.

Affected families say the preschool closing without any transition period means some have been unable to secure alternative childcare for September, while others have only been offered places from January.

Loren Parker, a representative of the affected parents, says they were only notified to the possibility of a closure just days after the end of the summer term on July 17th, with their children's places confirmed for September. She says whilst they appreciate that businesses sometimes have to make difficult decisions, their concern is the impact this closure is already having on local families, as Buckingham Park has now lost its only dedicated preschool provision. 

Alternatives suggested to families are said to be outside the estate, something which parents say presents significant transport challenges, particularly for families without access to a car and those who also have children attending Buckingham Park Primary School.

Loren adds: 'Throughout the short consultation period we repeatedly asked Kindred to clarify whether a September closure was being considered and proposed a transitional period, such as remaining open until January, to allow families time to secure suitable childcare and to provide an opportunity for another operator to explore taking over the setting.

'This story is about more than one preschool closing. It is about the loss of accessible childcare for a growing community and the very real impact this is having on local families.'

The concerned parents hope by taking action, they will 'encourage anyone who may be able to help preserve preschool provision for our community to come forward'. They add that they have received 'a lot of support from the Parish Council Chairman Anders Christensen and others' and have started a petition (external) seeking to do all they can to see Big Top and its resident staff stay 'after many years of dedicated service to Buckingham Park and our children'. 

Loren explains: 'Our main aim is to see preschool provision remain on the Buckingham Park site if at all possible. Ideally, we would like another childcare operator to have the opportunity to take over the setting so that local families continue to have accessible preschool provision within the estate.

'We are also asking for support from Buckinghamshire Council, Kindred and any other relevant organisations to help facilitate that outcome if possible. Throughout the consultation we repeatedly asked for a transition period, as this would have given families more time to secure alternative childcare while also allowing any interested provider the opportunity to explore taking over the site. Unfortunately, that did not happen.

'Ultimately, our campaign is about ensuring Buckingham Park does not permanently lose its only dedicated preschool.