Eileen Melling, owner of Westside Day Nursery in Hull, said that she had approached a local primary school to explore the possibility of setting up a nursery, but was turned down immediately.
She said, 'I received a letter saying that the governors did not want a private childcare provider involved, before they had even looked at and considered what we had to offer. In my opinion we were dismissed without due consideration.'
Ms Melling has since learned that the school will open its own nursery in the next few months.
Another nursery owner told Nursery World that she is seeking compensation from Cheshire County Council after she lost 50,000 when she was forced to shut a nursery at a school in Crewe that was earmarked for possible closure.
Janet Wilson, owner of Pine Lodge Integrated Nursery School, said that she opened the nursery in April 2004 at the school's request, paying to install mobile classrooms, electricity and plumbing. She spent 3,000 on equipment and advertising over the summer holidays. But last September she was informed of the possible closure.
Ms Wilson said, 'There isn't enough security for us. We have to put everything in and then get the rug pulled out from under us. I think the council should have a duty of care.'
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, 'There are opportunities for nurseries to work with schools to deliver the extended schools vision jointly. Nurseries working with schools must be very clear about the partnership arrangements. The school, local authority and childcare provider should all work together and draw up a detailed service level agreement which looks at the long-term commitments and the implications and responsibilities of all partners.
'The outcome in Cheshire is a concern, because nurseries need to feel confident in the initiative if the extended schools vision is to be delivered effectively.'
