Beech Hall Nursery in Macclesfield is part of an independent school and will close at the end of the summer term, unless it can be saved from closure.
The nursery is attached to Beech Hall School run by the Outcomes First Group and was graded ‘Outstanding’ in its last inspection by the ISI in December.
The school says it is closing the nursery to expand its provision for older children attending the junior and senior school, from Reception to Year 13.
Campaigners say that 65 children and 13 members of staff are affected, and that families were informed of the closure via email, with no prior consultation with parents taking place. The nursery offers funded places.
More than 70 parents who have children at Beech Hall have signed the open letter to Outcomes First Group CEO, David Leatherbarrow, highlighting the impact the decision will have on children and families, as well as the lack of alternative nursery places in the area.
Parents David and Nicole Schofield said this is the second time in just over a year that they have faced a nursery closure in Macclesfield.
Based on their repeated experience, they are now advocating for government policy changes to prevent similar situations for other families in the future.
‘We simply cannot stand by and watch this happen again and again,’ David said. ‘The lack of consideration for families is appalling, and urgent action is needed to stop this from happening to others.’
Parents' open letter
The letter says, ‘We are writing to express our strong concerns and disappointment regarding the abrupt decision to close Beech Hall Nursery in Macclesfield.
‘This decision has been made without consultation, transparency, or due consideration of the severe impact it will have on children, families, and the dedicated nursery staff.
‘Beech Hall School has long prided itself on the breadth of opportunities it offers to its students. However, in choosing to close the nursery, it is failing its youngest members and disregarding the needs of families who have placed their trust in the school. This decision also has significant implications for the dedicated nursery staff, many of whom will face limited local recruitment options and employment uncertainty.’
Parents claim there has been a lack of communication and an absence of a search for a solution with families.
The letter continues, ‘The staff are exceptional, and our children have all thrived since attending. It seems unfathomable that such a well-established and highly regarded nursery with excellent reports would be closed.
‘There appears to have been no consideration of alternative plans that would allow Beech Hall Nursery to remain open. Furthermore, parents were not consulted about this significant decision that affects our children's wellbeing.
‘This decision demonstrates a clear lack of awareness of the early years sector in the area and a complete failure to conduct due diligence regarding the impact on affected families. ‘Collectively, we have been informed that almost all local nurseries are fully subscribed until 2026, leaving families with no viable alternatives. The closure of Beech Hall Nursery without securing adequate childcare solutions for the children it serves is both irresponsible and deeply distressing for those who rely on it.’
Many local nurseries are fully booked until 2026, leaving families with no immediate childcare options.
‘This decision is completely irresponsible,’ said one parent. ‘There has been no consideration for how this will affect our children, and we have been given no viable alternatives or support.’
Parents have also contacted Tim Roca, the Labour MP for Macclesfield, urging for government intervention to prevent the closure and implement measures that will protect other young children from similar disruptions in the future.
An email seen by Nursery World sent to parents of Beech Hall announcing the closure said, ‘This decision follows a careful and detailed assessment of how the school can best serve its community now and in the future within the space and capacity parameters we have on our site. The result of that assessment is that we will be committing additional space, resources and investment to the Junior and Senior School to allow us to strengthen the curriculum and facilities to provide the best possible opportunities for pupils from Reception to Year 13.’
In a response to Nursery World’s questions about the closure, the Outcomes First Group, said, ‘We understand the news is deeply disappointing and recognise this is a very unsettling time for the families and staff affected. This difficult decision has been made to ensure we can expand on facilities and provide the best possible education opportunities to as many pupils as possible from Reception through to Year 13.
‘In recognition of the impact of change, we have provided a four-month notice period and a commitment to keep the nursery open until the end of the school year.
‘Our goal has been to communicate plans as early as possible to allow families and staff time to prepare, while also exploring every possible alternative solution in parallel to support those affected.
‘We are working tirelessly to ensure no family is left without childcare provision and are currently working on a proposed solution that prioritises continuity in care and the wellbeing of all those affected. Our priority is supporting every child, family and staff member in every way possible.’
Asked about how the school was supporting the nursery staff, and whether they would be made redundant or found alternative roles, they responded, ‘We are working closely with dedicated nursery staff to ensure they receive the support they need. Their commitment to the nursery and its children has been invaluable, and we are doing everything we can to help them through this transition with support, guidance and practical assistance.’
