Nursery chain to shut 22 sites including Grantham

A company that provides nursery and after-school childcare at 22 sites has told parents they have been closed.

Alpha Nurseries, based in Ipswich, provides facilities in eight counties, including Grantham.

The company announced it was “regretfully” having to close immediately due to financial problems.

In a letter, the company said: “Essentially there was no ability for the business to continue to remain open.”

Signed by managing director Gerard Dooley, it added: “As a consequence, all nursery facilities will close with effect from today [Friday, 29 December] and will not reopen.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, and was not taken lightly.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for any difficultly which this may cause you and your family, and we hope you are able to secure alternate arrangements as soon as possible.”

The Grantham branch operates as Newton House, Dysart Road, which opened in November 2018.

It claimed: “Our nurturing ‘home from home’ environment is carefully designed to encourage children to learn independently in a safe, secure environment that promotes equality and values diversity. We have an experienced and skilled staff team. Healthy home cooked meals are provided using fresh ingredients to promote a healthy balanced diet.”

Parents have been told by Alpha that if they are owed any money, then law firm Begbies Traynor would be able to help with inquiries.

Alpha was founded in 2010 and its first nursery was The Oaks in Felixstowe, with another nursery opening in the same year in Ipswich, where it now has five sites.