UPDATE 

We are deeply saddened that the recent letter to parents has not answered the many important questions raised by families, staff, and supporters. While it acknowledges our upset, it does not take accountability for the way this process has been handled. There has still been no clear explanation as to why Sarratt Ducklings were not given a fair final opportunity to discuss the lease increase, explore alternative solutions, raise funds, or work collaboratively before the decision was made to replace a much-loved nursery that has served this community for over 40 years.

Ducklings has been far more than a nursery — it has been a trusted, nurturing part of village life, built by an incredible team of dedicated women who deserved honesty, respect, and proper consultation throughout this process.

Although we remain disappointed, our focus now is also on supporting those most affected. We are therefore setting up a GoFundMe page for the Ducklings staff, to show our appreciation and help them during this difficult and unexpected transition.

If you would like to contribute, please click the link below.

Every donation, no matter how small, will mean so much.

https://gofund.me/fff550093 

Thank you for continuing to stand with Ducklings and for supporting the staff who have given so much to our children and community.

 

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We, the undersigned parents, carers, and local residents, are deeply concerned by the decision of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust to close Ducklings Nursery, and we are calling for this decision to be urgently reviewed.

This decision has caused significant shock and distress within the community. Families who rely on Ducklings Nursery are now facing immediate and unavoidable disruption, with many having no choice but to seek entirely new nursery provision at very short notice. Parents are being forced to transition their children into unfamiliar settings or search further afield, despite limited local availability, creating serious challenges for work, childcare arrangements, and—most importantly—children’s stability, security, and emotional wellbeing.

There are also serious concerns about the process leading to this decision. Many parents feel there has been a lack of transparency and meaningful consultation, and that Ducklings Nursery has not been given a fair or timely opportunity to fully present its case, explore viable alternatives, or properly respond to concerns before a closure decision was made.

It has been confirmed that a new nursery provision is due to move into the same setting. This has intensified concerns that Ducklings Nursery was not given a genuine or equal opportunity to compete, adapt, or be considered alongside alternative provision. Instead, families are left with the clear outcome that Ducklings is being removed, while parents will be expected to either transition into the new provision or make alternative childcare arrangements elsewhere.

It is also deeply concerning and distressing for staff that Ducklings Nursery team members, along with staff at Sarratt School, were not informed or consulted in advance of this decision and were only recently made aware of the closure plans. This has had a significant emotional impact on staff who are dedicated to the children in their care, and raises further questions about the fairness, timing, and communication of the process.

Ducklings Nursery has long been a valued and trusted part of the local community, providing high-quality early years care and education and playing a vital role in supporting children during their most formative years.

We therefore ask Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust to:

- Pause the closure decision pending urgent review

- Provide clear and transparent reasons for the closure

- Confirm what alternatives were genuinely explored

- Explain how decisions regarding any new nursery provision were reached

- Engage directly with affected families before finalising next steps

- Prioritise the wellbeing, continuity of care, and emotional security of all children affected

We urge the Trust to reconsider this decision and ensure a fair, transparent and accountable process moving forward.