The closure of Strode College Day Nursery would be devastating for so many local families and their children. This incredible setting, which has filled nearly all its spaces for September 2026 admittance, is a purpose-built setting which provides an essential service for children and families in the community. Early education is crucial for children aged 0-5 years, as 90% of brain development happens during this period. It is undeniably the most important part of a child's education. Despite this, UCS, an educational establishment, is willing to shut down the nursery, potentially depriving future generations (who may one day attend their college) of this vital early start.

Strode College Day Nursery has been a beacon of quality early childhood education and care in our community. The nursery offers a nurturing and educational environment where young children can thrive, fostering not only their cognitive abilities but also their social skills. They also provide additional education through swimming classes, forest school, trips to local places, and experiences within the college beauty and catering departments. Discontinuing this service undermines the foundation of education for these young children —education that is essential during their formative years. 

Early childhood education has far-reaching effects beyond academic success, including improvements in emotional health and social and economic outcomes. According to studies, children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are more likely to achieve good grades through school, earn higher incomes, and lead healthier lives. 

Strode Nursery has maintained a fantastic reputation over the last 22 years as being one of the best local nurseries in the area. Proven by their good and outstanding Ofsted reports. 

In the last five years the nursery team’s abilities to support children with SEND has been recognised and highly-valued. Strode is one of the few nurseries in Somerset with an official stamp of achievement for the team’s all-round inclusiveness for supporting children with SEND. Local families with SEND children actively seek this nursery out for the level of knowledge the team demonstrate. Within the team are (to name a few) two qualified SENCo, two staff with certificates in Level 3 Understanding Autism, and the entire team taking on voluntary training via the Dingley’s programme to sustain the mark of achievement. 

The nursery team also regularly open their doors to students within the college itself who are studying childcare and other relevant courses, providing essential and valuable work experience. Not only that, but they regularly support the assisted learning students from the college year after year by helping them carry out placement hours at their own pace and to their own abilities. Providing them with valuable support and learning opportunities, further enhancing their self-esteem and confidence.

Closing this nursery will leave Street with only three available settings, which is not nearly enough to facilitate the need for childcare in the local area, especially with 280 new houses being built later this year. This also increases the challenge for families in accessing quality childcare and exposes children to alternative daycare services which might not meet the high standards provided by Strode. For parents who work or study, losing this facility will inevitably create an additional burden of finding dependable childcare that ensures the safety and development of their children. 

We urge the governing bodies, local authorities, and UCS to reconsider their decision and explore alternative options that can keep the nursery open. Potential solutions such as fee increases, extension of hours, or opening the nursery year-round have not been considered or discussed.

Please sign this petition to show your support for keeping Strode College Day Nursery open. Stand with us to ensure that our children receive the education and care they deserve during these pivotal early years of their lives.