Pre-school to close after two resign
PARENTS have been given a fortnight to find nursery placements for their children after a Runcorn school announced it is closing its pre-school following two staff resignations.
St Berteline’s Church of England Primary on Norton Lane revealed in its latest parent newsletter on Monday, September 14, that school governors had decided to shut the nursery “with much regret” from Friday, September 25.
They provided two working weeks for parents to find placements at other pre-schools.
Although no exact number was provided, the letter said “both” staff had resigned to take up positions elsewhere, and there was not enough time to recruit replacements under “the current climate”.
It added it would be “impossible to ensure continuity of quality experience” with both employees departing at the same time.
The letter said: “We apologise sincerely for the sudden change in circumstances.
“We realise this will be a disappointment for those families affected.
“We can assure you the long term plan is for the early years team at St Bert’s to provide quality transition activities nearer the time of starting school.
“These activities will endeavour to bridge any gap in preparation for a smooth transition to our reception classes.”
In a separate item, the school wished parents well during the difficult time. It said: “Prayers this week are for anybody who is feeling fed up, sad or generally feeling low because of the changes we are all having to make in our lives. God Bless!”
St Berteline’s has 292 pupils on roll, its headteacher is Julie Barron and chair of governors is Lesley Austin.
It was graded “good” when Ofsted inspectors last visited earlier this year, publishing their assessment in March, which said St Berteline’s had taken over the running of the pre-school in 2015.