A popular community nursery is being forced to close in just eight days time after 30 years of caring for toddlers in Longley.
St Leonard’s Nursery has been based at the church on Everingham Road since 1995.
Saint Leonard’s Church Norwood has issued the nursery with a four-week notice to vacate the space but has yet to comment on what it will be used for.
Lynne Cottam, 50, the manager of St Leonard’s Nursery has said: “We are devastated to see the nursery close.
“Parents depend on us and as do our SEN children who rely on continuity.
“We keep asking the church for a compromise but they aren’t willing to negotiate or communicate.”
The closure means all eight staff members are losing their jobs.
Ms Cottam said: “Our last hire was over eight years ago, we’ve all been working together for years.
“We’re like a little family.”
A parent from the nursery, who did not wish to be named, said: “The closure is vile. Giving four weeks notice with no explanation is shocking.”
“Losing five months of crucial learning will make my son fall behind massively.”
St Leonard’s recently received a ‘good’ OFSTED review and has been praised on social media in recent days for its amazing service to children and parents.
Becca Ellen Reynolds, a parent at the nursery, said: “My daughter has made so many friends at St Leonard’s. She beams with pride in herself.
“I will be eternally grateful for all of them (the staff) for the last two years my daughter has attended.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to fundraise for legal costs to help the nursery in their battle against closure.
Ms Cottam said: “Surely there has got to be room for renegotiation instead of taking the space away from the children and community.”
The Diocese of Sheffield said: “The PCC (Parochial Church Council) is now at a financial crossroads, with stretched budgets and an urgent need to invest in the upkeep and renovation of church buildings to ensure their long-term viability.
“This space is vital to the church’s plans to expand its worship and ministry provision, offering greater services to the wider community.
“We remain committed to serving our community and ensuring that our church buildings are used in a way that benefits as many people as possible.”
The Diocese recognised the important role St Leonard’s Nursery has played in serving local families and was regretful that no formal lease was ever in place between the day nursery and the church.
