Top Sheffield nursery St Thomas Church in Crookes to close after 40 years
The nursery on Nairn Street says it has faithfully served families in Crookes for 40 years.
One of Sheffield’s best nurseries, lauded for its well-behaved children and passionate staff, is to close.
St Thomas Church Nursery in Crookes will shut down at the end of the summer term in July, it has announced.
The nursery on Nairn Street says it has faithfully served families in Crookes for 40 years.
But a significant reduction in pupil numbers and lower-than-expected numbers on the waiting list meant it “would no longer be financially viable in the years ahead.”
Rev Tom Finnemore, rector of St Thomas Church, said: "This has been an incredibly difficult decision.
“St Thomas Church Nursery has served the Crookes community with distinction for 40 years and has played an important role in the lives of countless children and families.
“We are deeply grateful to the many staff, volunteers, leaders and parents who have contributed to its remarkable story over the decades. While we are sad to see this chapter come to an end, we are proud of the legacy the nursery leaves behind.”
The nursery was graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2022 for the third time.
The education watchdog highlighted its well-behaved children and ‘passionate’ staff.
Rev Tom Finnemore added: “Despite the challenges of the past year, the nursery staff team have remained committed to providing the very best care, experiences and opportunities for the children entrusted to them and are determined to finish this final term well.”