A POPULAR not-for-profit making nursery opened to give children in Breightmet the best possible start is to shut its doors after controversial changes to children’s centres.

Little Ozzies 2 based in the Leverhulme Centre will close on February 17 – with the majority of children now being transferred to Little Ozzies based at SS Osmund and Andrew’s RC Primary school in Breightmet.

Managing director Yvonne Franks said she was forced to make the ‘devastating’ call because of changes to the way children’s centres now operate. A letter was sent to parents on January 26 leaving them upset before they received the news that the nursery had managed to find places on their other site.

Mrs Franks said: “The closure has been devastating for everyone. It was opened in November 2014 as a not for profit nursery for children in the community so they had access to high quality day care and were ready to make the transition into primary school. Most of the children’s services at the Leverhulme Centre are being moved to other sites and we rely on referrals from the centre. The changing face of the centre means we can no longer keep Little Ozzies 2 open as the infrastructure is not there. We are now able to offer 28 children places at Little Ozzies with the staff coming over with us. A number of children have alternative places and we are working hard to place the other children

“We have been working tirelessly to find a solution to this devastating situation. The children will have a place until September when many of them will go on to primary school. We don’t know yet if we can continue to provide the extra places beyond that.”

Mum Suzanne Murphy, who has a three year-old daughter at the nursery, said: “It is such a relief to know my daughter has a place and will see the same faces, which is the best thing about it. This nursery is a victim of changes to children’s centres. We still want to fight for this nursery to stay at Leverhulme Centre, for the next generation of the children in the area. The staff are amazing and ensure the children get the best possible start.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear the nursery is leaving Leverhulme Centre as it is an important link site and will continue to provide services for children and families based on local need. The Family Information Service will work with parents to find alternative provision.”

Children’s centres don’t refer children to nursery providers but can offer information and advice to those seeking a place.”