'I'm desperately trying to save my nursery'

Tiffany Evans, who started work at Stepping Stones in 2007, bought the nursery in 2018, and it stayed open during the Covid-19 lockdown for key workers

A nursery owner is desperately trying to save her business after receiving a letter from her landlord terminating her lease.

Stepping Stones Day Nursery has 45 children and a long waiting list of youngsters ready to enrol at the site in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

Tiffany Evans, owner and manager, said some parents were worried they would have to leave their jobs or reduce their hours as many other nurseries were full.

Luna, who attends the nursery, is deaf and is spoken to by staff in British Sign Language (BSL). Her mum, Natalie, said the only other nursery was a 40-minute walk away, and she feared other sites would not offer Luna the same level of support.

Tiffany Evans said the effects of the closure would ripple across the community

Natalie pulled her daughter out of her first nursery because she was unhappy with the way she was treated.

But Natalie said staff at Stepping Stones had been brilliant, were all given training in BSL and had taught Luna how to speak.

"It is a very special place. They don't make her feel different, and what they have done for her is amazing," she said.

"The thought of having to put my children in our previous nursery fills me with dread... The other option is a 30 to 40-minute walk from my house. I don't drive, and I work on the other side of town.

"These people spend more time with my children than I do so they need to be lovely, the care should be exceptional, and I need to feel comfortable that my child is in a safe space."

'Truly devastated'

Ms Evans said she received a termination letter from landlords The Edmund Trust on 16 May, and she must leave the premises by 16 November.

"It's quite stressful. I'm facing the prospect of making my staff redundant and not being able to support the parents or children any more," she said.

"I have a high number of special educational needs children, some of whom travel a fair way as other early-years settings said they couldn't manage their high level of need.

"I'm concerned parents are being told other settings are full with waiting lists... I'm truly devastated. I'm desperately trying to save my nursery or to find us alternative premises."

Ms Evans said she would need help to be able to relocate. The final closure date for the nursery is 1 November.

A Huntingdonshire District Council spokesperson said: "We have been informed that Eddies (formerly The Edmund Trust and Mencap) wish to end their lease at the Mid Leys Centre. Built by Eddies in 1970, the centre is currently sub-let by them to Stepping Stones Nursery.

“With the lease ending, Eddies has given notice to their tenant and the council has requested the site be returned without the current structures due to their condition."

Cambridgeshire County Council said it was supporting the provider to find a potential long-term solution.

It added: "We believe there will be a need for more nursery places in St Ives. As well as supporting Stepping Stones Nursery, we’re in contact with Huntingdonshire District Council to identify options to increase provision.”

The Edmund Trust said it had been discussing handing the land back and ending the lease with the nursery and the district council since November 2023.

It said the building was not economic to update so it would return the land, in its original condition without any structures, on request of the district council.

A spokesperson added: "The Edmund Trust (Eddie’s) will then formally give notice to Huntingdonshire District Council to return the land at the end of 2024.

"We do of course hope that the nursery can find suitable alternative accommodation.”