Plans for new nursery at former Scouts hut

The building, owned by Worcester Municipal Charities, is currently home to a dance group

A new nursery could be created at a former Scouts hut in Worcester.

Plans to turn Medway Community Centre in Ronkswood into a term-time childcare facility have been submitted to Worcester City Council.

The building, owned by Worcester Municipal Charities, is currently home to the All Sorts of Performing Arts dance group, which is moving out at the end of August.

According to the proposals, the nursery would provide care for children aged between nine months and five years, and include provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as well as offering a summer holiday club.

The documents state: “This will provide children from deprived areas of the community the opportunity to develop and learn in an environment that is appropriately equipped and staffed with knowledgeable caring practitioners.

“It will provide a childcare provision for parents who wish to return to work.”

If approved, the nursery plans to offer SEND "stay and play sessions".

The proposed summer holiday club is designed to provide "days out, arts [and] exercise" for children eligible for free school meals.

The nursery also wants to run a community food pantry, to "share surplus foods to the families in the community who are experiencing food poverty”.

The application said: "We hope to offer opportunities for all and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for social interaction, knowledge exchange and support.

“There is great need for a childcare provision setting in the Ronkswood area.

“Worcester Children’s First statistics have shown there are inadequate childcare settings to provide enough spaces for children in and around this area.”

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.