All parties have stressed their pledge to keep a childcare centre running until a new provider can be found.
Duncan Baker, Norfolk County Council (NCC), and Alpha Nurseries are all continuing to try and source a new provider to take over Polka daycare in Wells, after Alpha, which manages the centre, announced it would have to close on November 11.
However, a solution was found in October which will see Alpha continue operating the Polka Road facility until NCC has found a new provider - with the work for that provider still ongoing.
A spokesman for NCC, said: “We are already working hard to find alternative solutions to secure enough early years places for families in the Wells area in 2023. As soon as we have more detail we will make sure we let you know.”
Norfolk County Council does not run nurseries or pre-schools. But it ensures there is a sufficiency of childcare places in an area and supports early years settings in terms of training, quality of services, and advice.
Mr Baker, the MP for North Norfolk, said: “We dont want any parent to have any loss of childcare in Wells and that is why we are working with the county council and Alpha to keep provision until we can find an alternative provider.
“We know that Polka will be leaving but we want to make sure they are supported. When the alternative provider is found, Polka will terminate their childcare contract, and we can move on to the new provider.”
Alpha said ‘discrepancy’ around the building’s lease was to blame for the closure - the specific nature of the lease has not been disclosed.
Parents had also raised concerns over Alpha Nurseries' staffing of Polka Day Care, insisting a number of employees had been forced to leave due to amendments to the centre's rota.
While Alpha acknowledged that changes had been made, it said these were designed to minimise disruption and ensure children had consistent caregivers.
A spokesman for Alpha Nurseries said: “ We are working with Norfolk County Council to keep Polka open until a new provider can be found. We are hoping to have news of that soon. Then when they are found, we can work closely with them for a smooth transition between us.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about alternative places should contact the Family Information Service on 0344 800 8020.
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