PARENTS in Dulverton are thrilled as plans to cut nursery hours have been halted - for now.

The County Gazette reported at the beginning of April some parents from Little Owls Nursery, based at All Saints School, feared a cut in hours would leave them without suitable childcare or would add a two hour drive to each day.

The nursery was looking likely to cut its hours down to 9am to 3.30pm during term time, instead of the current times of 8am to 6pm, due to sustainability issues.

However, it is now believed that Somerset County Council has agreed further funding which will allow the setting to continue for at least another 15 months from Monday-Thursday, 8am until 6pm.

The council has confirmed that it is awaiting an application from the nursery for a sustainably grant. 

“It’s such a lovely setting,” said Becky Fry, a parent who uses the nursery.

“There’s chickens and an orchard, the staff are great.

“My daughter is very happy there.

“The changes would have meant I wouldn’t have been able send her at all and I would have to find alternative childcare near where I work which would have been a shame.”

A meeting was held at the school for parents, attended by Dulverton county councillor Frances Nicholson and Charlotte Wilson, early years commissioner.

It was agreed that a working group, including parents, staff and the early years commissioner would meet as soon as possible to find ways to improve the setting further, explore barriers to uptake and increase the use of the provision to make it sustainable for future generations of the town.

“It was a really good meeting,” said Carly Hatch, head teacher of Dulverton School and manager of Little Owls.

“Thank you to all who came and for everyone’s ongoing support.

“If anyone would like to get involved to support the working group please get in touch.”

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “We recently held a really positive and constructive meeting with parents and the school, discussing ways in which the nursery can be successful and sustainable in the long term.

“For that to happen we are keen that the community makes good use of the nursery – for example this half-term the Exmoor Holiday Club will be running an exciting programme of events and activities at the nursery and anyone interested should contact the school to find out more or book a place.

“People can also get involved in a working group that has been set-up which will be involved in all kinds of activities that will help the service flourish.  The council will also continue to support the nursery as it looks to develop a sustainable long-term business model.”