Closure of 'busy' nursery in Cowley branded 'disappointing'

Oxford Business Park Day Nursery and Preschool, owned by nursery chain Bright Horizons, will close on Friday, August 30 due to "local demographic changes and increasing operational costs".

A parent at the nursery, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Oxford Mail that the closure will have a "huge impact on working parents in east Oxford".

They said Bright Horizons gave three months’ notice of closure, with parents asked to find alternative provision for children in that time.

"Those with offers of places were not included in the email sent and found out through word of mouth, if at all," they said. 

Bright Horizons Business Park Day Nursery and Preschool on Garsington Road, Cowley (Image: Google Street View)

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Sajjad Malik, councillor for Temple Cowley, the ward in which the nursery is located, said he was surprised at the news.

"It is a busy nursery, I think it will have an impact on the working parents.

"I am very disappointed and surprised they are closing down - it's not great for the families that use it and it's not great for the area.

"It is sad and disappointing to see the facility go."

He added that the only local demographic changes he has seen is the introduction of LTNs.

"The only demographic change in the area is the LTNs, nothing else has changed," he said.

Councillor Sajjad Malik

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons said: "We understand that the news of closing Oxford Business Park nursery is very disappointing.

"This decision was not made lightly but was influenced by various factors such as a decrease in the number of young families in the area, lower-than-expected enrolment rates, increasing operational costs and the lack of availability of childcare staff in the area."

In a letter to parents shared with the Oxford Mail, regional director of Bright Horizons, Mel Pease said: "We understand that this news will be very disappointing for you, and I sincerely apologise for it," she said. 

"Adiel, our nursery manager, and the team are doing a tremendous job in running the nursery. This decision is in no way a reflection of the staff’s performance or commitment and we wish to acknowledge and thank them for their professional approach.

"We appreciate this will be unsettling news, we are able to share with you a list of alternative local nurseries to assist you in arranging alternative childcare should you require this.

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"For parents who have University of Oxford placement, childcare services are aware of this decision and have requested that you contact them directly to discuss your options.

"I hope that you will be reassured to know that Adiel, our nursery manager, and all the nursery team will be encouraged to stay within the Bright Horizons family wherever possible, and we will support them in this process should they wish to do so.

"Please accept our sincere apologies for the disruption the closure of the nursery may cause you and your family."

A statement about the closure has also been posted on the website.