Kesgrave mum shocked by Humpty Dumpty pre-school closure

The Humpty Dumpty Pre-school, which is based in Kesgrave Community Centre, in Twelve Acre Approach, announced its closure last week.

The pre-school released a statement to parents via email on Thursday, October 17, that they would be closing at 3pm the next day and would not reopen. 

The Humpty Dumpty playgroup Nativity show at Kesgrave Community Centre in 2002 (Image: Newsquest)

According to parents the news came without any warning.

Maddy Russell, 22, whose daughter Aria started in September said that she was shocked by the news.

"I picked my daughter up that day at 12pm and all of the staff seemed happy and didn’t say anything about closing the nursery. I received the email at about 3pm the same day saying that they are closing down.

Maddy Russell's daughter, Aria started at Humpty Dumpty playgroup in September but will have to go to a new group (Image: Maddy Russell) "I was in absolute shock and was devastated for my daughter because she was so excited to go into nursery every single day."

The pre-school said they were closing due to rising costs meaning that staying open was "not financially viable."

Miss Russell, who lives in Kesgrave said: "So many nurseries are closing due to the costs and it’s so sad our children have to suffer as a result of it. My little girl is devastated she won’t be returning to Humpty Dumpty."

The Humpty Dumpty Playgroup in Kesgrave taking part national in Den Day in aid of Save The Children in 2017. The 22-year-old also praised the staff of the pre-school: "I wish they could have stayed open because I now have to find another nursery and I have yet to find one that matches the atmosphere at Humpty Dumpty.

"All of the staff were absolutely incredible and you can tell how much they care about every child."

"My daughter was so nervous to start nursery but the staff made her feel so comfortable and they were so lovely."

In it's statement the pre-school said: “We are absolutely gutted and heartbroken, we have put so much effort into trying to keep the setting going, but unfortunately the setting was not financially viable.

“This is mostly due to the current economic climate and rising costs.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all the support and trust you have given us.

“We have enjoyed and are privileged to have been able to teach your children for the duration you have all been coming to us.”