Moulton Nursery School owner 'heartbroken' to close business

Louise Hood desperately tried to find a new home for Moulton Nursery School and After School Club before her lease expired this summer.

The mum-of-three was overwhelmed with support from the local community as she strived to secure three new locations.

However, despite all their efforts, time ran out, and the nursery closes on Wednesday, July 20.

Louise said: “I am devastated it has gone. I cried when I read all the lovely comments from parents saying how much the nursery means to them.

“None of us wanted this. It has been hard and very painful.”

Children having fun on a scarecrow walk

For the past seven years, the business has been based in a building on School Lane. owned by a charity group, who rent the land from Moulton School.

Louise’s lease initially expired in January 2022 and was extended until August, but with nowhere to go, she reluctantly had to quit.

“Myself and my team are utterly heartbroken,” said Louise. “We have all lost our jobs which could not have come at a worst time.”

Children did an elf run to raise funds for St Luke's Hospice

Louise first tried to buy Moulton Methodist Chapel but was outbid by a developer.

Then she attempted to purchase a bungalow, two doors from the current nursery.

Her offer was accepted but planning permission to turn the residential property into a childcare setting was rejected on traffic grounds.

In a final bid to save the nursery, the community pledged to raise funds to replace a derelict canteen in the school.

However, this was unsuccessful.

Children performed their own flight of the crow during Moulton Crow Fair

“I have lost everything I have worked so hard for over the last 15 years and feel utterly broken by the events that have led to this,” said Louise, who started her business as a childminder in her own home in Moulton village.

Louise has paid tribute to 70 local families and 'amazing team' for their unstinting loyalty.

Children made a wreath out of handprints for Remembrance Sunday

“I would like to thank our incredible families, they have all stuck with us until the end.

“We needed that income to continue paying the bills.”

Thankfully, she said, all the staff have found new jobs but many families may now have to travel to find alternative nurseries.

Staff members, from left, Rachel Thomas, Jodie Sharrock, Jennifer Davies, Louise Hood, Wendy Cresham, Sarah Metcalf and Lucy Rogerson

The nursery also provided activities and free meals throughout the summer break as part of the Holiday Activity Fund.

Children enjoying a bouncy castle as part of the Holiday Activity Fund

“We always ran a holiday club for vulnerable children,” said Louise.

“We love all our children, we are one big family.

Children having fun during a summer activity

“It will be hard to say goodbye. I am heartbroken. This has been my life.”