Preschool pulls out of community centre deal over operational hours dispute

Middlewich Preschool was due to open in Civic Way in September under the management of Emma Jones, taking over from Playbox Playgroup which closed when Sandra Lewis retired after 34 years.

Emma says she requested hours of 8am until 5.30pm, four days a week, but says the community centre enforced restrictions of 8am until 3pm.

However, community centre secretary Reg Walker disputes the claims, saying he did question the lengthy hours but did not enforce any restrictions other than closing at 5pm on Wednesdays to accommodate other groups.

Emma says she was devastated to hear of Playbox Playgroup closing, and met with Reg who agreed to accommodate her requested hours.

“We were over the moon at this point and we had a long list of children wanting to start at Middlewich Preschool in September,” said Emma.

“I then completed all Ofsted requirements, Cheshire East Council requirements, had interviews for staff and got all paperwork in place for our opening in September.

“Reg then rang us in July asking for another meeting so we met to be told we weren't allowed the room until 5.30pm we could only have it until 3pm.

“We decided to walk away from Middlewich Preschool for all these restrictions and I just want parents to know the reasons why we had to walk away. I feel so gutted.”

Reg told the Guardian: “The only problem would have been a Wednesday. Everything was fine and we agreed everything – we were both over the moon.

“I got a visit Emma and her partner Lee saying they had had a think about it and were no longer interested. They said ‘it’s not for us’.

“There were no restrictions on the hours, I just wondered whether she really wanted them from a financial point of view.”

Playbox Playgroup opened from 9.15am until 2.15pm.

Emma is in the process of looking for a new premises outside of Middlewich, while Peter Pan Pre-school is in talks to take over the community centre.