Noah’s Ark Nursery, established in Laxey 40 years ago and the village’s only pre-school facility, will need new owners if it is to survive into the autumn term.
Staff and parents have been told that current operators, The Salvation Army, was hoping to offload the nursery onto new management by July 19.
Salvation Army north west commander Major Mike Highton said: ‘The decision is we’re no longer able to manage the nursery, we’re a Christian organisation and a nursery is not our main role. We have a broad remit, but limited resources. It’s difficult for the ministers in the island to manage the nursery as new things come on board, so we’re looking for someone to take over that management.’
One of five staff at Noah’s Ark, Yvonne Crawford said that parents were concerned for the future of pre-school care in the area, given the tight timescale, even setting up a Facebook group to help search for new sponsors.
She said 53 children were registered until July, with 40 signed up already for the autumn term at the nursery, which is housed in the former Salvation Army church in Shore Road and operates during term time only.
Having worked there for 11 years, Yvonne added that until last week there had been no suggestion Noah’s Ark would be facing closure; there had even been decorating work recently done.
Major Highton said he recognised Laxey is a small community with only one nursery, but said he was optimistic they could find someone to take over in time, with four prospective providers having already come forward, including offers from parents.
‘The nursery has had its ups and downs, but it has a good reputation,’ he added.
Parents have also sought the help of Garff MHK and Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan, who has been in touch with the Salvation Army since the announcement.
Mr Rodan said: ‘If Noah’s Ark were to go it would be a huge blow to the village of Laxey, because it has been important for families over the years. My own children went there actually, and it’s a feeder to Laxey Primary School.
‘It is a fairly short time to get something else in place, though I have spoken to the Salvation Army, who have given me assurance there will be flexibility over the timescale. They want to pass on the management to others; I understand they have got the details of all the other nursery providers in the island.
‘We have never had a Department of Education pre-school facility in Laxey, families have always relied on the private nursery.’
‘I’m obviously concerned on behalf of the parents, but we have to be positive and hope there will be another provider, there is obviously a demand there. It would be a great opportunity for somebody.’
