Arc Nursery saved by Parents!

A meeting last night confirmed that the Arc Nursery will continue its excellent work after parents intervened with a rescue package.

Funded in part by a generous grant from Southwark Council, the Arc will be run by the Arc Community Trust (Act) made up of a cooperative of parents of the children.

This historic intervention has been acheived with great speed after the Arc was threatened with closure a month ago. Charterhouse in Southwark, the Charity who previously ran the Arc have enthusistically welcomed the intervention, and give their total support to the Trust.

The Arc will now enter a transition phase where the current structure will transfer to Trust status by April 1st, but the Arc will continue to operate as normal.

All parents and anyone associated with the Arc are encouraged to spread this fantastic news to ensure that occupancy levels are maintained to ensure that the Arc can continue to flourish as an exceptional example of childcare in our community.

PS James- surely this merits a news item (get there before anyone else, as usual!)

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/3643

Ahead of the game as usual- thanks James

An amazing turnaround and anyone considering childcare should approach the Arc as the waiting list has almost always been a year+. It's currently at a much more reasonable level but will no doubt increase very swiftly.

Today's Guardian

Thanks James- a really positive article that summarises the situation very well.

The Arc goes from strength to strength. Interim Board set up, new Interim CEO appointed, and several new children have just started there.

I dont think the parents underestimate the task ahead but the desire and commitment seems to be there.

It was such a pleasure to drop my daughter off there this morning, to be greeted by smiling staff and happy kids, when it could have been an empty building...

And today's Standard too

Just a reminder of the open meeting at the Arc tonight at 6.00pm

This meeting is being held to explain what the vision for the future of the Arc is and its place in the community.

Equally if anyone is attending any playgroups / residents meetings / baby clinics / local school events please pass the word on : the Arc is keen to forge links with the wider community and representatives would be welcomed

There's a brief news item on tonight's BBC London Tonight which includes the Arc within a feature on nurseries. Catch it at about 6.25pm!

Here's the report from the lunchtime bulletin

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7953244.stm