Welsh-medium nursery could be homeless by July

The parent-led Cylch Meithrin Y Delyn, will be turfed out of its current home at Malpas Court Primary School to make way for alternative nursery provision.

The city council was unaware the group, which was started by Welsh-speaking parents two years ago, was using a classroom at the school.

So, believing the space was empty, cabinet members agreed to set up a Flying Start group, which offers free part time child care for youngsters up to four years old living in deprived areas.

The nursery, which has 26 children on its books and will become a funded education provider from April 8, was told it would have to leave the building in March but this has now been extended to July.

This will be the second time the nursery has had to move after being forced to relocate from Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael in Bettws last year because teachers needed more space due to rising pupil numbers.

Parent Kate Clarke fears the nursery will have to fold with the loss of three staff if an alternative location cannot be found. This would leave parents in Newport West without a Welsh-speaking nursery at a time when primary school provision is expanding due to demand.

She said: "We will be homeless. We haven’t got anywhere to go, we only found out two or three weeks ago. It’s been a complete and utter mess.

"We are the only place that offers welsh nursery provision in Newport west from the age of two. By closing us down parents won’t have anywhere to send their children."

"The council said they will help us look for somewhere but there is no where."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "This was a private arrangement between Malpas Court Primary School and Cylch Meithrin Y Delyn.

"The council is seeing if there is anything it can do to assist this private group as it looks for alternative accommodation."

Anyone who can help the nursery with accommodation can contact our reporter Natalie Crockett on 01633 777246
ENDS