A pre-school which closed after the building was destroyed by a burst water pipe will be re-opening under a new provider.
Directors of Stepping Stones Pre-School, in Winnall, informed parents that they’d have to find new placements for their children at the beginning of the year due to the unmanageable cost of repairs.
Five months later, Hampshire County Council has confirmed that Dungaroos will be taking over the nursery space at Winnall School, with the plan of opening in September, subject to Ofsted approval.
The council will support the nursery provider in gaining a fast-tracked application for Ofsted registration.
Founder Julie Taylor first launched Dungaroos in 2021, opening her first nursery in Hillier Way, Abbotts Barton.
Ms Taylor said: “It’s very exciting and I feel blessed with the opportunity for Dungaroos to provide a much-needed service for early years education in the area. I’m looking forward to seeing this happen.”
Winchester MP Steve Brine said: “This is great news for Winnall. Any early years setting is fragile and it was a huge blow when the previous pre-school had to close. I’ve taken a close interest in this so am delighted Dungaroos is stepping in. It will be brilliant to see it full of children again.”
Most of the 20 children formerly at Stepping Stones were able to find new places, with those who didn't being supported with 'stay and play' sessions. The former nursery was open for 10 years, looking after kids aged two to four, including those with additional needs and was graded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
Despite parents saying they were willing to fight to keep their kids’ nursery alive back in January, the directors said the costs of repairs were too great with flooding over Christmas ruining equipment, furniture and the building itself.
The damaged flooring has since been replaced and the facility in Garbett Road is once again fit for purpose.
Anyone interested in registering their interest in a place at the nursery should go to dungaroos.uk/.
Dungaroos combines the words dungarees and kangaroo, with the nursery believing that both provide a sense of security, nurture and happiness.
The pre-school provider has registered for 34 children per day in Winnall and is recruiting for three to four members of staff.
A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: "Stepping Stones Nursery in Winnall was flooded over the Christmas holiday 2022 due to a burst water valve. Hampshire County Council supported families to find alternative childcare provision and arranged for the clear-up and damage to be assessed, which identified further significant damage.
"The authority appointed a contractor to carry out extensive repairs to enable the nursery to reopen.
"The repair work was undertaken between February and March this year, and a new provider, Dungaroos, has now been appointed to run the Nursery. The County Council is supporting Dungaroos to ensure the nursery can reopen as early as possible in the Autumn school term.
"Parents and carers wishing to enquire about nursery places should contact Dungaroos pre-school via [email protected], their website www.dungaroos.uk or by calling 01962 890892."
