Parents ‘heartbroken’ at synagogue nursery closure

Parents of children who attend a nursery at West London Synagogue have been left “heartbroken” at news of the imminent closure of the much-loved facility.

Beginnings Nursery has operated for 11 years at the Marylebone shul. Parents and staff were advised late last week, without prior notice, that it will shut in June “to allow the building’s Halcyon International school to expand”.

The nursery caters for babies and young children aged up to five years old, from families of all faiths and none.

One disappointed parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Beginnings is much more than just a nursery. It is a close knit family for the parents, children and staff who are part of it. We are heartbroken at the news of the closure.”

A Facebook group called ‘Save Beginnings’ has been set up and an online petition has launched, which states: “The decision by the West London Synagogue to force the nursery to vacate its premises at very short notice, without consultation of parents or allowing the nursery time to find alternative premises, is shortsighted and highly regrettable.

“If this decision is not reconsidered, fifty-six babies and young children will be left without childcare in four months time, and fifteen exceptionally dedicated and professional nursery staff will lose their jobs.“