West Sussex County Council has given the go-ahead for employees at Broadfield Nursery to take over the running of the childcare business.
A ‘Staff Mutual’ company will be established to run the day nursery, which caters for children aged 0-5 years and is based within Broadfield Children and Family Centre.
The decision to go ahead with the Staff Mutual approach was made by Peter Evans, Cabinet Member for Children – Start of Life, following the submission of a business plan by the nursery.
Peter said: “I have every confidence in this approach and I am sure that the staff will do a great job, as they are the ones who already know this business inside out.
“We already have a successful Staff Mutual running at Bewbush Nursery so we know this type of arrangement can work well.”
County Council officers will continue to work with staff in the coming months to ensure a smooth transfer to the new arrangement. It is expected that the Staff Mutual company will take control in September 2014.
Peter added: “We will offer support and advice to the staff to ensure a seamless transition and to make sure there is absolute minimal disruption to parents and children.”
The nursery will continue to be funded by the fees parents pay for their children to attend and from the Government’s Free Entitlement scheme.