Street nursery closure sparks fury from parents and staff
By Laura Linham 7th Apr 2026
Parents and staff have been left devastated after Strode College Day Nursery in Street announced it is set to close — sparking a growing backlash and a petition demanding the decision is reversed.
The nursery team broke the news in a message to families, saying UCS College Group had made the decision to shut the setting down.
Staff said they were "completely devastated" by the decision and described themselves as "utterly heartbroken" after putting their "heart and soul" into building a welcoming setting with an enriched curriculum for the children of Street.
The reaction from families was immediate.
Parents flooded social media with messages of shock and anger, describing the nursery as a huge loss for the village and praising staff for their care and dedication.
One parent said she was "absolutely heartbroken and devastated", adding that her daughter was settled and loved the nursery. Another called it "such devastating news", while others asked whether anything could still be done to stop the closure.
The strength of feeling has now spilled into a public campaign, with an online petition launched calling for Strode College Day Nursery to be saved.
Campaigners argue the closure would be a major blow for local families, especially those needing reliable childcare so they can work or study.
The petition says the setting is close to filling its September 2026 places and describes the nursery as a purpose-built facility with a strong local reputation built over more than two decades
The petition says Strode is one of the few nurseries in Somerset with recognised achievement for inclusive support, with trained staff including qualified SENCos and team members with autism training.
Campaigners says the setting also givies college students and assisted learning students access to placements and work experience.
They say the closure would leave Street with only a small number of remaining settings and put extra pressure on childcare places in the area, particularly with more housing planned locally.
We have contacted UCS for comment.
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