Why it matters: The closure on 31 December will affect more than 150 families, with many parents now struggling to find alternative childcare at short notice as most nurseries only accept new admissions in September.
The details: Located at the University of Suffolk on Neptune Quay, Bright Horizons Quayside Day Nursery and Preschool announced it would close on 31 December "ahead of the end of our lease term". The University of Suffolk, which owns the building, said it had been in discussions with the nursery as part of plans to integrate the building into its campus development.
Since learning of the closure, Mr Abbott has been working with the University of Suffolk and Bright Horizons to establish the full circumstances of the decision and to press for support for affected families. He recently met with senior representatives from both organisations to discuss the issue directly.
After a recent visit, Mr Abbott has identified available spaces at Clifford Road Primary School and Nursery, offering both half-day and full-day sessions, to help reduce disruption for affected families.
What he's saying: "I am disappointed that families were only given only three months' notice of the nursery's closure despite the option to continue into next year being available," said Mr Abbott.
"This has caused a great deal of distress to parents and children, many of whom are now struggling to find alternative childcare at short notice. I want to thank Clifford Road Primary School and Nursery for stepping up so quickly to offer support after our discussions. I am urging other local nurseries in Ipswich to come forward if they have any available spaces so we can ensure families can access the childcare they need."
The community response: A petition launched by parents to save the nursery gained about 670 signatures.
The petition described the nursery as "a haven of early education, stability, and emotional support" and criticised the decision as "abrupt" and lacking transparency. It called on the University of Suffolk to urgently reconsider the decision through an extension of the lease, relocation support, or another workable solution.
What's next: Bright Horizons said it would support families in finding alternative arrangements. The nursery stopped conducting tours and taking enquiries from 24 December.
Parents or childcare providers who wish to get in touch are encouraged to contact Jack Abbott and his team at jack.abbott.mp@parliament.uk.
The bottom line: With the closure imminent and alternative childcare places scarce mid-year, affected families face disruption as the MP works to coordinate local nursery provision and presses for support from the organisations involved.
