Southampton mum faces childcare costs rise after nursery closes down

Kayleigh Thomas' four-year-old daughter, Emily, was one of 145 children enrolled at YMCA’s Weston Pre-School in Newtown Road.

However, after the charity announced the closure of four nurseries last month, her mum had to scramble to look for a new preschool.

After approaching various nurseries with no places available, the 34-year-old community carer finally found a place at Paint Pots Nurseries and Pre-Schools in Bursledon. 

However, her childcare fees have gone up from £90 a month to £169, which includes £6 a week for snacks and meals.

READ MORE: Parents up in arms over nursery shock closure

Speaking to the Echo, the mum-of-three said: “On top of all the other bills going up, having to pay more for Emily’s nursery is adding pressure to our finances.

“It is a struggle, but it's something that needs to be done. I need her in the nursery, we both work full time and we needed someone to look after her, so it was a priority that it got paid.”

She added: “Obviously we don't get any help because we both work full-time.”

Parents outside Weston Pre School last month protesting against the closure of the school (Image: Newsquest)

According to Thomas Coram Foundation’s latest childcare survey, last year the average price of a part-time childcare place (25 hours a week) for children aged three and four was £55.56 a week across the South East.

This figure takes into account parents' entitlement to 15 hours of free childcare. However, it does not include additional costs such as lunch.

The average price of a part-time childcare place for children aged under two was £139.70 across Great Britain, or £7,210 a year.

Weston’s YMCA was one of four preschools that closed last week after negotiations with providers and Southampton City Council fell through.

Other pre-schools which were forced to close are Millbrook, Townhill and Newtown.

Parents that have struggled to find alternative childcare have been forced to rely on friends and family.