Outcry from parents in Wales as nursery to close by Christmas

Rhayader Nursery, which operates under the charitable organisation The Arches, also known as Rhayader & District Community Support, has announced it will close, saying it has been given less than a month's notice.

The decision has sparked outcry from parents and the community, who say they were not consulted or given the opportunity to help find a solution.

Kelle Rees, from the nursery, issued a post on Facebook accusing The Arches of "giving up on the nursery without a fight".

"Weeks before Christmas the decision has been made without any attempts to try and revolve the situation with the local community, to shut Rhayader Nursery with less than a month's notice," she wrote.

"If you had consulted and worked with the community, we would have 100 per cent worked with you to turn this around."

Parents were informed at an emergency meeting that the nursery had become financially unsustainable.

It comes after an announcement in September that The Arches, a lifeline to older and more vulnerable members of the Rhayader community, that it was facing “very difficult decisions” which will affect its future.

Trustees said the only way to keep the service open would mean raising daily fees by more than £10 per child, to £68 per day.

In a letter sent to trustees on behalf of parents, the nursery raised concerns about financial management, governance and the long-term sustainability of the nursery.

The letter said: "The published accounts appear to show that the charity held approximately £150,000 in cash at the end of 2025, compared with approximately £170,000 in 2024.

"During the meeting, parents were told that the charity’s financial difficulties had been developing since the Covid pandemic.

"If this is the case, it raises questions about why the current situation appears to have reached a critical point so suddenly."

Parents questioned why they had not been informed earlier about the declining reserves and asked what steps had been taken by trustees and management to address the situation before it reached a crisis point.

The Arches is an organisation providing a lifeline to older and more vulnerable members of the Rhayader community. (Image: Unknown)

They also sought clarification on whether the nursery was financially viable as a standalone service.

The letter added: "As parents whose children depend on this service, we believe we have a legitimate interest in understanding the circumstances surrounding such a significant increase in fees and the potential implications for the nursery’s future.

"Ultimately, my greatest concern is the future of Rhayader Nursery and the children and families who depend on it."

Charlotte Church pictured previously with members of The Arches, in Rhayader. (Image: The Arches)

Parents called for an independent financial review of the nursery’s accounts and an assessment of the allocation of shared costs.

Suggestions included exploring whether the nursery could be protected through alternative governance or operating arrangements, such as transferring it to another charitable organisation.

The Arches Rhayader & District Community Support has been contacted for comment.