Fewer families from NNLS are opting for the preschool, and the synagogue has acknowledged that this change in preference, along with the demand for more flexible care options, has contributed to the decision.
In a letter to the community, NNLS expressed its gratitude for the history of Gan Alon. "We are writing to share the news that after much careful consideration, we have taken the difficult and painful decision to close Gan Alon Preschool at the end of this academic year.”
The closure of Gan Alon comes as part of a trend in the sector[Missing Credit]
"We honour the cherished history of Gan Alon Preschool and celebrate those who founded, nurtured and sustained it over its near 30-year history."
The synagogue also recognised the important role the preschool had played in the community: "During this time, Gan Alon Preschool has been a cornerstone of our community, providing a warm, nurturing Early Years' Foundation Stage education for our youngest members."
The synagogue emphasized that the closure is a result of significant shifts within the early years sector. "Over recent years, we have observed a shift in childcare needs, with many families opting for full-day, wraparound care provided by larger commercial nurseries that can more easily meet the complexities of staffing, administration, and compliance."
NNLS acknowledged that it was not alone in facing these challenges, noting that many synagogues with a nursery “have outsourced the nursery to professional providers and have the necessary space to offer full-time childcare from a young age”.
The synagogue council had concluded that due to the steady decline in numbers since 2021, it was “no longer financially viable” to keep the preschool open.
In an effort to explore all options, the synagogue consulted an educational expert and surveyed families with young children. However, after much discussion among staff, rabbis, and lay leaders, the decision to close was made, they wrote.
Despite the closure of Gan Alon, they emphasized that NNLS’ commitment to young families remained “unwavering” and that they planned to transform the preschool space into a multifunctional hub to include a community café, soft play area, expanded baby and toddler programming and additional space for Shabbat and festival services, particularly for young families.
A celebration of Gan Alon will take place towards the end of the summer term and the community will be invited to share memories and reflect on its history.
Co-chairs of NNLS, Vicky Fox and Bruce Rigal, expressed their appreciation to all those involved with the nursery. "We are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff, families, and children who have been part of the Gan Alon community over the years... We recognise the impact it has on staff and families and are focused on supporting all those affected.”
Jane Pescow, Gan Alon’s preschool manager said: "After 30 wonderful years running Gan Alon Preschool, I've met many wonderful families and colleagues.
"With my excellent team, we have provided a happy, nurturing Jewish environment for Gan Alon families and their children. Now it's time to move on, but as we say: ‘Once a Gan Alon child, always a Gan Alon child.’"
NNLS also thanked the preschool's leadership, including Pescow and Malva Black, as well as the founders and supporters, such as Nicky Solomon, Rosalind Ross, Sara Pittack, and the late Paul Shrank z"l, “whose vision and support enabled Gan Alon to open”.
