Parents are fighting to save a nursery rated outstanding by Ofsted from closing following changes to government funding.

Abbot House Nursery in Seasalter has been operating for about 40 years - and for the past 15 has been run successfully by neighbouring St Alphege Church.

But following government changes, the church has made the difficult decision to shut the much-loved nursery, which looks after more than 30 children aged two to four and employs about nine people.

Since the news was announced, many parents have spoken of their disappointment.

Clare Spice, of Beaconsfield in Seasalter, has three daughters who went to Abbot House - now aged 18, 21, and 31 - with the eldest now working at the nursery.

“My 18-year-old was the first special needs child who went to the nursery - they were absolutely amazing with her,” she said.

Mrs Spice was devastated to learn Abbot House - which was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in its last inspection in 2016 - is set to close, and is now appealing for the community to get behind the nursery.

“It’s just so sad - it’s our local nursery,” she said.

“We haven’t got another around Seasalter really. There’s Joy Lane, but if you don’t have transport that’s a real mission to get to.

“It’s such very sad news for all staff, parents, grandparents and children young and old.

“Our youngest grandchild is just starting there. We thought she’d be there until she starts school, but now we’re having to look for another nursery.

"We haven’t managed to find anywhere yet.

“I’m hoping many people can try to support and save this great little local nursery.”

Vicar Paulette Stubbings says the decision to close has been made as a result of changes to the way the government finances nurseries.

In a letter sent to parents, she said: “Those government changes have included requiring an increase in the number of admissions to nursery of children from the age of two with their associated needs, but without a corresponding increase in funding.

“More targets to be achieved have been added, resulting in much higher levels of administration, and pressure has been put on nurseries to reduce staff-to-child ratios.

"I'm hoping many people can try to support and save this great little local nursery" - Clare Spice

"This is particularly a challenge for small, multi-room nurseries like Abbot House.

“This has led to an ever-increasing financial squeeze, and Abbot House has been operating on a restricted budget for several years.”

The church looked at whether Abbot House could adapt to the changes, but this was decided against, as the nursery’s small setting would not lend itself to a higher number of children, while the church said offering extended hours would not serve families in the community who are on lower incomes and who are primarily interested in the free core 30 hours of childcare offered.

Rev Stubbings said: “After looking very carefully at the options, the church has reached the very difficult decision that it does not have the specialist knowledge, skills or resources to guide Abbot House through the changes that would need to take place for it to remain viable.

“Changes like extended hours and lowering staff ratios would impact negatively on the very particular kind of care Abbot House has been proud to offer for so many years.”

The nursery is scheduled to close on July 19 next year.

The church is currently carrying out a two-week-long consultation to hear comments from staff and parents, and investigate the possibility of an alternative course of action.

While it has no plans to sell its premises in Faversham Road, it is looking into whether the nursery could be sold as a going concern, or another childcare provider could move onto the site.