“The closure is causing huge frustration, upset, and anger”, says Milton Keynes mum campaigning to keep local creche open
Parents are petitioning to keep a creche at a Milton Keynes leisure centre open, describing it as a vital resource for the local community.
A group of local parents said they were devastated to hear that Nuffield Health in Milton Keynes has decided to close its creche, claiming it will have a big impact on the wellbeing of parents and carers.
They have started a petition to urge the leisure centre to reconsider its decision, describing the creche as an invaluable resource, “allowing parents and carers to pursue their health and wellness goals while ensuring their children are in a safe and nurturing environment”.
For a busy single parent, having a creche available at a local leisure centre could be the difference between having just one hour a week to prioritise their fitness and peace of mind.
Milton Keynes mum Sara Hodda Aarland added: “The impact on local families will be significant. For some parents, particularly single mothers, parents of children with additional needs, and those with limited support networks, the creche is the only reason they are able to attend the gym, exercise, and look after their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The closure is causing huge frustration, upset, and anger amongst members. Many of us joined Nuffield specifically because it promoted itself as a family-friendly health and wellbeing provider. However, over the years we have seen family-focused facilities gradually disappear.”
When approached by MK Citizen, a spokesperson from Nuffield Health said: “We are currently reviewing the ongoing provision of crèche services at our Milton Keynes Fitness & Wellbeing Centre.
“We appreciate that some members have questions and concerns, and we are sorry for any uncertainty this situation may be causing. We will provide an update as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
The petition is urging Nuffield Health Milton Keynes to speak with gym members to explore potential solutions that could keep the crèche open. The parents are keen to find an answer that benefits both the members and the business, suggesting ideas like innovative scheduling, community partnerships, or adjusted pricing models.
The petition, by Lauren Harrison says: “Without this support, many parents may face the difficult choice of sacrificing their wellness or incurring additional childcare costs, which not all can afford. This decision has the potential to widen inequalities, affecting the holistic health of our community.”
The petition has currently received 207 signatures with an aim of reaching 500. For local parents and guardians using the service, the outcome of the creche could be the difference between having any time at all to prioritise their own health and wellbeing needs.
More information can be found on the Save the Nuffield Health Milton Keynes Crèche petition.