WORRIED parents fear their children could miss out on pre-school education after a popular nursery announced plans to close.

Families are frantically trying to find new nursery places for their youngsters because Bizzy Bees Pre-School, in Brightlingsea, could fold in July.

The privately-run pre-school, which was rated outstanding in its last Ofsted report, runs morning sessions four-days-a- week at the New Church Hall, in Queen Street.

It is one of only two pre-schools in the town, which has a population of more than 8,500.

Although it said no firm decision has yet been made, it is expected to make an official announcement on April 28.

No official reason has been given for the closure, but it is understood the pre-school’s premises will be unavailable for next term.

Its closure would leave Brightlingsea Play Centre to provide nursery provision to all under fives in the town.

Angie Gleed, 37, of Chapel Road, whose two-year-old son Donovan is on Bizzy Bees’ waiting list, said: “They are not going to fit the children from both pre-schools into one, as there were waiting lists for both of them.

“We do have a team of child minders, which I use, but it is not the same as a pre-school education. We don’t know what we are going to do now.

“If you don’t drive, you’re stuck. If you do, how far do you go?

“Also, you want your child to be with the circle of friends they are going to go to school with.”

Vicki Moore, 38, of Brightlingsea, a mother-of-two, whose two-year-old daughter Beatrix was due to start at Bizzy Bees in December, said: “My son went to Bizzy Bees and it was outstanding.

“I wanted to send my daughter somewhere she was familiar with, and where I knew what I was getting. The play centre is absolutely fine, but it wasn’t my first choice.”

Graham Steady, district councillor, said Tendring Council was trying to help Brightlingsea Play Centre increase its capacity with temporary buildings and extra sessions.

He said: “It’s early days, but we are working with all the concerned groups to try and rectify the situation.”

No one from Bizzy Bees or New Church Hall was available to comment yesterday.