A CHILDREN’S nursery in Poole which unexpectedly closed last month has been taken over and will re-open in January under a new name.

The building which previously housed Three Bears Pre-School, which shut its doors for the last time on November 4, will now be home to Cuddles Day Nursery and is due to open on Monday, January 6, 2014.

Owner of Cuddles at Poole Stadium, Linda Duly, says that the nursery will be open for 50 weeks of the year, to offer care for two to four-year-olds.

Linda said: “We are really pleased to be opening at the Stadium.

She added: “The nursery will offer the 15 hours of free entitlement available for three and four-year-olds. We are also delighted to say that we will be offering the two-year-old funding to those families who meet the criteria set out by the Borough of Poole.

“Parents who are looking for childcare to suit their working patterns will also be catered for, due to the longer opening hours, which are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8am to 6pm. Then, on Wednesdays and Fridays, we will be open from 8pm to 5pm.”

Linda says that rather than Cuddles Day Nursery bringing in new staff, some of her current employees will work at the centre on Stadium Way in the immediate future.

“We have been in negotiations with the stadium’s manager and are hoping to improve the site by adding a purpose built play area and additional toilets and changing facilities.

“The nursery will put its own unique stamp on the new facility by providing high quality equipment and resources,” said Linda.

This news come after Three Bears Pre-School unexpectedly shut in November, less than two weeks after owner, Stephanie Stockley, held a crisis meeting with concerned parents on the future of the childcare provider.

For more information call 01202 747198.