Cheshire childcare firm in administration

A CHESHIRE childcare provider employing 58 people and operating three nursery schools has been placed into administration.

Kerry Bailey and Jonathan Newell of accountacy firm PKF were appointed to Excellence In Crewe on Friday afternoon.

The firm is the social enterprise arm of the former Excellence in Crewe Partnership, which is now known as The Crewe Partnership.

It operates from a head office and has three nurseries in the Crewe area, caring for 299 children.

The nurseries trade as Excellence in Childcare at: Monks Coppenhall Children’s Centre; Underwood West Children’s Centre and at Pebble Brook Children’s Centre.

The adminstration is the result of the business losing its main contract with Cheshire East Council, PKF said.

In a statement the firm said: “Prior to the date of administration, negotiations were entered into with Cheshire East Council.  These discussions are ongoing and we are optimistic that an agreement will be reached which will ensure that the jobs of the 58 employees will be saved and the care provided to the children will be maintained.”

Kerry Bailey of PKF (UK) said:  “In the short term the company will continue to trade whilst negotiations are finalised.  We understand it is the intention of Cheshire East Council to put the contract for the three nurseries out to tender with a view to appointing new management.

“The services provided by the management and staff of Excellence In Crewe are essential to the local community and every effort is being made to secure its continuation and avoid any disruption to the children.

“We are confident that by working closely with Cheshire East Council the matter will be resolved within the next few weeks.”