'This decision was not made lightly': Bristol nursery to close after almost 30 years

A Bristol nursery has made the “difficult decision” to close after 28 years at the end of August. 

Bright Horizons Bristol Long Ashton Day Nursery and Preschool said it is closing due to local demographic changes and increased costs.     

The nursery, within the David Lloyd Leisure Club, said these factors have made its continued operation “unsustainable”.         

It will close at its location on Ashton Road in Long Ashton on August 30.

A nursery spokesperson said: “This decision was not made lightly.  

“Over a prolonged period, combined factors such as local demographic changes and the increased costs we have all experienced unfortunately mean the continued operation of the nursery is unsustainable.” 

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The Long Ashton nursery provides care and early education aged 3 months to 5 years. It had 24 children on roll and 14 staff members at its last Ofsted inspection in 2022. 

Childcare provider Bright Horizons, which runs more than 300 nurseries and preschools across the UK, has another site on Clanage Road in Bower Ashton.             

The spokesperson added: “We do have Bristol Day Nursery within a short commute that will be able to provide childcare for families.  

“We remain dedicated to our parent partnerships and will work with families to ensure a smooth transition for all the children.”    

The Long Ashton site opened as Asquith Nursery and Crèche in 1996, before being acquired by Bright Horizons in 2016.