The nursery at Alton College has been closed by HSDC.

HSDC said this followed “a careful and extended period of recruitment efforts” to find a manager and a deputy manager which had proved unsuccessful.

A spokesperson said: “Over recent months, the college undertook an intensive search to appoint both a nursery manager and deputy manager, positions that are a legal requirement and essential for ensuring the safe, high-quality provision that families and staff rightly expect.

“Despite repeated advertising, outreach, and interviews held even this week, no suitable appointments were secured.”

At the same time the college had also explored potential partnerships with alternative providers of early years education to keep a nursery on the college campus in Old Odiham Road, but this option failed as well.

Mike Gaston, principal and chief executive of HSDC, said: “This closure is deeply regrettable. Every possible avenue was explored to keep the nursery open, from late-stage interviews to conversations with external providers.

“Sadly none could offer a viable long-term solution that met the needs of our children, staff and community.”

The college has now begun informing parents and staff, and is providing guidance on alternative childcare provision within the local area.

Mr Gaston wanted to emphasise that Alton College still intended to play a big part in the life of the town.

He said: “We recognise how significant Alton College Nursery is to the local community and we have done everything we can so as not to have to make this decision.

“We are part of the Alton community and remain firmly committed to our role in the local community into the future."

The nursery closure is the latest blow in a difficult year for Alton College. It is trying to plug a £5 million hole in its 2025-26 budget and last month staff went on strike to protest against possible compulsory redundancies.