A nursery rated "outstanding" with almost 100 youngsters on its waiting list is desperate for a new home.

The owner of the Sheerness-based Wiggles Playgroup is trying everything to keep her childcare service open – saying its closure would be a "disaster" for the Island.

Vicki McManus, who opened the business at The Delacey Hall in 2015, said: "If we have to close for good this would be a disaster for our community.

"During term times we have between 90 and 100 children on roll, 30% of which have Special Educational Needs (SEN).

"We're a very inclusive setting. We support children with SEN and have done year in and year out.

"We've done some amazing things to support parents and carers.

"We're one of only two 'outstanding' nurseries on Sheppey and have a waiting list of more than 80 potential pupils."

Vicki's landlord, the learning disability support charity East Kent Mencap, made the "difficult decision" not to renew the playgroup's 10-year-lease as it needs the property for its own members.

A spokesman said: "As a charity supporting people with a learning disability in Swale, we have made the difficult decision not to enter into a new licence from September 2025, as we require the premises for the use of our members.

"We will work closely with Wiggles during this long notice period."

Although Vicki hypothetically has two years to find a new base for the playgroup she fears new parents and carers will be unlikely to sign their children up to the service if they know their toddlers won't be able to stay the full four-year cycle.

The 46-year-old said: "September 2025 is when the licence finishes, but we wouldn't be able to trade beyond July 2025 because we work within term times.

"If I can't find somewhere to relocate I'm also not going to get any new carers or parents as they won't want to enrol their children for just a year when they need to be somewhere for four. They'll want to stay the whole cycle.

"We are one of the strongest playgroups in Sheerness.

"Since the news broke we have received some wonderful messages of support and I have even received testimonials from parents whose children attended seven years ago.

"However, all I'm thinking is what on earth am I going to do with the 97 children in my playgroup?

"We are looking to relocate in central Sheerness, so if you can help please get in touch."

Over the past eight years, Vicki has installed new doors, a new kitchen and a new heating system in the building which is leased to East Kent Mencap by Swale council.

Vicki, a mum herself, is also worried unless she can relocate not only would parents lose their childcare but her 16 staff would be without jobs.

This isn't the first time the playgroup has been up against a difficult situation.

Earlier this year staff had to spend hundreds of pounds on repairs after their cars were repeatedly targeted by vandals.

A Swale council spokesman confirmed the authority was aware of the situation.

He said: “We’ve been made aware the current lease holder of the Delacey Hall has decided not to extend its licence for Wiggles Playgroup when it comes up for renewal in 2025.

“While this is understandably incredibly disappointing for Wiggles and we understand that this puts the nursery in a difficult position, it is a decision for the building’s lease holder to make and not something Swale council has any influence over.

“We are happy to help the owners of Wiggles playgroup where we can in finding a new premises.”

If you can help Wiggles Playgroup find a new home email wigglessheerness@outlook.com