As we have previously communicated, we would like to keep you informed of developing information regarding Treetops Nursery.
DCS and BFB have unfortunately had no further progress with essential onboarding clearances of Staff and therefore Treetops Nursery will not be able to re-open on 27th August 2025 as planned. Treetops will have a delayed start, but we hope to open the setting as soon as possible.
The decision to delay the opening has been based on ensuring DCS and BFB meet our legal responsibilities, which without appropriate staffing, cannot currently be fulfilled. As soon as there is a change in situation, BFB will communicate further.
For existing Treetops families, and families who have registration dates already planned, the setting will continue to keep you informed via the ‘Family’ app, ensuring you are provided with dates of setting opening as soon as known. Please ensure you check this regularly.
For families who are interested in placing their child into the setting, please do continue to contact treetops.nursery@modschools.org where you can access an enquiry form for Treetops to understand further what your childcare needs are. Although Treetops cannot offer your children immediate registration dates, it will allow the setting to communicate effectively when it will be able to support more families and extend its services.
DCS and BFB appreciate that this is a difficult time for many of its families – both pre-existing and those arriving. We appreciate the importance of this service and what it can provide for the community. By confirming a decision for a delayed opening, DCS and BFB are hopeful it will give many of you time to make alternative arrangements where necessary.
DCS and BFB would like to reassure you all that we are continuing to do everything we can to re-open Treetops as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
08/08/2025
At the end of the school year Treetops Nursery lost a significant portion of its staff due to the RGR Unit move and other end of posting assignments. This has created a shortfall in qualified Early Years (EY) Staff. At the same time, the setting manager will be undertaking a period of leave from the 15 August 2025.
The result of this is that Defence Children’s Services (DCS) and BFB cannot confirm that Treetops Nursery will re-open on 27 August 2025 at this time.
Despite posting the job advertisement for EY staff three times, DCS and BFB has not yet secured candidates with the required EY qualifications as per the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS) statutory framework. This qualification is required to ensure appropriate care, education and safeguarding standards. Without qualified staff, DCS and BFB cannot meet the required child-to-adult ratios.
Recruitment for EY trained personnel is on-going and concurrently DCS and BFB have worked to appoint new unqualified individuals to bolster staff numbers however, they are currently undergoing mandatory clearance procedures – these are essential for safeguarding and cannot be expedited.
DCS and BFB are working to meet legal and staffing requirements and will update BFB families and the community as soon as more information is available. Updates to families currently using Treetops will be posted regularly on the ‘Family’ app. Families are encouraged to check the 'Family' app frequently for the latest information. Updates for families not currently using Treetops will be posted regularly using the ‘BFB Community’ Signal group. Contact details for interim points of contact will also be shared shortly.
DCS and BFB appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve staffing and operational challenges, as well as explore all available options. Safeguarding remains out top priority; any solution must be safe and fully compliant with child protection standards.
