A playgroup which had fought to stay open will shut this summer after 10 years, due to “escalating costs”.

Staff at Wiggles Playgroup in Sheerness had tried to find a new home following a strong community campaign.

The "outstanding"-rated nursery, which looks after more than 50 children, is based at The Delacey Hall, off of Beach Street.

In February 2023, East Kent Mencap (EKM) – the landlord of the site – told staff it would not be reviewing their lease after September 2025.

The learning disability support charity said it needed the building for its own uses.

Wiggles boss Vicki McManus previously told KentOnline that she had “exhausted every avenue” in her search for a new home.

This included working with Range Rovers Football Club on proposals to build a new facility at Seager Road Sports Ground in Sheerness.

She had secured a £170,000 loan but due to the time taken to get through planning red tape, it had expired.

A “Save Wiggles Playgroup” campaign was also set up, with more than 700 people joining the Facebook page.

They were then given a lifeline by the disability charity, who decided to extend the licence for a further year.

Some members of staff had already applied for jobs during this time, but all agreed to stay and support the nursery.

However, Vicki has posted an update on the playgroup’s social media.

She explained that she had been continuing to look at and consider different sites for the future.

“I have sadly decided not to pursue the relocation option in Seager Road, Sheerness, due to the timeframe and associated costs,” she said.

“Over the past year I have worked tirelessly to keep Wiggles sustainable.

“Still, unfortunately, due to our reduced intake for September 2025 and the escalating costs associated with running the business, including minimum wage and NI increases, I have had to make the difficult decision to close Wiggles in July 2025.”

Vicki has since accepted a job offer for nursery manager at Little Owls at Eastchurch CofE Primary School in Warden Road.

She added: “While it is indeed a bittersweet moment to be moving out of Sheerness, I am also profoundly grateful that I can continue my mission of providing quality childcare to Sheppey's children, albeit under a different hat.

“Please know that this would not have been possible without the 'Save Wiggles' campaign and the amazing support of our parents/carers and community.

“Myself and the Wiggles staff will endeavour to operate as usual and support a smooth transition for all the Wiggles children!

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and understanding during this incredibly difficult year.

“Your commitment and the strength of our community have been instrumental in finding a new building and continuing our mission, albeit in a different capacity.”

Parents are being encouraged to sign up to Little Owls Nursery, as spaces are currently available.