AN independent school near Honiton has fallen victim to the economic climate. Manor House School will close at the end of the summer term, but the associated Folly Nursery will continue to operate and may expand.

AN independent school near Honiton has fallen victim to the economic climate.

Manor House School will close at the end of the summer term, but the associated Folly Nursery will continue to operate and may expand.

Eleven members of staff will lose their jobs and four others will be offered work in the nursery. The business will continue to employ 14 people.

Geoffrey Wilmot, bursar of Manor House School, said: "We are doing all we can to support parents to ensure that their children continue to receive the best education possible and the staff, who have contributed so much to the school, are looking for new opportunities in their careers.

"I understand that this is a very turbulent time for those involved with the school and I am deeply grateful to the families and staff for all the support they have given to the school, and for their determination to ensure that the final few weeks of this term are the best ever."

Mr Wilmot added: "We are in discussion with East Devon District Council's planning department about expanding the nursery facilities, and thus creating employment opportunities in this sector, by developing our after school and holiday facilities."

In a statement, issued to the Midweek Herald, earlier this afternoon, Mr Wilmot revealed financial pressures had caused a number of families to withdraw their children from the school.

However, demand for places in the nursery had risen as the same financial pressures encourage more women to return to work.

The nursery is open from 8am to 6pm and caters for children aged from three months to five years old.