A beloved Nottinghamshire pre-school has warned it faces a 'heart-breaking' closure as its funding falls short. Managers at St Giles Pre-school in West Bridgford say there is a "devastating" possibility of having to close in July, if a boost to funding and support for its operating committee is not received in the next month.
St Giles Pre-school was established more than 50 years ago and has been described by staff as a "stalwart" of the local community. But the pre-school has said current government funding is not covering its costs and that running costs have increased.
Sharni Partlett, St Giles Preschool manager and SENCO said: “There aren’t many settings like ours; we are a charity that is run by a voluntary committee on a non-profit basis, so we work on very tight budgets.
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"With the shortfall in current government funding not covering our costs, as well as the rise in cost of living and an increase in our overheads, St Giles is now in jeopardy of closure. We fought hard to keep the preschool and Lutterell Hall open following the bids to sell the land in 2019.
“We have reached out to parents and the local community, to request their help in safeguarding our future through our GO FUND ME page. Whilst the donations and support given so far have been hugely appreciated, sadly this hasn't been enough to stop the preschool from falling into imminent danger."
Leaders have explained the pre-school needs more trustee members and volunteers, as well as financial help. A new chair for the committee is required due to the current one leaving due to personal circumstances.
The pre-school also needs more funds to create a financial safety net and has encouraged local businesses to come forward with offers of support. If the pre-school is unable to boost funds further and recruit the relevant team for its committee, St Giles will have to close its doors at the end of this summer term.
Sharni added: “We are all absolutely heartbroken that we find ourselves in this situation and we have been working extremely hard to save the pre-school. This is our last chance and I hope we can get the support and assistance we need from our local community in West Bridgford to be able to continue serving families in September and for future years to come.“
This is the second time St Giles Preschool has been under threat, with it surviving council plans to sell and redevelop its premises in Lutterell Hall. After local residents rallied and campaigned against this, the building was declared a Grade II building, protecting it from the changes.
One parent explained the pre-school's closure would be a significant loss to the community. Charlotte Fullam, a parent, said: “All three of my boys have attended the pre-school and loved their time there, so much so they still talk about it many years after leaving!
“The pre-school gave them the best start, not only academically, but more importantly to me, in the family environment they have created there and the love and support they exude; the children have been so well cared for - it will be a devastating loss to the community should it close.”
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