Kids return to Brough pre-school as new home is found

A PRE-school on the brink of closure has been saved after new premises were found at the 11th hour.

Ladybird Pre-school in Brough, which has operated from Welton Road for the past 30 years, was facing its demise after it was announced its home at the youth hall would close.

Staff at the charity-run organisation were given 18 months' notice that the hall would no longer be available after this year's summer holidays, but were unable to find other suitable premises in the town.

After enquiring about several other nearby buildings, the pre-school closed for summer with little hope of reopening – until a new premises was found three weeks before the beginning of term at Blackburn Leisure in Prescott Avenue.

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Gillian Lee, pre-school leader, said it would have been a shame if the pre-school had been forced to close.

She said: "Ladybird has been part of Brough village and town life for more than 30 years and with the imminent closure of the youth hall, was facing its demise.

"Staff have worked tirelessly over an 18-month period to try to find alternative accommodation to ensure the provision.

"When all was felt lost and staff had been given notice of redundancy, Blackburn Leisure agreed to rent out the pavilion.

"The building already held the appropriate planning permission and Ofsted agreed they would process our move of premises in time for the autumn term to enable Ladybird to offer the continuity of care for our children."

Staff and volunteers worked day and night to rehome the pre-school in time to open this week.

Parents who had been told the bad news were told via e-mail there was hope once the premises were found.

The pre-school is now bigger, with a separate outdoor play area.

Originally it catered for 26 children and now has provision for 40 children and has been able to extend its opening hours from 8am to 6pm.

The pre-school also has new toys thanks to the Lifestyle team Galaxy Girls who have donated play equipment after doing a sponsored walk over the Humber Bridge.

The new premises opened on Tuesday, after an open day was held for children to see their new surroundings on Monday.

Mrs Lee said: "The sub- committee has worked industriously to transform the pavilion into a day care setting that is well prepared for the delivery of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage to facilitate the children.

"We are delighted we are able to continue to offer provision to enhance their learning and development and want to thank everyone who helped us achieve it.

"Ladybird Pre-school staff and committee would like to thank everyone who has worked in partnership and supported us throughout our efforts to find a new home."

Ladybird Pre-school runs five days per week at a cost of £3.50 per hour with funding available for children who are eligible.