The future of a much-loved West Bridgford Preschool is in jeopardy, due to lack of funding.
Managers face the devastating possibility of having to close its doors in July if a boost to funding and support for its operating committee is not received in the next month.
St Giles Pre-school is a stalwart in the West Bridgford community, established over 50 years ago, it has nurtured children from West Bridgford and local neighbourhoods for decades. One of its founding principles is affordable childcare in a warm and nurturing setting.
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.
With the shortfall in current government funding not covering our costs, as well as the rise in the 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.
“If it wasn’t for our amazing staff and community who got behind us and the hall, it would have been demolished. The preschool itself played a critical role in getting listed status of the hall, without which it would no longer be here.
“We have reached out to parents and the local community, to request their help in safeguarding our future through our GO FUND ME page https://www.gofundme.com/f/st-giles-pre-school
“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.
“We now face the very real possibility of not being able to re-open in September 2023 for the new academic year.
“It is not just financial help we are seeking.
“The committee of trustees needs the involvement and expertise of dedicated volunteers to help navigate these unprecedented times.
“Therefore, in order for us to consider continuing the preschool from September 2023 there are two essential requirements:
“Firstly, we need a new Chair for the committee as, due to personal circumstances, our current chair is stepping down. We also need a Treasurer, with a background in finance or business, and at least two more trustee members.
“As a committee-run preschool, it is essential we have a full and dedicated team to oversee the running of St Giles. If you or someone you know have these skills and the time to help us, then please get in touch.
“Secondly, we need to raise more funds. This would create a financial net and allow us to confidently operate for the next academic year, providing reassurance to our current and future parents and to our brilliant, long-serving team of staff.
“We welcome any local businesses coming forward to support us.”
If the preschool 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 said:
“We are all absolutely heartbroken that we find ourselves in this situation and we have been working extremely hard to save the preschool.
“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.“
Charlotte Fullam, a parent told us:
“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 preschool 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 so well cared for it will be a devastating loss to the community should it close.”
You can donate to St Giles Preschool by visiting our Go Fund Me Page here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/st-giles-pre-school
