Heighington Village Pre-school faces threat of closure

Heighington Pre-school recently achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating, where the inspector reported that children were “working in stages higher than typically expected for their age”.

However, those celebrations were short-lived as a drastic loss in the number of children enrolling has led to it being unlikely it will continue in the next school year.

In September, a large majority of the current class will be progressing to primary school, leaving only five children and a blow to funding.

Situated in Heighington Village Hall, a former school building itself, the pre-school runs part-time for 15 hours per week and is struggling to compete with full-time day care at 30 hours per week.

Having worked there for 18 years and had her own children attend, manager Helen Lyons said: “We’re devastated. Absolutely devastated. When you’ve worked somewhere for such a long time it’s heart-breaking.

“I can understand why parents are taking their children to other full-time day care, but it’s still really sad.”

The pre-school is one of several groups that make use of Heighington Village Hall, which is also facing problems with funding and committee numbers.

Mrs Lyons explained that it is a problem that many pre-schools in the area face.

She added: “What we need is more children. No children means no funding, and we just can’t afford to do it by ourselves.

“What I do want to say is a big thank you. We’ve had so many lovely children and families come here over the years. I’d like to give a huge thank you to everybody and their unwavering support.”