For over 40 years, our small village pre-school has been the beating heart of our community: a warm, nurturing place where generations of children have taken their very first steps into the world. Parents who once played here as children now bring their own children, and even grandchildren, through our doors.

Since 1984, when we first opened our doors as a part time playgroup, we’ve been more than a pre-school. We’ve been a family. A place of laughter, muddy boots, and tiny triumphs. A place where our young children discovered their confidence, kindness, and curiosity before moving on to the village school and beyond.

But now, through no fault of our own, we are facing the unthinkable.

Due to the alleged misappropriation of funds, our beloved pre-school is in crisis. The money that should have kept us thriving - supporting our staff, children, and families - is gone. And without urgent help, we may have to close our doors forever.

This isn’t just about saving a local pre-school.

It’s about saving a piece of our village’s history; a place that has given so much to so many.

Throughout the years, our staff have poured their hearts into this pre-school. Our staff have dedicated their time and energy to giving local children the best possible start. They’ve supported families through hardship, celebrated every milestone, and even opened as soon as possible throughout COVID, when many others could not, to care for key worker families and children who needed us most.

The thought of losing this place: the laughter, the care, the friendships, is heartbreaking. Not just for our children, but for the entire community. If we close, the impact will ripple far beyond our village. There are only a handful of nurseries left in our area, and without ours, many families simply won’t have access to early years care close to home.

This appeal is urgent: we need to raise a minimum of £9,000 by Tuesday 28th October to keep the doors open, otherwise the pre-school will close after the half term.

From there, we need to raise a further £34,000 to secure the pre-school, pay our incredible staff, and rebuild a sustainable future.

Please, if you can, donate today to help us right this wrong.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will go directly towards keeping our doors open, our lights on, and our children smiling.

Let’s make sure the laughter of our little ones continues to echo through this village for another 40 years.

With love and gratitude,

❤️ The Staff, Parents, and Children of Berrynarbor Pre-School

Berrynarbor Preschool is a registered Charity - ref. 1031351.