Walberton Preschool will not get cash for new building

"The Walberton Pre-school will not receive capital nursery funding from West Sussex County Council," announced one of the school's managers, Mandy Foulds.

Mrs Foulds said: "We received an email from West Sussex County Council stating there would be no funding for a new building '“ we are incredibly shocked and upset by this."

Fears for the future of the facility began in January, when it was announced the school was unlikely to survive after some 40 years of providing care for local children.

Parish council chairman Sharon May said: "It is an absolute tragedy that there will no longer be a pre-school in Walberton. It will be sorely missed and we are all deeply saddened by the news."

Co-owners Helen Baxter and Mandy Foulds '“ who have run the school together since 2003 '“ threatened to close the building because it no longer met the required government standards.

The ageing facility was deemed unsuitable for the demands of a teaching curriculum which followed stringent government Early Years Foundation Stage standards.

Mrs Foulds said: "The closure will mean the end of early years education provision for children in Walberton, as well as the loss of 14 members of staff, two of which are on maternity leave."

Alternative premises for the pre-school have been explored, with four potential properties viewed.

It was hoped the new dedicated premises, planned to be open for Easter next year, would comprise two classrooms, toilets and a kitchen along with an outdoor play area.

Cllr Mrs May said: "The land is there if you want it, that has not changed '“ it is just finding the funding."

The over-subscribed school received excellent Ofsted reports and was regarded as one of the strongest in the area.

Mrs Foulds said: "It is a case of how long can you keep trying for. We have done everything we possibly can, and now it just feels like we are flogging a dead horse."

A meeting between the pre-school and West Sussex County Council has taken place.

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