Chickerell playgroup is forced to close (From Dorset Echo)

Chickerell playgroup is forced to close

3:50pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News By Rachel Stretton

A PLAYGROUP has been forced to close after 35 years of being in business.

Noah’s Ark pre-school in Chickerell shut up shop for the last time on Friday with staff blaming a decline in admissions for the closure.

Lyn Wise, manager of the pre-school, said: “It’s really sad.

“I’ve worked here for 15 years, both my parents work here as well, and we are part of the Chickerell community.”

Staff and parents were told last week of the decision to close.

Mrs Wise said: “We’ve been struggling on for a year or so, when trade started to drop, but now we’ve just reached the stage where we don’t really have a choice.”

The pre-school took care of 14 children aged between two and four.

Parents were dismayed at the closure.

Natalie Balsdon, whose son Lenny had recently started at the pre-school, said: “It’s just gutting.

“Lenny can be a bit quiet, but the staff have been fabulous and really brought out the best in him.

“It’s like a big family circle.”

She added: “I’m struggling to find Lenny another place in the village now, and I’m facing having to give up work.

“The alternative is to take him to a pre-school in Westham, where there is a space, but then he won’t know anyone when he starts primary school.”

Ali Webber’s son Tyler has been at the school for two years.

She said: “Tyler loves it so much here, that he actually gets upset when he has to come home.

“He can be a bit mischievous but the staff handle him so well.

“I know people who are now in their early 20s who came to Noah’s Ark.

“It’s just unfair.”

Four members of staff will lose their jobs with the closure.

Mrs Wise said that several parents had once attended the pre-school themselves.

Chair of the school committee, Mike Joliss, said: “It’s a very sad day. We’ve been open for 35 years, and closing was a very difficult decision to make.”

He added: “I feel sorry for the staff but we decided it was better to close before we started owing everyone money.

“There just aren’t enough children in Chickerell to keep it going.”

The playgroup’s toys and equipment will be on sale at the youth and community centre in Rashley Road on Saturday, at noon.

Mrs Wise added: “I want to thank the loyal families who have stuck by us during this.”