Time is running out for pre-school search
A pre-school is issuing a last, desperate plea for new premises after losing its original home almost a year ago. Staff at Harrietsham PreSchool say they would be “devastated” if they were forced to close but “have tried everywhere with no success”. The nursery first came under threat of closure in February last year, after being given six months to move out of a classroom rented from a neighbouring primary.
Staff secured a temporary site - Hollingbourne Village Hall - although the rent was higher and families had to travel further.
But now, with this tenancy also running out, the 30-yearold nursery has no idea where to go after its final day there on Friday, July 31.
Manager Susan Snoad has spent the last year frantically searching for new premises, calling on the parish council, parents and residents for any suggestions.
One potential site in Stede Hill caught her eye, but planning permission was rejected due to the land being within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A village resident offered to build on some of her own land for the pre-school to rent, however access was needed through a Harrietsham Parish Council-owned walkway. In a letter to Mrs Snoad, the council said: “While the parish council wishes to fully support the group to secure their future in the village, the proposed location (a residential garden) is not considered appropriate for this type of development.”
Mrs Snoad added: “We are out of options as we’ve tried everywhere we could think of.
“We have money in the bank which we could use to install a log cabin-style building if we could find land.
“With housing continuing to expand, there are going to be even more children in the area needing childcare and we are the only pre-school facility who can offer totally free places for children in the village.
“We also look after vulnerable, disadvantaged and disabled children and I have to say, we do a very good job of it. At our last Ofsted inspection we were graded Outstanding in children’s development and welfare.”