North Devon Pre-School Faces Closure; Urgent £9,000 Fundraiser Launched
UPDATE: An urgent fundraising appeal has been launched to save the beloved Berrynarbor Pre-school, which is on the brink of closure due to a shocking financial crisis. Parents were informed at an emergency meeting on October 20 that the pre-school needs to raise £9,000 by next Tuesday, October 28, to remain open after the October half-term.
The pre-school, a cornerstone of the North Devon community for over 40 years, has encountered a financial shortfall linked to alleged misappropriation of funds, which is now under police investigation. Parents and community members are determined to prevent this critical resource from disappearing.
As of today, a GoFundMe page initiated by local parent Charlotte Jones has already raised over £5,700, with expectations to exceed £7,000 as additional donations come in. The immediate goal of £9,000 is essential for the pre-school to continue its operations, but a further £34,000 is needed to secure its future long-term.
Charlotte expressed the emotional toll this situation has taken, stating, “The thought of losing this place: the laughter, the care, the friendships, is heart-breaking. 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.”
A series of community fundraising events have been rapidly organized. A disco at Manor Hall in Berrynarbor raised funds on October 23, while non-school uniform days at the West Berry Federation schools have collectively brought in over £680. A yoga session today, October 24, contributed another £120, and a Bingo Night is scheduled for this Sunday, October 26, at 6 PM, with eyes down at 7 PM. The Bent Peg in Berrynarbor is also supporting the cause by donating £5 from every Sunday lunch sold.
Charlotte highlighted the dire situation: “Between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, it is one of only four pre-schools left standing. If this were to go, we won’t have access to childcare without going much further afield. It would leave a massive gap for childcare provision in the area.”
The community is rallying around this critical cause, and every contribution is vital. To donate and help keep Berrynarbor Pre-school open, visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-our-village-preschool-a-lifeline-for-generations.
For updates on fundraising events and initiatives, follow the Berrynarbor Pre-school Facebook page. The time to act is now, as every moment counts in this fight to save a cherished institution. Share this story and help spread the word!
