'Starting with the child, learning through play'

Great News from Polly’s Appeal by Lara Froud

Little did we realise four years ago sat drinking coffee in a front room somewhere in this village that our desire to provide a permanent home for Southmoor Pre-School would have led us on such a journey. We were enthusiastic but definitely naïve. We have had real highs including seeing the village unite to support the project in those first few years. So many clubs and organisations graciously donated time and funds to our project for which we are so grateful. We have had some real lows especially the ‘Battle of Newbridge’ that never was and recent controversy over the proposed site of the building.

The project team have changed over the years but the desire and commitment of these volunteers has remained consistent. We initially had permission to build at the village hall but could not access funding. Then we were awarded funding but this depended on us being able to gain permission to build on the school site. It has been a hard and sometimes stressful journey but at all times the teamwork of the preschool has been evident and we are delighted to tell you that on the 12^th April we were granted planning permission for the new build on the John Blandy site.

This comes as a great relief, as those of you who have attended meetings about this project recently will know that financially Preschool would not have been able to survive for much longer at the Village Hall. The decision has safeguarded the future of the Preschool in the village for generations to come and means for the first time in four years Southmoor Pre-School has both the funding and the permission in place and can begin to actively prepare for a new permanent home. Although plans have been drawn up the process still has to go out to tender so it will be a while yet before we see contractors on site.

The original funding provided by the village will be used to provide the outdoor play space for the children and for replacing the worn out furniture and storage we currently have. We are so grateful for all the support the village has given this project over the last four years and we look forward to showing you our wonderful premises soon.