A PRE-SCHOOL has been forced to close permanently after the building and equipment was destroyed beyond recovery.

Stepping Stones Pre-School in Winnall announced its closure on Wednesday, January 4, advising parents to find a new preschool.

The damage was caused by flooding over Christmas due to a burst water pipe. In a letter addressed to parents the pre-school said: “It is with regret and sadness that we are writing to inform you of the permanent closure of Stepping Stones Pre-School Winnall, Winchester.

“The recent flooding has caused damage to not only the building but most of our equipment and some furniture leaving us in a situation we are unable to recover from.

“As always our staff remain grateful for your kind words and support throughout this difficult time. It has been a pleasure to be a part of and serve the local community of Winnall for the past 10 years.”

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The pre-school looked after around 20 children aged two to four and received an Outstanding rating in its last Ofsted inspection in 2018.

The building is based on the same grounds as Winnall Primary School in Garbett Road.

One parent has said she is willing to fight to keep her daughter’s nursery alive, as a place that catered to her autistic three-year-old’s needs.

The mother, Claire Flynn, said: “Some children including my own needed extra care and education, health and care plans and the team did this to the highest standards. They go above and beyond for the pre-schoolers and now all the kids who made bonds with the staff have to start over again.

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“A lot of the parents have had to miss work to look after their younger ones and have had to find replacement nurseries, with some still looking now.

“I’m willing to set up a GoFundMe page, do bake sales or anything else to help this school come back. We need the government to stand for the nursery and get it rebuilt if not for our own children now but for the future for many others.

"This nursery is outstanding and needs everyone’s support and help, education should not be put on hold for children when I’m sure if we all pulled together this can be done.”

Winnall's Stepping Stones Pre-school has been contacted for comment.