Hampshire community pre-school closes after 30 years

Little Saints Community Pre-School, in North Baddesley, closed its doors for the final time this summer with no one willing to take up the chairman or secretary positions on the committee.

Manager Carolyn Fielder took over in 1991, after a few years as a helper, and transformed the pre-school at All Saints Church.

Following the closure Mrs Fielder, 59, has decided to retire with her husband in Baddesley after more than 30 years in her rewarding role. She said: “We have to have a committee in place to run and it wasn’t viable to become a business instead.

READ MORE: Winchester pre-school gets new provider months on from shock closure

“We only had 12 children left and the parents took a vote and sadly decided to close. We used to have 72 children on roll with morning and afternoon sessions but with the government’s introduction of 30 hours of free childcare we had to take less children in but for longer and then numbers started dropping.

“Pre-schools are a dying breed. People want nurseries with breakfast and afterschool clubs. A nursery opened at North Baddesley Infant School last year, which means it’s just one drop off for parents there.

Little Saint Pre-School bench (Image: Carolyn Fielder)

“The last day was an absolute blub fest, very emotional. We only had four members of staff left because they could see we had fewer children. We didn’t even think we’d survive this year.

SEE ALSO: Wedding venue plans submitted for former Test Valley farm

“We did prewarn parents that we were struggling and didn’t know how long we’d be able to stay open but they still decided to come here.

“I was really sad to see it close. However, my deputy and I have been there so long it kind of seemed fitting to come to an end rather than hand over to anyone else. It is difficult.

“The parents were all really sad, they didn’t want to see us close really but it's such a big role for them to take on as our employers on the committee. To make all the decisions and deal with all the finances, it’s a big ask and parents often need to go to work too.”

A final farewell party was held for parents, kids and staff on Friday, July 21. All 12 remaining children have found new places for September.

The pre-school has left its mark with a bench the team donated to the church thanking everyone involved with the former community pre-school.

Parents, past and present, expressed their gratitude, commenting on the pre-school's goodbye posts on Facebook.

Tracey Burroughs posted: "Thank you for everything you've done for my family over the last 26 years at Little Saints, from Louise to Freddie and Reuben and then Elsie. All the staff past and present have done an amazing job and are so fondly regarded by so many families in the village. You will all be sadly missed."

Victoria Faulkes commented: "What a lovely little send-off this afternoon and thanks for giving the kids such a lovely day.

"Thank you once again for everything over the years. You have been the best we could ever ask for. You were so happy to see our little ones. We will miss you very much. Enjoy your next chapter, you deserve it."

Beccy Stevens posted: "Such a sad day, the village won't be the same without Little Saints Community Pre-School. Simply the best preschool that always went above and beyond for the children. Thank you so much for supporting me and the children through their early years, because of you they are thriving."