A MUCH-LOVED village playgroup in Northumberland is facing a fight against closure.
Longhorsley Village Playgroup has been hit by a recent decline in numbers which has caused it financial difficulties.
The group hasn’t been able to meet basic expenses, such as staff wages and rent for use of its base. It now needs to raise £10,000 to see it through to the end of this academic year.
The group has organised a Save our Playgroup campaign to secure its immediate future, with one parent warning it would be “devastating” were it to close.
The playgroup, which is based in Longhorsley Village Hall, provides childcare for children aged from two to five years.
It attracts children from a wide catchment area that extends beyond Longhorsley including Netherwitton, Longframlington, Felton, Morpeth and Rothbury.
But the group currently has less than half its registered numbers.
Staff are now actively seeking the help and support of parents and the local community to help the group stave off closure. Fiona Leighton, who founded the playgroup, said: “Longhorsley Village Playgroup is Ofsted registered to cater for up to 30 children, however we currently only have 13 children on our register. The local first school is also experiencing a drop in numbers of children registering for nursery.
“We are seeking support from the local community to raise essential funds to keep playgroup going during this difficult period. We hope that attendance figures will increase again next year.”
Fiona Hindmarsh, of Longframlington, whose daughter attends the playgroup, said: “It would be devastating for the village to lose its much-loved playgroup. For many parents it is a lifeline, enabling them to drop their children off locally and go to work.
“The playgroup provides outstanding care for my daughter and all of its children, offering a safe, friendly and stimulating environment in which children can learn and play.”
The playgroup offers flexible sessions four days a week and a wraparound service for children attending St Helen’s, the village’s Church of England- aided first school. The playgroup has its own allotment and chickens, which are very popular with the children.
To make a donation, call Fiona on 07933 721 685 or visit www.longhorsleyvillageplaygroup.webs.com
