Bowes pre-school's 'use it or lose it' warning

A PRE-SCHOOL leader has warned of disaster for south Teesdale communities if it cannot attract more children.
Jane Ascroft, chairwoman of Bowes pre-school, revealed the toddler group faced an uncertain future if it could not get more youngsters through its doors.
“Closure would be a disaster for children on the Bowes side of the river, given the closure of Startforth School and the fact that Cotherstone pre-school is only operating part time,” said Ms Ascroft.
“We want people to realise that if that they don’t support or use the pre-school then it will not be sustainable.”
Brief respite for the pre-school has come in the shape of a short term funding package from Durham County Council but pressure to increase numbers remains paramount.
The pre-school’s opening hours have been extended to 7.30am to 6pm in a bid to attract children of working parents.
A new Little Woodpeckers scheme is also targeting families in lower Teesdale whose children aren’t old enough to come to pre-school yet.
Deputy manager Sam Webb said the group was already gathering momentum.
She said: “We have a situation where nobody puts their name down so it’s an opportunity to get to know families before they start and it’s a nice social occasion for mums as well. It’s a completely new venture – it’s brilliant as we had eight children and we’d only advertised it for a week.”
Bowes pre-school is rated outstanding by Ofsted and based in purpose built Woodpecker Lodge next to the village primary school.
“We are not far from Barnard Castle – we’re not just for Bowes,” added Ms Webb.
“We’ve got mums from villages along the A66 as it’s often easier to get here than to school in the middle of Barney.
“We’re not connected to Bowes School but we do have really good links. We have joint assemblies and play times together.”
Startforth’s Leigh Shaw was one of half a dozen mums at the pre-school’s first Little Woodpeckers session.
“It’s gone really well – my daughter Sofia absolutely loves it because kids play and mix with older children,” said Ms Shaw. “It makes them more familiar and comfortable with the school which really does help.”
A committee of parents is heavily involved in keeping the pre-school running.
Mum Fiona Gregory said she didn’t want to see it shut.
“If this was not here we would have to travel before we went to work,” she added.
“It’s so much handier just being able to walk up the village.”
Ms Webb admitted the pre-school was facing a “quiet year” but was bullish about its future.
She said: “It’s important we stay here – it’s a valuable asset to the community and it makes such a difference.
“We have brothers and sisters playing with each other and they learn from one another.”
For more information about the pre-school, contact 01833 628052 or email office @bowespreschool.co.uk