I was sorry to hear about the threat to the future of the First Friends Pre School in Great Waldingfield. It is to lose its home at the primary school in July due to the fact that higher demand for school places means that the classroom currently used by the pre-school is needed for older children.
Great Waldingfield Primary School could simply be experiencing the nationwide trend of higher demand for state school places. The birth rate has risen somewhat apparently, and the credit crunch has resulted in fewer parents being able to afford private schooling.
I don't however believe that this is the full story in this instance however. It is probably true to say that the pre-school has been the victim of the primary school's success. The primary school has not only been able to attract new children from around the district but also the pre-school itself , which started some four years ago, has acted as a constant and reliable feeder into the reception class.
I know that meetings are being held with relevant officials from the County Council Education Department to try to secure a future home for the pre-school. I also know that County Councillor, Colin Spence, will do all he can to push things forward.
The loss of the pre-school would be a great blow for Great Waldingfield as a whole, and for the primary school. I will do all I can to support the pre-school's organisers in their efforts to keep the group alive.
