A Trowbridge early years pre-school has launched a £60,000 crowdfunding appeal to raise £60,000 to replace a building that is coming to the end of its life.
Wiltshire Council has told the Rainbow Early Years Pre-school in Holbrook Lane that it must leave its building by July 2025 as it is no longer fit for purpose.
The pre-school is a registered charity supporting 34 children aged two to five with their development and getting them ‘school ready’.
It was rated ‘good’ in its latest Ofsted report in January 2023, following a previous inspection in July 2022 when it was rated ‘inadequate’.
The pre-school operates from a purpose-built classroom inside the Holbrook Primary School grounds but must now find a new home.
Rainbow Early Years manager Hayley Galliers, 25, said: “It’s a bit of a tricky situation. Our building is reaching the end of its life and we need to raise funds to replace it.
“Without the funds to be able to replace the building, Rainbow Early Years would not be able to continue to support families.
“Without us, the children would not have a setting to go to; this would be detrimental to their development.”
The pre-school has been told that Holbrook Primary School has no spare classroom and it has received a £875,000 estimate to put up a new timber building.
The pre-school has won support from Trowbridge town and Wiltshire county councillor Antonio Piazza, who went to the school in his early years.
He said: “As a former pupil of Rainbow Early Years Pre-school, I owe them so much for my early childhood development and would not be where I am today without Rainbow.
“As a product of Rainbow Early Years, I want to see our children benefit from this asset to the community as I did.
“Today, our pre-school is at a critical juncture - the current building is no longer suitable and we must find a new home for the pre-school so it may continue its vital work in the community.
“The pre-school must vacate its current premises by July 2025 as advised by Wiltshire Council, who are the landowners, due to it being beyond economical repair.
“A local authority grant is available, but it covers only a fraction of the necessary funds for a new building.”
Testimonials from local parents on the crowdfunding appeal page said: “REY is an excellent pre-school and very inclusive. My son loves to attend there and he always comes out with a massive smile!"
"Rainbow Early Years is such a lovely setting, my twins came here and thrived so much! The team was amazing and provided lots of family support."
"Since starting Rainbow Early Years my child has blossomed, her confidence has grown exponentially. The care, dedication and enthusiasm shown by the team is second to none, I could not recommend this setting enough."
The pre-school says every penny counts and is looking for donations. It has already raised £140 towards its target from seven supporters, although the appeal is still in its infancy.
The appeal organisers are also looking for volunteers with skills in grant writing, construction, or any other area could be invaluable to the committee.
Miss Galliers said: “We're facing a tight deadline and a significant financial challenge.
“However, with the community's support, we can ensure Rainbow Early Years continues to serve our children well into the future.”
To donate to the appeal, click here.
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