Village playgroup pleads for funds
Longhorsley Village Playgroup manager Fiona Leighton with Fynn, Harry, Jesse and Elsa in the village hall.
A MUCH-LOVED playgroup has made a desperate appeal to the community as it faces a financial crisis.
Longhorsley Village Playgroup provides flexible sessions four days a week, including a wrap-around service for pupils at the nearby St Helen’s First School.
But recently there has been a decline in numbers attending the group, which has led to financial difficulties.
The situation is reaching crisis point, with the group unable to meet basic expenses such as staff wages and rent.
And if it cannot raise £10,000 to see it through to the end of the academic year, parents have been told it may have to close.
Founder Fiona Leighton 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 actively seeking support from the local community to raise essential funds to keep playgroup going during this difficult period.
“We hope attendance figures will increase again next year.”
The playgroup meets in Longhorsley Village Hall, but serves a much wider community, including Netherwitton, Morpeth, Longframlington, Felton and Rothbury.
It caters for children aged two to four years 11 months and all staff hold relevant childcare qualifications. The group has its own allotment and chickens.
To make a donation, or for further information, contact Ms Leighton on 07933 721685 or visit www.longhorsleyvillageplaygroup.webs.com
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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