smudge65 Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Hi Our committee are concerned about finances and are considering closing the pre-school end of financial year, maybe even earlier. There is a meeting planned for next week, any words of wisdom on questions to ask would be really appreciated. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finleysmaid Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 This is so distressing for everyone. It is becoming a common occurrence in our area with big national groups taking over . This is removing all choices from parents and I suspect they will not realise until it is too late for most of us. I suspect we will be in the same position at the end of our lease (not for a few years but still a bit of a death knell ) As to practicalities....redundancy pay/costs of closing/ do you need to dismantle or put back to original / timings for staff and parents (ensure staff meetings are held early and expect people to leave before the end) Plan for storage of information and reporting to ofsted /informing landlords? By looking at these things it may give you an idea of how long you can go on for ..if you are term time then try to aim for an end of term rather than financial year? Have they spoken to the LEA ...is there any rescue funding if places are needed? Is there an appetite to keep the setting going or have they given up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge65 Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 Hi Finleysmaid Thank you for a quick reply. There's enough for redundancies, and there's no rent to pay on land. Can't go into detail here on what will happen to the land as it's a bit sensitive! I think the committee have given up hope, and to be fair to them if we're losing money monthly the options are limited. There was talk of merging with school, will ask if this is still an option. I just feel so sad as it's such a fabulous place for the children and to lose it after it being loved by so many for so many years is heartbreaking. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LKeyteach Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Sad to hear smudge. I am preschool also and a few years ago started offering afterschool (breakfast and afterschool) to local school. This has been our saving. Not sure if that is a possibility and yes i know it is diversifying from your main objective of supporting preschool age children but the income might help. That said my afterschool gives me such joy to see children in play and support those who struggle making friends at school. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge65 Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 LKeyTeach We tried the before and after school club offering it to our families and those of local school, unfortunately it wasn't a success. The school families all responded favourably when we sent out a questionnaire but then hardly any used the club! It only helped to add to the loss for the year we ran it. Pleased it has worked for you and your children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LKeyteach Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Sorry smudge. Just an idea. But i think there is a lot of behind the scenes support given to the big groups. I cannot see how they survive. My guess is loans. Will be interested to see what happens when loans start getting called in and we are not around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louby loo Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Really sad to hear another setting may be closing. Might actually be more helpful if funding rates went up in line with minimum wage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finleysmaid Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 7 hours ago, smudge65 said: Hi Finleysmaid Thank you for a quick reply. There's enough for redundancies, and there's no rent to pay on land. Can't go into detail here on what will happen to the land as it's a bit sensitive! I think the committee have given up hope, and to be fair to them if we're losing money monthly the options are limited. There was talk of merging with school, will ask if this is still an option. I just feel so sad as it's such a fabulous place for the children and to lose it after it being loved by so many for so many years is heartbreaking. Humm sounds like the landlord may have a more lucrative deal on the table. I think a conversation with the school is on the books either with or without the knowledge of your committee perhaps you could set up your own provision on the school site? or work in conjunction with them to provide a service to the community? You could transfer monies and equipment depending on how you are set up. Remember you have assets to sell too like tables/chairs /toys etc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigzag Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Really sad to hear this is happening yet again, it’s just becoming a common occurrence and it’s so awful. I would have a word with your local school and possibly get something set up there. I think schools are quite eager to provide Pre-school care as it makes them look good and they may jump at the opportunity. Wishing you lots of luck and hope it turns out well for you, keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 On 2/17/2019 at 09:38, smudge65 said: Hi Our committee are concerned about finances and are considering closing the pre-school end of financial year, maybe even earlier. There is a meeting planned for next week, any words of wisdom on questions to ask would be really appreciated. Many thanks. So sorry to hear this - have you spoken to your LA? Wishing you all the luck in the world with this smudge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 I wonder if it will all come full circle and we will have mums and babies groups starting up in libraries and church halls around the country ...... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LKeyteach Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Libraries possibly sadly i think church halls are now about making fundsto support the church. Not alli know but they too need an income. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manor Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Hi Smudge65 So sorry to hear of your plight. Are you a member of the Early Years Alliance ( formly known as Preschool Learning Alliance) If so, I would definitely give them a call for some advice on ways to keep going, or on the process of closure, as this can be quite involved. If not a member, I would certainly be seeking what ever professional help/advice possible there is to try and stop you from closing. Could you look into any sustainable funding from organisations that help charities, or do some fund raising yourself to keep you going? Such a heavy and sad situation to be in. Hoping you can find a solution and wishing you all the best. x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosabean Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 My setting is in a similar situation. We have been told to be out by 2020 so the school can use our site as part of their school. I know your initial post was in Feb, has anything happened for you? Did you have any success with teh Early Years Alliance communication? Best wishes, Rosie x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge65 Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 Hi Rosabean We closed at Easter. Happy for you to private message if you want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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