A new Thornbury pre-school building that faced an uncertain future last year, but which has now been saved after intervention by Luke Hall MP and Conservative-run South Gloucestershire Council, has finished completion with the building now handed over to the local authority.
The pre-school was originally provided with a significant grant for 75% of the new buildings cost from the Governments Department for Education but the project became at risk after a shortfall became clear, threatening the buildings completion and the extra capacity for childcare it provides.
After hearing of the news, local MP Luke Hall took action in organising an emergency meeting with the pre-school, Council leader Matthew Riddle, and the Council’s Cabinet member for Education; Toby Savage, to see what could be done to see the building continue.
The MP also made informal representations to the Ministers on behalf of the authority and the pre-school to back up the plan to help the pre-school, with the Council stepping up to back to the project.
It is expected that the provider first steps pre-schools are now in discussion with the Council over the arrangements of its use going forward, however it is expected that doubling of spaces for childcare will soon be in use whilst the talks progress.
This comes in aid of the Governments 30-hours of free childcare policy to support working families, with South Gloucestershire Council urging parents of 2-4 years olds to register for this month to receive the support from April;
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Luke Hall MP thanked local parents, the committee and the Council for working as a community to head off the possibility of the project failing saying:
“I am delighted to see the build now complete, and that soon extra spaces will be made available to working parents in the Thornbury area. The Government is delivering on its 30-hours free childcare agenda, so I am delighted that this is being built upon right here in South Gloucestershire. The committee, and parents have done an amazing job of working with myself and the community to see this delivered”
Cllr Toby Savage, Cabinet Member for Education added: “First Step Pre-School have done a tremendous job getting the project so far and I’m pleased that the Council has been able to help get the building work over the finish line. Officers in the Council’s Property Services department are now working closely with the preschool to agree a lease ready to move in to this great new facility for the town”