DROITWICH Spa Pre-School which has welcomed children for more than five decades will close its doors on July 21.
The pre-school, at the Methodist Church on Worcester Road, is shutting after the licence was not renewed by the church.
Staff were informed of the closure last week and are currently working closely with parents to help find their children a new setting and make that transition as smoothly as possible.
The decision came as a shock to manager Genny Meakin, who has worked at the pre-school for eight years.
Speaking to The Standard she said: “It is really sad, we are all out of jobs and the children will need to find somewhere else to go.
“The pre-school has been here for 51 years.
“A few of us came here when we were younger and our children did too, so it has seen lots of generations through the doors.
“The church decided not to renew the licence so there is not much we can do about it.
“It has been a fantastic job and we have had so many happy times.”
Calling it the ‘end of an era’, SENCO leader, Lisa Footman, took to Facebook to confirm the rumours.
She said: “I will take away many happy memories of mine and my children’s time at pre-school, as I’m sure many Droitwich families have.
“I would like to thank all parents, past and present, for letting me look after their children.
“I hope in some way I have helped to start their journey into school life a happy time.”
In response, parents expressed their sadness and praised the staff.
Stephanie Withington described it as ‘a significant loss to the Droitwich community’.
“An excellent pre-school that provided the very best care and opportunities.
“Totally dedicated staff and child centred approach where families were involved in every possible way.”
Melinda Waldron added: “Droitwich Spa Pre-School has always been a very good, the staff are and always have done their utmost to make sure the children enjoy their time there.
“It’s such a sad time for all of you and I wish you all the very best in your next adventures.”
Rev Jane Wilson, Minister at Droitwich Spa Methodist Church, said: “We firstly want to recognise the good work which has been done by the pre-school and acknowledge the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff.
“Unfortunately, and with great sadness, we are no longer able to provide a home for the Droitwich Spa Pre-School.
“We are in continued discussions with Mr Meakin, the Chair of the Pre-School, concerning the situation.”
