After over half a century, St Mary’s Pre-School in Arnold has sadly closed down. The beloved pre-school, which had been serving the local community since 1969, cited ongoing financial struggles and a series of unfortunate and unforeseen events as their reasons for shutting down.
The closure came as a shock to many, as the nursery had recently advertised for new admissions in September, even after facing financial challenges. However, a Facebook post on October 14 shattered the hopes of parents and caretakers, announcing that the pre-school would be forced to close less than a month later.
Support poured in from the community, with former students and parents sharing their memories and expressing their sadness at the closure. One former parent, Ria Alice, lamented the news, saying, “This has made me so sad to hear this! My twins absolutely loved their time at St. Mary’s! So sad to see you go.” The outpouring of love and support was a testament to the impact the pre-school had on the lives of countless families over the years.
St Mary’s Pre-School had been temporarily closed from September 19 due to an issue with the building’s floor. Initially, it was expected to be a short-term closure for necessary repairs. However, as the weeks went by, it became evident that the financial strain and unforeseen challenges had become insurmountable.
Despite its closure, the pre-school wanted to ensure that its equipment found new homes. On November 4, the school announced the sale of its equipment, including construction toys, slides, bikes, play-doh, and more. This gesture provided an opportunity for others to preserve the legacy of St Mary’s Pre-School and create new learning experiences for children in the future.
Although it is a heartbreaking loss for the Arnold community, the memories and impact of St Mary’s Pre-School will continue to live on. The dedicated staff and nurturing environment will always be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to be a part of this beloved institution.
FAQs
1. Why did St Mary’s Pre-School close?
St Mary’s Pre-School closed due to ongoing financial struggles and a series of unfortunate and unforeseen events.
2. How long had the pre-school been operating?
The pre-school had been serving the local community for 54 years since its opening in 1969.
3. Was there any support for the pre-school after the closure announcement?
Yes, there was an outpouring of support from former students, parents, and members of the community who expressed their sadness and shared memories of their time at St Mary’s Pre-School.
4. What happened to the pre-school’s equipment?
The pre-school sold its equipment, including construction toys, slides, bikes, play-doh, and more, to interested individuals. This allowed others to continue creating engaging learning experiences for children.
Sources: 1. [Arnold Weekly Newsletter](www.example.com)