Playgroup 'relieved' to find new home

A day centre which closed during the Covid pandemic is to reopen to allow a closure-threatened playgroup to relocate.

The future of Mudeford Wood Playgroup in Christchurch, Dorset, which provides a preschool education for about 70 children, looked uncertain when it was given notice to vacate Mudeford Wood Community Centre after more than 30 years.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council will move it to the council-owned Highcliffe Day Centre on Lymington Road from September, two miles (3.2km) from its current site.

Playgroup manager Emily Hernon said the group was "incredibly happy and very relieved to have found a new home".

She added: "Our priority has always been to provide high-quality, affordable early years education for the children of our community, and we are thrilled that this new location will enable us to continue to do so.

"The past few months have been incredibly stressful for everyone, our parents have been worried sick that their children would not have a future with us, and our skilled staff have faced uncertainty.

"We would like to thank all our wonderful preschool families for their patience and unwavering support, which has boosted staff morale and strengthened our determination to find a way forward."

Ms Hernon said the authority had supported the group through a "very difficult period" when it feared it "might have to close for good".

"We are looking forward to a bright future," she said.

Playgroup leaders and parents made public representations to the council's cabinet in April.

Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture, said:  "We are very pleased to have found a suitable alternative site for Mudeford Wood Preschool, ensuring their services continue without major impact to families. 

"Highcliffe is delighted to welcome the playgroup with open arms."

He said the "fantastic site" would ensure the group had the "necessary facilities at their disposal to provide children with the best possible start in life".

The preschool will have an initial one-year lease to operate from the building, while "further site investigations" are undertaken into other education provisions.

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