MUDEFORD Wood preschool has been asked to leave the site which it has inhabited for 37 years.
This comes after Mudeford Wood Community Trust believe that the preschool has violated their terms, and an eviction is necessary.
In a post published by the trust on their website, they state that the decision was not "taken lightly" and that the preschool has been given multiple written and verbal warnings.
They stated that: "It followed a number of years of this Hirer continually breaching statutory fire and health and safety regulations."
The preschool has been told that they need to leave at the end of the school year, which will be July 2025.
The preschool violated the health and safety regulations by leaving out a small wooden playhouse, instead of locking it away out of sight and clearing the room.
The manager of the preschool, Emily Hernon reported that they received an email stating that an inspection had taken place, and it had been decided that there was a violation due to not all of the equipment being put away in the designated cupboards.
Emily has expressed that: “the playhouse is essential for the children’s development and learning.”
The playhouse was not put away due to it not fitting in the cupboard provided.
Felicity Porter, Chair of Mudeford Wood Preschool said: “We are incredibly sad and disappointed that we find ourselves in this situation.
“We have met with MWCT on several occasions to try and work together to find a way forward to benefit the wider community - as we both ultimately want the same thing - to support and enhance the lives of families living in Mudeford.
Emily and Felicity both share the feeling that the preschool plays an important role in the community.
Over seventy families use the preschool and there are eighteen members of staff.
Emily said: “We are desperately sad and disappointed with the Mudeford Wood Community Trust’s decision.
“Our area was designed to be used as a preschool and under the current terms and conditions we just can’t fulfil our obligations as an Ofsted registered preschool.”
Councillor Lesley Dedman said that: “I know the Play School at Mudeford Wood is a much loved and much used asset to the area.
“However, I am in contact with the Trustees, and aware of breaches of their lease which have caused this situation.
“I hope an amicable conclusion may be reached beneficial to all concerned.”
The main goal is to secure their future at the community centre; however, if this isn’t possible, they will work with BCP Council to start fresh at another site.
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