THE wheels are in motion to bring a pre-school back to Sherston, as a working group appeal to parents for their views on the project.

Staff and parents were devastated when Busy Hand pre-school closed earlier this year due to financial pressures.

A group of volunteers are currently working on bringing a pre-school back to the village, which they believe is a vital first step on the education ladder.

They are currently gathering the necessary support and funding to build and operate the pre-school and are asking parents to provide their views to help shape how it will run.

The aim is to provide a self-sustaining business in a permanent location, meaning long hours of service can be provided, reducing the risk of it going out of business.

A permanent location will allow the pre-school to provide ‘wrap-around care’, with breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs being offered as well as six core hours a day of childcare.

Saara Sharman, who is chairing the working group, said there had been “overwhelming” support for a new pre-school.

“If there’s local support we’re all happy to take it forward,” she said.

“We’re at the beginning of that process, canvassing ideas.

“This is not a reincarnate of Busy Hands, rather a new venture, hopefully a purpose built and more permanent fixture.”

The upcoming Sherston Neighbourhood Plan incorporates a site for a pre-school within its plans.

“We are supportive of the village plan and optimistic that if the current plan proceeds, this will facilitate our aims to be situated in close proximity to the school,” said Saara.

“It is commonly understood that pre-schools tend to thrive when they are closely associated with, and are in proximity to, their feeder primary schools.

“We believe that a permanent location in close proximity to Sherston Primary School will be most advantageous.”

Looking forward, the team are liaising closely with the school and parish council, while developing a business plan.

Cllr John Matthews, chairman of Sherston Parish Council, said the council are supportive of the proposals and believe the new structure will provide the pre-school with longevity.

“People have said how sad it was that Busy Hands went, but it was failing financially because it was in the village hall which is hugely popular,” he said.

“It will now be a small private business on its own.

“I think there is support from within the village and therefore the parish council.

“There is support from the school but we’re at very early days. They’ve got green lights thus far.

“We think it’s very obvious that it’s the first step in the education ladder.”

Parents are being urged to take part in the survey, hard copies of which can be found in post office and online at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NLPBFWJ

Feedback, ideas, suggestions and questions can also be emailed to sherstonpreschool@gmail.com