Bear Flat Preschool

I recently went to visit Bear Flat Preschool and found it was just like the one I attended as a child. It meet all the basic needs of getting a 3 year old ready for school. I was very surprised to hear it might be closing shortly due to lack of funding and attendance. I know Bear has a mass of mummies so cannot understand why the local preschool is in danger of closing. Any thoughts or experiences Bathmums?

My son went to Bear Flat preschool and a friend of ours still has a child there. You are exactly right about it being slightly old-fashioned - in a really good way. My son was really shy when he joined and after a year in their hands-on care, he was like a different child. It's intimate, caring and nurturing. I don't really understand why it's closing. I was shocked when I heard. If it closes it will be a real lose to the local community.

Please let me reassure you that Bear Flat Pre-school is very much alive and kicking. There is always the risk of any pre-school closing when numbers drop - expenditure can't outweigh income. There are staff costs and rent to be considered. Currently there are enough children to keep the school running, but, more are needed. There will be more attending with the January intake, but again, it could do better. I agree with CathW in that it is a caring and nurturing environment which brings children out of their shells. The current small numbers mean that there is certainly a low child-to-teacher ratio which is good by any standards. The Pre-School has been there longer than many of the Bear Flat businesses so it would be great if it could continue way into the future. That decision lies with the parents of Bear Flat and further afield when it comes to where your child is placed. An Ofsted report means little. It's a snap-shot of one day, once a year - or now longer with the austerity latest cuts. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Our eldest son went there purely because of the 'feel' after a long and arduous trawl of other pre-schools - including the hip and trendy ones (no names to spare the innocent.) There are no uniforms, no teenage staff, no high fees!!!! but most of all it has a warm and comforting appeal. It's great fun and a place that will evoke memories for the little ones for years to come and provide a bit of nostalgia for us older ones. I suggest that if any Mums and Dads are reading this that you have a look at their website (www.bearflatpreschool.co.uk) and then make an informal visit. Four decades of pre-school provision for the local community speaks volumes. If you are interested in supporting the pre-school - even if you don't have any pre-school children - might I suggest that you come along to the Bear Flat Pre-School AGM which is being held at 8pm on Monday 8th October, 2012, and get involved. Everyone is welcome. Enthusiasm is key! Let's put something back into the community and what better way to start than with the little folk?

I totally agree with Cassax above! My eldest daughter went to bear flat preschool for two years and my youngest is currently in her second year there and she loves it. It is somewhat old fashioned and simple in its approach but that is exactly what I like about it. The staff are great and very experienced and I feel both my children have been very much cared for and nurtured there. The numbers are low at the moment but there are some others already down to start in January and with just a couple more children the preschool will be thriving again. Please do think about sending your little one there!!

I believe the staff are the ones talking about it's closure...