Devastated parents have said farewell to a pre-school which has served an Oxford estate for more than 20 years.

Blackbird Leys Pre-School, situated behind Blackbird Leys Community Centre, has prepared thousands of children for primary school since 1986.

But it was forced to close after local primary schools decided to allow youngsters to leapfrog pre-school by letting them into mainstream education when they turn three.

The change in admissions policy means the pre-school will lose up to £60,000 in funding per year, meaning four members of staff must find new jobs as a result of the closure.

Today, parents and children enjoyed a colourful farewell party in the school playground with games, a bouncy castle and plenty of refreshments.

But they could not hide their sadness at the closure.

Mother Vikki Debanks, 32, from Greater Leys, said: "I'm absolutely gutted - I have five children and four of them have come through the school. My youngest, Maxwell, is going to miss out. It's a big loss for the estate."

Mother-of-five Sonia Denmark, from Blackbird Leys, praised the achievements of the pre-school and thanked staff for looking after her children over the years.

She said: "It's been so good for the community. I don't understand why it has to close - I'm really devastated.

"Putting children into nursery and primary school too early I don't think does them any good. Pre-school gets them prepared."

Jessica Rowe, 29, also from Blackbird Leys, said she did not want to move her daughter Molly, aged three.

She said: "It's a sad day. I would rather she could stay here for another year before she moved up."

Pre-school manager Sarah Pearson said most of the 40 children on the pre-school's roll would go directly into nursery education.

She said: "The Government is pushing schools to take children at an earlier age, so the money goes to schools instead of charities and other organisations.

"Primary schools used to take children at four, but it's gradually been getting younger and younger.

"It's a sad situation, but we just can't survive."

She said during her 12 years as manager, the local community had invested about £5,000 in the pre-school's infrastructure.

Much of the pre-school's larger play equipment has already been sold to neighbouring primary schools.

Next week, smaller toys, paper, pens and other items will be sold to help plug a £1,500 shortfall in wages. The sale is at the pre-school from Monday to Wednesday, from 9am to 3pm.