Pre-school is in need of help (From Oxford Mail)

Pre-school is in need of help

6:58pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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Parents are battling to keep open an Abingdon pre-school which may close unless committe members are found soon.

Riverside Pre-School, in Cotman Close, has been running for 41 years and helps youngsters with speech and language problems.

However, the pre-school is run by a committee of volunteers and a chairman, secretary and treasurer are needed by the start of the autumn term.

It is a registered charity and by law must have the key positions filled to be allowed to operate.

Supervisor Doreen Brauer said: “If this school closes it will be a major loss to the community.

“When I started in February the school was not in the best of state and did not have a very good reputation. In just six months, it has been turned around.”

The school has 35 children attending classes either on a full- or part-time basis.

Mrs Brauer, who used to teach in Germany, said her team of six had been working since February, despite a lack of funds, to improve the school.

The 34-year-old mother-of-one said: “The school was not organised before and we have built on that. The staff are more motivated, happy and interested in their work.”

Mrs Brauer said the treasurer had stepped down last month and the chairman and secretary announced they would be leaving in September.

She is now appealing for people to come forward to fill the posts.

The treasurer’s responsibilities would include completing the school’s annual accounts, sorting out banking, keeping fundraising records and applying for grants.

Mrs Brauer said: “We have appealed through letters to parents, local agencies and displayed posters at the pre-school.”

Rochelle Hall, whose son Matthew, three, attends the pre-school, is on the committee.

Mrs Hall, of Bridges Close, said: “I would urge other parents to join.

“The school is really friendly, the environment and learning is brilliant.

“Matthew used to be really shy, but since he has been going to Riverside he has really come out of himself.

“He has made lots of friends and it would be a real shame if it closed.”

Mrs Brauer said the pre-school received no money from the county council.

She said: “I have no regular budget and have to do what I can to try to raise money.”

The school will hold its annual summer fair, along with nearby Thameside Primary School, tomorrow, from 11am-4pm.

Attractions include a bouncy castle, lucky dip and a barbecue.

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.ukIf you can help, call 01235 531670 or email admin@ riverside preschool.org.uk

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