A thriving pre-school at risk of closure because its building is rotting away has received a glowing report from Ofsted inspectors.

Great report - celebrating their super Ofsted report are teachers Ann Read, Gilly Baker, Caroline Oakley, Melanie Skinbgley, Trisha Staines, Debbie Whatley and some of their happy pupils. Picture: STEVE ARGENT 41116-1

Now the volunteer committee which runs Heybridge Pre-school is hoping the high praise will help persuade the Big Lottery Fund to provide a grant of £60,000 desperately needed for a replacement building.

Fundraising to replace the decaying demountable building in the grounds of Heybridge Primary School in Rowan Drive began last year when the pre-school, which has 74 pupils, celebrated its silver jubilee.

But despite desperate pleas from the fundraisers, no generous sponsor has come forward to help and the kitty contains just £5,000.

Manager Christine Ruddick said: "We need at least £65,000 for a bigger building and for groundwork. If we don't get it this year we are going to have to spend that money on repairs."

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Published Friday, February 18, 2005

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