A PRE-SCHOOL which has served the Yate community for nearly 50 years is under threat of closure.

Phase Five Pre-School was established in 1978 and has offered childcare in the community ever since.

Located at two sites, at Kelston Close and St Nicholas Church, the pre-school offers education for two to five year olds.

Childcare is offered for two to three year olds at St Nicholas Church and three to five year olds at Kelston Close.

Due to a rise in demand for childcare the pre-school, which has been at its site at Kelston Close since 1978, decided to rent a second building at St Nicholas Church several years ago.

However, the site at Kelston Close requires frequent maintenance visits and will not be useable in the near future.

Manager Kate Smoothy told the Gazette the school wants to replace the Kelston Close building and pool the two centres together - but that if they can't get the funds required in the near future, they would have to close.

In August last year they were granted planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council for this new school building.

Fundraising efforts include a GoFundMe campaign, this weekend's summer fair and a planned 24 hour relay during the summer holidays.

A spokesperson for the Phase 5 school committee said: "With the money raised, we hope to build a new larger building at the Kelston Close site where we can continue to offer quality childcare for children aged two to five from one setting.

"In turn, continuing to keep costs low for parents where possible and ensure that children can learn, form friendships and gain preparation for school."

Jason Scantlebury, parent, committee member and treasurer said: "We have been involved with Phase 5 preschool since our first child started attending in April 2021 closely followed by our second child in March 2022.

"The staff at Phase 5 have, and continue to do a fantastic job with all children in their care.

"My children have a very close bond with all the staff.

"Should the preschool have to close due to the current facilities this would have a devastating effect not only to current parents but any future families looking for childcare facilities in the area.

"We have seen a huge increase in demand for preschool places since the closure of Raysfield Preschool in 2022 and with no new facilities opening and growing population it is increasingly difficult for parents of preschool aged children to find a provider with availability.

"This is why it is so important to get the word out about our fundraising and do everything we can to help Phase 5 continue to thrive and inspire young minds!

"We continue to see huge development in our children all the time and that is down to the expertise of the staff and the exceptional care they provide.

"Not to mention the friendships they have built by attending preschool that many will continue long into adulthood.

"It would be a disservice to all children if we lost this valuable charity based organisation at the heart of the community."

To donate visit - tinyurl.com/2p93pd2z