A CHILDCARE group in Gobowen has announced it will close in the summer in the face of a number of external factors.

Gobowen All Rounders has been a thriving pre-school running in the village for 51 years, with more than 60 families benefiting from the group.

However, over the last 12 months, it has been evicted from one base after Gobowen Primary School started its own nursery and has faced a long-term fight for its future.

Dawn Blackburn, chairman of the All Rounders, said the decision to close was taken to close by parents last week in a meeting at its current All Saints Church base.

“Just over a year ago we were given notice to leave the building we ran from on the school grounds, at the end of the summer term,” she said.

“The reason being the school was going to open a nursery in the autumn term.

“Despite plenty of support from the village and visits to various sights in Gobowen with the intention of a permanent building to run from, nothing materialised.

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“The church was contacted – All Rounders started their journey there – and they offered their hall for us to run from.

“However because it was used in the week we were only able to open two full days and two half days at 18 hours a week.

“When the group reopened numbers were significantly down, therefore funding was reduced.

Border Counties Advertizer: Gobowen All-RoundersGobowen All-Rounders (Image: Gobowen All Rounders)

“Over the last 12 months, situations out of our control have made it impossible to financially sustain the group in the future.

“Also not being able to offer the government's planned 30 hours to eligible two and three-year-olds in the future is another barrier we cannot overcome.

“A meeting was called on Tuesday, June 6 to discuss and vote on the future of Gobowen All Rounders.

“All families who use the setting are automatically members of the group, therefore the final decision is voted for by those members.

“With the information given and discussions had at the meeting as to the barriers we face, a vote was taken.


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“With all this in mind, the majority vote was to close Gobowen All Rounders at the end of the summer term 2023.”

Dawn says the decision is not one they wanted to take but promised youngsters will have the best care possible until it closes.

She added: “No family, member of staff or committee member want the setting to close.

“However, looking at all the information given it was understood that unfortunately, there is no other option.

“For the rest of the summer term, things will be as normal.

“Staff will continue to support the children and families on a daily basis and hopefully it will be a happy, memorable end to the summer term.”