Parents of children at Happy-Pre School speak out after closure

Happy Pre-school will shut on March 21 after being told it can no longer use St Andrew’s Church in Lower Road.

The school opened in 1995 and moved to temporary accommodation at Oasis Community Hub at the end of last year following a flood.

St Andrew’s Church claims it believed its tenant had found an alternative and permanent home, something Happy Pre-School strongly denies.

Joyce Alimo, who set up the pre-school, was in tears when she told parents the news.

"We were all heartbroken," one mum, Laura Miller, told News Shopper.

Her little boy has emotional needs and has received "incredible support" from Joyce and her long-serving staff.

Laura is currently enjoying a new job at the Royal British Legion in Petts Wood but fears she may need to quit when the pre-school closes.

"I will either have to put him in a nursery which will affect him on the run-up to big school or lose my job and go back to benefits.

"You’re trying to better yourself and I don’t want to go back on benefits," Laura, who broke down in tears, told News Shopper.

"I don’t want to be another number on the system, and I want my son to be proud of me."

Laura said most of the nurseries she has contacted have no spaces and the others are places she is reluctant to send her child to.

She added that Joyce had gone above and beyond for her son and fears his development will now be affected before starting school.

The pre-school caters for 60 children and 30 per cent of them have special needs, something Joyce said is keeping her awake at night.

READ MORE: Happy Pre-School to close after losing St Andrew's Church home

Shen Dervish has two children who used to attend the school.

His boy is autistic and he said the staff at Happy Pre-School treated him like one of their own children.

"They would go the extra mile and do things they didn’t have to do," Shen said.

He added: "They are structured, loving and this news is so sad. I could see a million reasons why they should stay open and I have no idea why they should close.

"A lot of parents need to work and don’t trust other nurseries or nannies to look after their kids.

"Happy-Pre-School are trustworthy and if someone said to me and my wife that we had to go away for three days, I would happily leave them with the staff there, that’s how good they are."

Another mum Louise Hudson told News Shopper she "cannot believe" the school is closing.

She described it as a "massive loss" and said she feels most sorry for the kids with special needs who will be affected by the change.

Louise, who has two children at the pre-school, added: "Joyce is so respected here and the people are rooting for her.

"She is the one shaping the minds of young people growing up in our community.

"It is just really, really sad for all the children and the staff."

Manager Joyce told News Shopper "time has run out" after a "dozen" possible new locations fell through.

She said the problems with other potential facilities were no outdoor space, being too small or not being able to offer five days a week.

Joyce said she was "working tirelessly" but is fearing the worst.