A preschool has been revived after parents and residents joined together to create a new committee, following its closure last autumn. 

Little Saplings Preschool in Lawshall, near Bury St Edmunds, closed its doors in October 2023, but reopened on Monday, April 15 following an outpour of support and determination from the community.

Following the closure a group of parents and nearby residents came together to create a new committee, bringing fresh ideas and a new team of staff to rebuild the facility. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Little Saplings Preschool in Lawshall, near Bury St Edmunds, has now reopenedLittle Saplings Preschool in Lawshall, near Bury St Edmunds, has now reopened (Image: Little Saplings)

The preschool located on the All Saints Primary School site, offers childcare for two to four-year-olds during term time, including wrap-around care from 8am to 5pm.

Carly Strause, chair of the committee, said “We’re delighted to get this preschool up and running again.

East Anglian Daily Times: The school reopened after parents and residents joined togetherThe school reopened after parents and residents joined together (Image: Little Saplings)

"We have a fantastic management team, who have different specialisms and they bring a wealth of knowledge with them.

"It’s been a real team effort for the past 6 months, with parents and locals with early years expertise rallying around to make sure we were open for the summer term."

Sophie Plested, deputy manager at Little Saplings, said: "It’s been a joy to watch the children come in this morning and bring the preschool to life.

"The children are at the heart of everything we do and we’re looking forward to making them feel at home."

East Anglian Daily Times: Little Saplings Preschool is now a registered charityLittle Saplings Preschool is now a registered charity (Image: Little Saplings)

Little Saplings Preschool is now a registered charity and is managed by an elected board of trustees which meets regularly.

Parents are encouraged to become trustees to assist with fundraising activities.

Little Saplings still has a few spaces left for children to attend. 

Those who would like to book a tour and meet the care team are advised to email them at littlesaplingslawshall@hotmail.com.