Chearsley and Haddenham Under Fives Preschool (or CHUF as we are affectionately known) are on the lookout for a new home. Due to Haddenham St Mary's school needing to reclaim our space, we need to find a location in which we can continue to provide our services to the wonderful children of this village.
CHUF has been in Haddenham for 20 years (55 in Chearsley!) and we very much want continue to operate in the local area. With competition for preschool places commonplace, and an increasing village population, we are needed more than ever.
Our needs are simple, but the challenge is complex. We need a room which can accommodate at least 32 children, has toilet and kitchen facilities, access to outdoor space and to storage. The biggest challenge for us is cost. We provide 30 hours funded childcare, paid for by the government to us at a standard rate which is below that of our private fees. We don't want to put the onus on private fee payers to make up the shortfall, so where possible want to continue to remain competitively priced.
This means that we cannot afford the commercial rents charged by a lot of local landlords. Many preschools operate in a similar fashion, hence they tend to occupy community run buildings such as village halls and pavilions.
Another option for us would be to acquire a parcel of land and build our own venue. Again, this comes at a price, but we would be determined, to fundraise, beg and borrow where we can!
So, what are we asking of the local community?
Support mainly. Join us in lobbying the powers that be to help us find a solution. Alternatively, if you can offer us or know of a suitable venue to rent, or ideas on how to fund and build a new one, we would be eternally grateful. Maybe you are an architect or experienced in grant applications? Perhaps you are a dab hand with a paintbrush or can knock up some storage? We welcome the input of the whole community in this new venture.
Look at our website to see what parents are saying about us, and you will see why we are such an important and much needed Early Years Provider: https://www.chuf.co.uk/
