To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day on Thursday 27 March 2025 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 1 April 2025 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 18 March 2025 [10 working days before the meeting].
Minutes:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that 7 statements had been received in relation to Agenda Item 9 (Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2024-25).
Public Statements all relating to Agenda Item 9 (Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2024-25)
Public Statement from a concerned parent (read by Charlottee Moore)
Mudeford Wood Preschool has been instrumental in helping myself and my son, survive and integrate back into community life. We moved back to the UK last year with nothing, having been forced to leave an abusive marriage.
It wouldn't have been possible for me as a single mum to work, in order to support myself and my son. The preschool has gone above and beyond to emotionally support us and help us both feel safe, through one of the most life changing journeys we have ever had to face. I trust them with the most precious person in my life and they are part of the reason why he is now thriving!
The support cannot be measured or compared, and it frightens me to think about how we would have coped financially and emotionally without them. The thought of their closure is an extremely worrying time for parents like me.
Public Statement from Casey Burke
Two years ago, our world was turned upside down when we almost lost our beautiful daughter, to meningitis and sepsis. She made a full recovery, but the journey that followed was anything but easy. Her illness had a huge impact on her development, and it left us deeply shaken. For six months, we could hardly leave her side. When the time came to let her go to preschool, it was one of the hardest things we had to do.
But we found Mudeford Wood Preschool.
I don’t have the words to express how incredible they have been. Staff go above and beyond with extra support —helping Maggie catch up with speech, language, and social skills.
Now, Maggie walks into preschool with confidence, excitement, and huge smiles - she loves it. We will never be able to thank them enough for the life-changing impact they have had on our little girl.
Public Statement from Emma Hayes
Mudeford Wood Preschool is at the heart of our community, shaping children’s futures and supporting families. When looking at preschools, we chose it for our daughter Hayley, now 5, because of its dedicated staff, affordability, and strong reputation. She thrived, and her infant school praised how well-prepared its children are. Her sister Lily, 7 months, is on the waiting list for 2026, but the pre-school’s future is uncertain.
This pre-school is more than a place of learning—it brings families together. Its welcoming community, inclusive events, and unwavering support have helped countless families, including our own. If it closes or moves, working parents will face higher costs, limited options, and children will lose an exceptional early education.
With more young families moving to Mudeford, this pre-school is needed now more than ever. Losing it would be a loss to the entire community, both now and for future generations.
Public Statement from Oli Poxon
Mudeford Wood Preschool is a community staple, providing outstanding early education and care. As a parent, I can vouch for the quality of care and nurturing environment offered to both my daughters. The preschool has given them a fantastic start to their learning journey, fostering confidence and curiosity.
The setting next to a playground and woods enriches the children’s experience, and we have so many memories of our girls playing with newly made friends in this setting or at one of the group’s countless parties. Our eldest now in year one is still best friends with those met at pre-school.
The preschool is an essential for local families, allowing parents to return to work or to focus on caring for others. It has enabled my wife to resume work as an events fundraiser for a local hospice.
Losing the preschool would harm our community and countless families.
Public Statement from Alex Kyrillou read by Felicity Porter
Mudeford Wood Playgroup has been a lifeline for so many families in our community, providing a safe and nurturing space where children can learn, grow, and build friendships.
It’s a place where parents feel supported and connected, it strengthens our community. The decision by the Mudeford Wood Community Trust to remove it is not only heartbreaking but also goes against their very community ethos and motto "something for everyone".
It has left many feeling lost and anxious.
If the playgroup closes it means parents lose a trusted network, and it disrupts the stability and routine our children need. Closing the playgroup isn’t just losing a service — it’s losing a vital part of our community.
Public Statement from Richard McClaverty read by Emily Hernon
Mudeford wood Preschool goes above and beyond parents expectations, the level of care is more superior than just a preschool and provides both emotional support to the young families of the community but also an educational standard of care. The potential loss of the preschool is already causing distress for us and many other families having to consider alternative care, when there is already a more than adequate existing preschool which has been supporting the community for over 30 years.
MWCCT need a balanced committee representing all parts of the community and I for one would be more than happy to support the community for families. There needs to be a swift resolution for the community as this has dragged on for too long.
Public Statement from Adam Sofianos read by Democratic Services
For six months, an axe has hovered over Mudeford Wood Playgroup. That axe could be about to fall. The Community Trust, the landlords to the Playgroup, gave notice to remove it, without offering supporting evidence, and without any community engagement, leaving families in panic.
As the Chair of Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council, I’ve engaged closely with this crisis. I’ve been inundated with emails from distraught parents. I’ve met with Playgroup staff. Alongside Cllr Andy Martin, I’ve tried to engage with the Trust directly. Officers have worked tirelessly to support a solution. Yet still our local families face turmoil.
If the Trust continues on this path, only the Council leadership can avert it. You have the legal power, if needed, to save this Playgroup, to protect this community, and to discharge your statutory duties. I ask you to find the courage needed, and do the right thing.