An 'outstanding' not-for-profit preschool in Diggle which is 'adored' by parents has found a new home in Shaw after it was forced to close its doors.
Dandelions Pre-School looked after youngsters between the ages of two and five for almost 15 years within Diggle Primary School, during which it was continually graded 'outstanding' by the education watchdog Ofsted.
However, the preschool was told to close in July this year in a move the preschool boss, Jenna Evans, described as "sudden" and "forced".
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At the time, Ms Evans said the team were "heartbroken" and "saddened" by the decision that was "completely out of our control".
The decision came as governors of Diggle School said it planned on opening its own Diggle School Nursery, staffed by its existing early years school staff which meant the Dandelions team had to leave the premises.
Dozens of parents took to social media to voice their upset by the closure, as parents described the team as "like an extension of the family" and "a tough act to follow."
On July 18, the preschool held a "day of celebration" to commemorate the end of the chapter since it opened in 2009.
The team raised an "outstanding glass" while children enjoyed a bouncy castle.
Ms Evans said: "We made many happy memories and friendships all around."
Now, Ms Evans said she is "excited" to announce the team has found a suitable new home in Shaw's East Crompton St George's C.E. Primary School, on George Street, after a "three-month-long upsetting battle".
She added: "I tried so hard to keep Dandelions' outstanding setting in Saddleworth, but I just couldn't find anything affordable or suitable for children.
"The families in Saddleworth were absolutely devastated but are so happy Dandelions will continue in Shaw.
"I have worked so hard for 15 years to keep Dandelions going, even through the tough, challenging times of the pandemic.
"This has definitely been the hardest battle I have ever faced.
"I have done all I can for myself, staff and families and we can finally enjoy our new setting, welcoming Dandelions to the community of Shaw.
"Thank you to everyone who supported us from the beginning of a horrendous journey to our happy new beginning."
Dandelions Community Preschool will officially open its doors on Tuesday, September 5, and boasts a spacious classroom with a "huge adventurous forest area" and ample outdoor space with another large playground for youngsters to play.
Spaces are currently available for two to five-year-olds from September 5 with flexible shift working hours from 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, or morning sessions (9am until 12pm) and afternoon sessions (12pm until 3pm).
Dandelions also offer free entitlement funding hours to children between two and four.
A poster for the preschool adds: "We offer a safe, supportive, vibrant and stimulating environment in which your child can play, explore, talk, learn and have fun together.
"With a choice of session times throughout the week during term-term.
"We offer small group sizes with qualified, experienced and dedicated staff."
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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