A SOUTHEND pre-school is celebrating after bagging a £9,900 grant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ring O’ Roses Pre-School, on East Street, has received funding thanks to the National Lottery and government.

The boost could not have come at a better time, with the pre-school struggling to stay afloat since Covid-19’s initial outbreak in March.

Kelly-Anne Ing, the pre-school manager, feels the grant has given Ring O’ Roses a lifeline.

She said: “We were over the moon to receive the funding and in complete shock we got the support.

“I completed forms on the National Lottery website, where I explained my reasons as to why we needed the support and who would benefit if support was given.

“We have been given enough funds to support us with wages and rent, which should cover us until the end of the year.

“The extra funding has given us hope and ensured we can continue to support our local area with childcare.

“Numbers are very low, which means our funding amount had dropped and did not cover our outgoings.

“But the money coming in is helping to cover our overheads.”

The coronavirus outbreak forced Ring O’ Roses to shut its doors for an extended period.

Kelly-Anne admits it was a difficult period for the pre-school and its pupils.

She added: “It was very hard for us to close our doors in March and it meant we also had to say goodbye to our school leavers extra early.

“It also had an impact on a number of children returning in September.

“We completely understand how scared everyone is around sending their children to different settings during these difficult times, but my team and I have worked extremely hard to ensure we are Covid safe.”

Extra precautions have been put in place to ensure the children remained safe upon their return to Ring O’ Roses.

READ MORE

Kelly-Anne admitted: “Before we opened our doors again, we carried out an in-depth risk assessment, a Covid-19 policy was put in place and all staff completed extra training.

“We also carried out a full deep clean, toys and equipment were checked and pieces were are unable to use at the moment was moved to storage.

“I ensure our pupils’ families are updated with any changes we put in place and ask how they feel about the alterations as we are all in this together and need to make sure we all feel safe and supported.

“We no longer allow parents or carers into the pre-school and now have a new drop-off and collect routine which is working very well.

“The parents have been brilliant and very supportive, which we are grateful for.”

Ring O’ Roses currently has places available for children aged between two and four.

For more information on how to enrol your child at the pre-school, call 01702 617106 or email ringorosespreschool@gmail.com.