THE mother of a child with a rare condition is helping spearhead a campaign to save an 'outstanding' pre-school from closure.

Timperley's 30 pupil capacity Heyes Lane Pre-School, Heyes Lane, which was first established in 1972, is affectionately known as 'Aunty Lynn's', after its owner Lynn Grassby.

The school now faces a battle against the odds because of mounting costs associated with new legislation and diminishing monies paid by the local authority to fund 15 hours per week for three to five year olds.

The facility, which supports children with learning disabilities, was described as 'outstanding in its last inspection by Mary Kilroy, who added: "Children enjoy vibrant age-appropriate activities in a warm, safe and extremely happy environment where their welfare is exceptionally well promoted."

Clair-Louise Fenton, whose daughter Gracie, 3, has an impulse disorder called Trichotillomania, which results in her daughter pulling out her hair, has no doubts that the school needs to be saved.

"Since my daughter went there the staff have been absolutely amazing, and have taken a genuine interest in her condition and in her progress and never made her feel naughty; quite the contrary, they tell her how beautiful she is.

"One person even knitted three pair of anti-scratch mittens for her.

"Aunty Lynn's is such a special place that it would be a complete travesty if it closes."

The school, which has pioneered high standards of early learning, has become a victim of financial constraints, which has resulted in it having to operate its sessional 15 hours per week for children for the past eight years on £55 per pupil.

Mrs Fenton added: "Mrs Grassby has managed to run the pre-school on this amount of money for the past eight years, but last September new legislation put additional cost pressures on the already overworked staff . And because of legislation Mrs Grassby is unable to introduce any form of top up fees to supplement those increasing costs.

"Parents are currently looking at ways to save the school but if there is anyone out there with the necessary expertise to help us find a way forward we would appreciate it."

In a letter to parents and staff ,Mrs Grassby said: "The worry over the past six months has taken it toll on me mentally, physically and financially and I conclude that the pre-school is not viable in its present form

"As costs have been rising, I have been chipping away at our 'rainy day' funds but its got to the point where I have been subsidising the school. Unless something changes soon, I will be forced to close by the summer."

In response to questions from the Messenger about government funding for pre-schools, the Altrincham MP Graham Brady replied: "This pre-school is much loved and valued by parents.

"I have already contacted Trafford Council to see whether anything more can be done to support the school and protect its future."

As we went to press, The Messenger, was awaiting a response from Trafford Council