THE Timperley pre-school faced with closure is holding a big fundraiser on March 7, to help keep it going through to the summer.

Last week, the Messenger reported that the facility, better known as 'Aunty Lynn's' will shut in July, unless a solution is found to spiralling costs and fixed income from the local authority.

The nursery, which was deemed 'outstanding' by Ofsted is planning to hold the fundraiser, which parents are organising to keep head teacher Lynn Grassby in situ until the end of the school year. Mrs Grassby is not allowed to charge any top up fees to try to deal with the extra costs.

The fundraiser will be held at the Heyes Lane premises from 2pm to 4pm and hopes to include food, drink, games, children's bake off, face painting, raffle, treasure dig and other activities.

One of the organisers Mandy Willett said: "We are busy thinking of lots of fun things to do that will make it a great afternoon for everyone, so we can raise as much money as possible to help keep the pre-school open until the end of the school year."

The response to a series of questions put to Trafford Council on the issues facing the pre-school, was received after our deadline last week, which said the school was a private business and the authority didn't have any jurisdiction over it, other than making sure it was compliant.

It said the funding which had been £49.50 per week until April 2011, had risen to £55.80, but there had been no increase since then.

In September 2014, the Department for Education made changes to its statutory framework and guidance for pre-schools.

The spokeswoman explained: "The early education and childcare guidance for local authorities clearly states that the entitlement to early education must be free at the point of delivery.

"This means that parents cannot be charged top-up fees, membership or registration fees in respect of their free entitlement."

According to the spokeswoman a sub group of Trafford Funding Forum, recommend how early education places should be funded. Base rates are determined by this group and are reviewed annually.

Early education providers can apply for sustainability funding to help them overcome short term difficulties and become more sustainable in the longer term. Applications are considered and approved by the authority's Early Years Reference Group.