David Ruffley is supporting Stowupland Pre-School in their efforts to raise funding for their new purpose built school premises.

At present the Pre-School operates from rooms within Stowupland Primary School but they were given notice to leave and had to find an alternative site. They have been offered an area of the Primary School's playing field on a fifteen year lease from Suffolk County Council but the Pre-School has to raise £100,000 to erect a new building.

The committee who run Stowupland Pre-School have been working hard to raise funds. So far they have raised approximately £18,500. They are now submitting bids for funding to organisations including the Countryside Agency and Mid Suffolk District Council.

A copy of David Ruffley's letter of support is below.

David said: 'Pre-school education offers children an excellent start to their school career. New self contained, purpose built premises will enable Stowupland Pre-School to expand and be more flexible with the services it provides. In addition, it could be made available for use as an after-school club, bringing additional benefits to local parents and children. Stowupland is a growing village and demand for places at the Pre-School is increasing. I am only too pleased to support this excellent project and wish the Pre-School every success.

Stowupland Pre-School would be delighted to hear from anyone who is able to assist with this excellent project. The person to contact is Sara Houlden on 01449 675261.'

Letter of Support

I would like to register my support for the funding application by Stowupland Pre-School in my constituency.

The relocation of Stowupland Pre-School from their present premises within Stowupland Primary School to a new building on the school playing field offers a unique opportunity for the Pre-School to expand and operate from purpose built premises.

The population of Stowupland is increasing as a result of new housing in the area and the Pre-School is experiencing an increasing demand for its places. The Pre-School is well established in the village, having been running for twenty years. The school offers affordable child care but covers its costs by the fees charged to parents. They are, therefore, only seeking to raise capital for the new building. There is no shortage of demand for places so the school's future is secure.

I believe it is essential that Stowupland has a thriving pre-school in the village which will enable it to offer sessions to a greater number of children from two and a half years until the time they move on to primary school. The proposed building could also be offered for use to other organisations. For example, it would be suitable for use as an after school club, a facility not available at present. It will therefore become a well used community resource- vital for villages in rural areas such as Stowupland.

I commend this project to you and hope you will be able to offer financial support.