Nursery staff overwhelmed by public response to break-in

An online fundraiser has already received over £300 in donations from the local community after a break-in at our St Margaret’s Road childcare setting in Lowestoft.

After thieves broke into the garden at the St Margaret’s Road setting over the weekend of Saturday 24 April – stealing toys and causing considerable damage to equipment – staff have been overwhelmed by the response from the local community.

Vandals stole a sofa from the children’s ‘Story Den’, building blocks, bikes and a range of other toys. Damage was caused to planters in the garden, as well as to the garden’s prize possession – a climbing frame which was voted for by the children when asked what they would like to see in their garden.

Bethany Nichols, Childcare Manager, said: “We were devastated to discover the incident had occurred – not only did we have sad staff members, but also very sad children who weren’t able to play with their toys. Some of the children who attend our setting don’t have access to a garden at home, and we know that outdoor space is incredibly important for all our mental health – plus, the children absolutely love spending time out there!”

Following the break in, staff have been inundated with generous offers of help from the community as well as various donations, including a handmade mud kitchen, plants, as well as some handmade pallet furniture.

An online fundraiser set up by a parent, Jessica Hockings whose son Ryder attends the nursery has already received over £300 in donations. All money raised will go towards replacing the toys and equipment, as well as improving security measures in the garden.

Bethany continued: “We’ve been amazed by the support from the community and are incredibly grateful for all the donations we’ve received. We’d really like to thank everyone – it’s wonderful to see the local community pulling together and we can’t wait to get the garden ready for summer now. Although, special thanks must go to Gary Bennett of Lauren Lou fundraising, Danny Woolston on behalf local charity ‘Brainwave Independence Group’ Lisa Oakley, Jade Burnham, Emma Louisa, Tilly Hunt, Jessica Hockings and her son Ryder, all of who have gone above and beyond with their support for us during this time.”

To donate, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Thkaea