Future of Reading nursery hangs in the balance due to pandemic

• Video report by ITV Meridian's Penny Silvester

The future of a Reading pre-school centre that has looked after generations of children, is hanging in the balance.  

Blagrave Nursery in Tilehurst, which just celebrated its 75th anniversary, says it's going to be a challenge to keep going.

The nursery is run by the local authority, which means it hasn't been able to access additional funding through the Covid relief fund.

The pandemic has had a big impact in its budget and Headteacher, Emma Payne, says they will have to "get creative" in managing it.

• Headteacher, Emma Payne

Emma says it will take around two years to balance the books after the additional costs caused by the pandemic.

She said: "We're very positive and there are ways to do things. But it will be a challenge for the next couple of years really."

The community service is determined to preserve itself and keep up its long history.

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