Tipton Owlets

SIR - With reference to your article on the closure of Tipton Owlets Playgroup.

What this item did not mention is that, from the number of children currently attending the associated toddler group, it is more than likely that, from Easter 2012, the playgroup would again have viable numbers.

If a few three year olds were to join and with some concentrated fund-raising it might be possible for Owlets to continue during the autumn and winter terms.

The main reason that the Owlets numbers are decreasing in the autumn is that the primary school will now only have one intake a year and, therefore, all four year olds start school in September, leaving the group with much reduced numbers.

The playgroup has been running for over 30 years and I have been associated with them for the last 20, as a parent, committee member, play leader and, currently, as a childminder whose minded children attend the group.

During that time, there have been fluctuations in numbers, but the group has managed to keep going and I would like to see it continue.

The staff are enthusiastic and dedicated to making the children happy, confident and well prepared to move to “Big School.”

It will be a sad loss to the village.

Maggie Rule

14, Tipton Vale, Metcombe, Ottery St Mary