Petition launched to save much-loved community pre-school

An online petition which seeks to prevent the closure of the Kiddies Corner Pre-school in Malin has garnered just over 1,300 signatures.

The Kiddies Corner Malin Community Playgroup, which has operated for 38 years, says it will close as it is being ‘evicted’ from the former St Teresa’s National School premises.

The playgroup is a registered charity and is licensed to serve up to 33 children aged from two to six years old. It is one of 233 creches registered with Tusla to provide pre-school services across County Donegal.

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In a statement accompanying the petition, the Kiddies Corner Parents Committee described the preschool as ‘more than a childcare setting’ and calling it a vital part of the local community.

For many families, they said, the preschool provides accessible early years education close to home, supports children’s development, fosters a sense of community and belonging and helps parents balance work and family life. The service also assists children with the transition to their local primary school.

The parents committee warns that closure would disrupt children at a crucial stage in their development and place significant logistical, financial and emotional strain on households. Parents say many families would be forced to travel outside Malin in search of alternative childcare - if places could be secured at all - or reduce their working hours.

“The playschool currently has no alternative location and no financial resources to relocate,” the committee stated, adding that the education and social development of local children is now under threat.

Describing Kiddies Corner as ‘the heart of our village,’ parents said losing the preschool would mean losing “a place of connection, support and belonging.” They are calling on the parish and relevant decision-makers to work with the community to reverse the decision and secure the future of the preschool in Malin.

The petition urges supporters to sign and share the campaign, with organisers saying every signature will help the effort to safeguard what they describe as a treasured community institution.