A Monmouth playgroup has been given a lifeline after Monmouthshire County Council's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) agreed to extend its funding through the summer term.Monmouth Community Under 5s (MCU5) was at threat of losing its early years provider status, meaning it would not get the funding to provide children older than three with a free place, as it was falling slightly short of the criteria set out by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).After having to set up a temporary new home in Bridges Community Centre last November, the group no longer had free access to an outdoor play site and was given a six month probationary period to improve its provision in this area, in order to keep the status and for funding to continue.The six-month period was due to end in April, and even though MCU5 currently take the children on outdoor walks and visits to the park, the free outdoor access was no closer to being implemented, and funding was at threat.In a meeting held in Bridges Community Centre last Friday (25th March) parents of children who attend the group were able to raise their concerns with representatives from the EYDCP.

For full story see Beacon 30/03/11.