Northampton nursery boss left 'utterly devastated' after summer fete cash and iPads stolen

Emma said the offenders forced their way into the preschool by smashing one of the windows.

The manager of The Pavilion Preschool, on Billing Road East, has told this newspaper that about £1,000 worth of items and donations were stolen during a burglary that took place between May 12 and May 13.

The break in was discovered by nursery manager Emma Higgs who arrived on site the same morning to feed the children's four chickens and hang their 'support the NHS and keyworker sign'.

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police confirmed two Apple iPads were taken and no arrests have been made yet.

This picture shows the aftermath of the destruction.

Emma said: "I entered the building and it wasn’t until I entered our staff room that I discovered a smashed window, which was left wide open.

"To begin with I hadn’t realised anything was gone, it took me a few minutes to register what had happened. I was shocked and utterly devastated.

"The items stolen add up to around £1,000. All of our fundraising donations which had been collected over a number of months ready for our summer fete were taken, this is a fundraiser used to purchase additional equipment and enhance the provision for children throughout the year.

"Additionally, children’s iPads were stolen. With ICT becoming such a necessity in early years having such equipment taken will have a negative impact on our children."

Two parents, Carly and Fran immediately set up a crowdfunding page to help buy replacement resources, which has so far seen 52 people kindly give £1,355.

Emma added: "It is such a shame with the circumstances and the negative impact Covid-19 has had on society but most of all of our young children.

"We want our return to the preschool to be as comfortable, familiar and secure as possible and to have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing when they join us again.

"It is thanks to these parents and all who have donated that we can maintain the outstanding provision we pride ourselves on.

"We have really missed our children and are looking forward to them returning for the short time before the summer holidays."

To donate to The Pavilion Preschool click on the Just Giving link here.