PARENTS are being urged to safeguard the future of Puddleducks Playgroup in Chalford after a new Government funding scheme left the nursery almost £650 out of pocket.

Staff and volunteers at the playgroup, which cares for around 25 toddlers every morning at Chalford Sports and Social Club, are having to make up the shortfall through fundraising events, including a ladies pamper evening next month.

The funding gap is caused by the newly administered Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF), which seeks to benefit nurseries with a high percentage of children from deprived areas.

Those playgroups with fewer underprivileged youngsters, as is the case with Puddleducks, are therefore eligible for less funding than before under the new system.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said the amount of funding is reviewed on an annual basis, depending on the number of children, where they come from and the amount of hours they attend.

Despite receiving some deprivation funding and compensation from the Government to help with the transition, the playgroup will still get £635 less this year, which can only be recovered through self-fundraising.

Sarah Fielder, playgroup treasurer, said: "For us to continue here we need the backing of the whole community, not just parents.

"If this funding shortfall continues it could create some real problems for us in the long term."

Puddleducks has always relied on charity events to bring in extra cash, such as its annual bingo nights and Christmas shopping trips, which usually raise around £2,000.

The pamper evening, which is held at Chalford Sports and Social Club on Friday, June 18, will feature therapies and treatment taster sessions for £5 alongside a host of stalls including jewellery by Fiona Riddleston and a bra-fitting service courtesy of Dessous Chic of Cirencester. Tickets for the event, which runs from 7.30pm – 10pm, cost £2 or £3 on the door and can be bought by calling 01453 884147 or 01453 886650.