Willow Tree Kindergarten Needs Your Support
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The Big Picture
Over the past two years, Willow Tree Kindergarten has faced significant financial challenges. These have left our reserves depleted, making it difficult to manage the fluctuations in income and expenses that come with running a small, independent educational charity.
But with your help, we can overcome these challenges and ensure that Willow Tree continues to provide life-changing early childhood education for years to come.
Who We Are
Willow Tree Kindergarten is a registered charity offering care and a Waldorf education for children aged 2.5 to 4, based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner.
As such we believe in a joyful, creative and unhurried childhood immersed in nature and the seasons. Our approach emphasises respectful, developmentally appropriate education that cultivates creativity, imagination, and social-emotional growth. Through play-based learning, teacher modelling, and storytelling, we create a calm and nurturing environment where young children can thrive.
What Happened?
2022: Unrecoverable Debt
Several families experienced financial hardship, leaving significant unpaid fees. Though we wrote off this debt to support those families in need, it reduced our reserves more than anticipated.
2023: Staffing Challenges and Site Closure
Difficulties in securing the right staff led to a drop in enrollment, forcing the closure of one of our two kindergarten sites. The associated costs significantly impacted our financial stability.
2024: Site Relocation and Loss of Families
This year, we were given notice that the lease on our remaining site would not be renewed. Despite our best efforts, we could not secure a suitable site in Fishponds and had to relocate to St Werburghs. The move brought additional costs, and six families withdrew on short notice, leaving us with a deficit as we began the new school year.
Reasons for Hope
While these challenges have been difficult, there are many reasons to feel optimistic about Willow Tree’s future:
A Strong Team: Our dedicated, experienced and passionate staff continue to deliver exceptional care and education every day.
Supportive Families: We have a committed core of families who deeply value the nourishing environment we provide.
Growing Interest: This term, we’ve seen unprecedented interest in our kindergarten. We have a growing waiting list of children who will reach eligible age within the next year.
Thriving Parent and Child Group: Engagement in our Parent and Child group has more than doubled this term, creating a strong pipeline for future enrolments.
Resilient Community: we have been part of our local community since 2010. In the face of these challenges our immediate community has rallied together, demonstrating the strength and belief in the values of Waldorf education.
We are confident that once we navigate this temporary financial hurdle, Willow Tree Kindergarten will continue to flourish and serve children and families for many years to come.
How Will the Funds Be Used?
We are seeking to raise a minimum of £5,000 to stabilize our cash flow during this challenging period. These funds will be used to:
- Pay our dedicated staff, who are the heart of our kindergarten.
- Cover rent and operational costs during periods of financial fluctuation.
We anticipate finishing the year in a positive financial position, thanks to increased enrolments and community interest. Your support now will ensure that Willow Tree Kindergarten remains a pillar of early childhood education, providing access to Waldorf education for generations to come.
Why Your Help Matters
By supporting Willow Tree Kindergarten, you are not just helping us overcome a financial hurdle—you’re investing in the future of children, families, and a unique educational philosophy that emphasises creativity, compassion, and holistic development.
Together, we can ensure that Willow Tree continues to thrive and grow.
Donate now and help secure the future of Willow Tree Kindergarten.
Links to our website and instagram:
This fundraising page has been set up on behalf of Willow Tree Kindergarten by Craig Holder, a Willow Tree trustee
Organizer and beneficiary
Craig Holder
Organizer
Willow Tree Kindergarten
Beneficiary