Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Earth, Wind & Fire

September

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley's longest running pre-school closes for good

Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 09:48

Ilkley Pre-School, which has been serving the local community since 1968, has announced this week that it has closed its doors for good.

The pre-school moved to new premises at Ilkley Cricket Club late 2025 after leaving its home for over five decades, the Friends Meeting House on Queens Road in Ilkley.

In March, staff launch a fundraising appeal, and announced that without £30,000 in emergency funding to cover essential costs including staff wages, rent and utilities, the pre-school would be forced to close.

Manager Tracey Fearnley said at the time:

“We are heartbroken to even be in this position. Ilkley Pre-School has been part of this community for generations. We’ve supported thousands of children to become confident, independent and ready for school. Now we need the community’s support to help us continue.”

This week the pre-school confirmed the sad news in a Facebook statement:

"Good morning, not a post that we wanted to be sharing but unfortunately after more than 60 years Ilkley Pre-School has closed its doors.

"We would like to thank the hundreds of families that have trusted us to care for their children over the years, it has been an honour and a privilege.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words, we are devastated that it has come to this."

More from Local news

Entries to open for 2027 Ilkley Half Marathon and 5K next month

Entries for the 2027 Ilkley Half Marathon and 5K will open this weekend, with thousands of runners expected to take part in the popular annual event.
Ilkley Cycle Races appeals for volunteers to help organise popular event

Organisers of the Ilkley Cycle Races are appealing for local volunteers to help plan and deliver one of the town's biggest annual sporting events.
Ilkley beauty salon raises £225 for breast cancer charity

An Ilkley beauty salon has raised £225 for Breast Cancer Now after hosting a special fundraising event.
Glow Together walk to raise funds for Martin House

Families are being invited to join a glow-in-the-dark walk in Boston Spa to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice.
New record shop celebrates successful opening weekend

A new independent record shop has opened in Ilkley, with its owners celebrating a successful first weekend despite the stormy weather.
Ilkley Remembrance Sunday parade and service details announced

Ilkley Town Council has confirmed details of this year's Remembrance Sunday parade and service, taking place on Sunday 8th November.
Police shut down 180 county lines drug operations across West Yorkshire

A specialist police taskforce tackling drug dealing across West Yorkshire has shut down 180 county lines operations and made 250 arrests in its first year.
Ilkley Beer Festival to return in February with £20 early bird tickets

Ilkley Beer Festival will return to the King's Hall and Winter Garden in February 2027, with tickets going on sale next month.
Golf legend Colin Montgomerie honours long-serving Ilkley Golf Club staff

Two members of staff at Ilkley Golf Club have been recognised for more than 40 years of service each, with golfing legend Colin Montgomerie presenting them with commemorative plaques.
Ilkley group sponsors new football kit for Skipton girls' team

Skipton Juniors Under 16 Girls have received a brand-new football kit thanks to sponsorship from Soroptimist International Ilkley.
Volunteers tackle major footpath improvements on Ilkley Moor

Volunteers are taking on a major project to improve a popular footpath through Panorama Woods leading up to Ilkley Moor.
Heritage railway celebrates 58 years since historic Skipton meeting

A heritage railway near Skipton has celebrated its 58th anniversary with a special event recognising the volunteers who have helped preserve its history.
Ilkley hair salon celebrates 20 years in business

An independent hair salon in Ilkley is celebrating 20 years in business alongside a new partnership with luxury haircare brand Kérastase.
Plans for 100 new homes at Great Pasture Lane in Burley in Wharfedale

Plans for 100 new homes at Great Pasture Lane in Burley in Wharfedale have been revealed as part of Bradford Council's latest housing proposals.
Boulder-shaped house approved for Ilkley Moor following planning appeal

Plans for an unusual house designed to resemble giant boulders on the edge of Ilkley Moor have been approved following a planning appeal.
ABBA tribute and fireworks set for Ilkley Bonfire Bonanza

An evening of fireworks, live music and entertainment is coming to Ilkley next month as the ABBA Bonfire Bonanza returns.
Record-breaking Glitter Ball raises over £280,000 for children's hospice

A charity ball at Rudding Park has raised more than £280,000 for Martin House children’s hospice – the highest total in the event’s history.
Ilkley BID shortlisted for two national awards

Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) has been named as a finalist in two categories at the National BID Awards 2027.
Ilkley Christmas Lights Switch-On to return in November

Ilkley's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will return next month, with a full day of festive entertainment planned for the town centre.
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport

Ryanair has announced four new routes from Leeds Bradford Airport for summer 2027.