Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Fine Young Cannibals

Suspicious Minds

Listen Live Podcasts

Ilkley's longest running pre-school closes for good

Saturday, 25 April 2026 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

Lifesaving water safety skills event to take place in Ilkley

People in Ilkley are being given the chance to learn potentially lifesaving water safety skills at a special local event.
Annual Golf Scramble ends in nail-biting putting showdown

The annual Ben Rhydding Golf Scramble provided a dramatic finish this week, with the competition decided by a putting contest after two teams finished level following nine holes.
Everything you need to know about the Burley Summer Festival

Burley Summer Festival is set to return tomorrow (Friday) with 10 days of events, activities and entertainment across Burley-in-Wharfedale.
EasyJet announces it will stop flying from Leeds Bradford Airport

EasyJet has announced it will stop flying from Leeds Bradford Airport early next year.
Local bus drivers recognised among Transdev's safest

Five drivers from the Keighley Bus Company have achieved the highest possible ranking in an internationally recognised safety programme.
Alpkit Ilkley to close its doors after five years in the town

Outdoor retailer Alpkit is set to close its Ilkley store later this summer, bringing an end to more than five years on Station Road.
Ilkley residents share concerns over climate change in street survey

Residents in Ilkley have been sharing their views on climate change after three local community groups took their questions to the streets.
Addingham and Ilkley go head to head for charity cricket match

A charity cricket match will bring together teams from Addingham and Ilkley later this month, with money being raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
New all-day café and wine bar set to open in Ilkley this September

A new all-day café and wine bar is set to open in Ilkley this September on Cunliffe Road.
Ilkley BID to provide free online training for local businesses

Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) has partnered with Virtual College to give more than 300 levy-paying businesses access to over 50 online training courses free of charge.
Ambulance called after woman suffers fall at Bolton Abbey

Emergency services were called to Bolton Abbey after a 78-year-old woman suffered a fall yesterday afternoon (Sunday).
Tracy Beaker author announced for 2026 Ilkley Literature Festival

Some of the biggest names in literature, television, sport and entertainment are heading to Ilkley this autumn as the programme for the 2026 Ilkley Literature Festival is unveiled.
Ilkley Pride announces packed programme of events ahead of festive Christmas celebration

Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is inviting the local LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together at a programme of regular social events over the coming months,
Ilkley business celebrates second birthday with special business brunch

Inspire & Connect Business Networking is celebrating its second birthday with a special brunch event in Ilkley.
Ilkley’s Daredevil Grandma completes two aerobatic wing walks in one day

Ilkley’s 82-year-old “Daredevil Grandma” Valerie Appleton has taken to the skies once again.
Premium indoor golf studio opens in Ilkley

A new premium indoor golf and performance facility is set to open its doors in Ilkley.
Ilkley MP calls on council to reconsider Forde seating decision

Ilkley's MP has called on Bradford Council to reconsider its decision over the outdoor seating area at Forde restaurant.
Ilkley MP intervenes over fridge and freezer disposal crisis

Ilkley's MP has called for Government action after Bradford Council temporarily stopped accepting fridges and freezers at its Household Waste and Recycling Centres.
Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'

The main section of the new A59 Kex Gill route between Harrogate and Skipton is set to open within weeks.
Ilkley restaurant announces plans to leave town over dispute with council

An Ilkley restaurant has announced plans to leave the town after a dispute over its outdoor seating area.