Fire has destroyed a children’s charity woodland preschool in Eastleigh
Little Owls at Itchen Valley Country Park, has suffered considerable damage after suspected arson attack
Fire has destroyed a children’s charity woodland preschool in Eastleigh
Youth Options, a Hampshire-based children’s charity, says that its much-loved woodland preschool, Little Owls at Itchen Valley Country Park, has suffered considerable damage following a suspected arson attack last night (Thursday 19 March).
Now, the pre-school is appealing for donations to help get the school up and running again.
The fire destroyed the wooden classroom, furniture, toys and woodland tools at the pre-school which provides education to 42 children a week.
The pre-school offered children the chance to explore, learn, and be connected with nature.
The devastating incident has left children, families and staff heartbroken as they face the loss of an educational space that provided children with a unique opportunity to grow and develop through outdoor play and exploration.
Emergency services attended the fire following a call from a member of the public shortly after 7pm last night.
Damage has been considerable with several other outbuildings containing woodland tools and toys used by the children also broken into and damaged.
The preschool is unable to operate in its current state and police are actively investigating the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Madeleine Durie, CEO of Youth Options, expressed deep sadness over the incident.
She said: "This senseless act has robbed young children of a safe and inspiring space where they could learn and grow.
“Little Owls Preschool is more than just a place of education - it is a sanctuary where children build confidence, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.
“The impact of this fire reaches far beyond the physical damage; it has deeply affected the children, families, and staff who cherish this unique learning environment. Youth Options is determined to rebuild, but community support is crucial to making that happen.”
The heartbreaking destruction of the preschool’s outdoor learning areas means that children have lost access to vital early years education.
The charity is appealing for donations from the public to help cover costs of replacing everything that was lost so they can get up and running as quickly as possible.
While it hopes insurance will help, Madeleine Durie said that there would inevitably be a significant shortfall but is hopeful that the community will rally round to help.
How to Help:
- Donate now: https://youthoptions.org.uk/support-us/donate/
- Share the appeal with friends, family, and local businesses to raise awareness.
Anyone with information about the crime are asked to contact the police on 101 reference number is: 44250121205.