YOUTH Options, a Hampshire-based children’s charity confirmed that its much-loved woodland preschool, Little Owls has suffered considerable damage following a significant fire, which was an act of arson.
The fire has destroyed the wooden classroom, furniture, toys and woodland tools at the pre-school which provides education to 42 children a week. Located at Itchen Valley Country Park, Eastleigh the pre-school offered children the chance to explore, learn, and connect with nature. The devastating incident has left children, families and the staff team 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 responded swiftly to the fire following a call from a member of the public, but the damage has been considerable with a number of other outbuildings containing woodland tools and toys used by the children also broken into and damaged.
The preschool has been unable to operate in its current state. Police are actively investigating the incident, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Madeleine Durie, CEO of Youth Options, expressed deep sadness over the incident:
“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 the 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 around 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 is asked to contact the police on 101 reference number is: 44250121205.
