Aberlour playgroup issues call for cash to maintain its future

A Moray playgroup specialising in care for young children with additional support needs is struggling to find enough funding.

The Rocking Horse developmental playgroup, based at Aberlour Primary School, has been running for 15 years.

It takes in children from birth to school age, providing a range of support including tuition for youngsters learning English as a second language, and care for those with physical disabilities.

Referrals to the group must get approval from the council’s social work department.

Playgroup manager Amanda Naylor said the communities at Aberlour, Dufftown and Rothes had been very supportive of their work.

She added: “In a way we are really lucky, but we just need more funding, otherwise the service is really difficult to maintain.

“In the current climate, everyone is trying to fund-raise for themselves. It’s really difficult.”

Moray Council gives the group 30% of the group’s projected running costs each year.

However, it has no statutory responsibility to provide funding for under-threes.

The playgroup requires at least £17,000 a year to run.

Treasurer Helen Gardiner said: “Our running costs have gone up. It’s very difficult to get funding, but we rely on fundraising to pay salaries and for materials for the kids.

Ms Naylor said the group was planning to organise some fundraising events to drum up support.

She said one of the major benefits of having such a service in the Speyside area was that visiting specialists had a central port of call, instead of having to visit the children across the area.

Dawn Ross, who lives in Balvenie Street, Dufftown, said the playgroup had been beneficial for her three-year-old son Aidan, who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

She said: “They have been very good.

“Aidan’s concentration and social skills have really improved since he went to the class. They are not just a school, they’re so friendly and give advice.”

The playgroup has also looked after Mrs Ross’s one-year-old daughter, Cara, to give Mrs Ross respite from caring for Aidan.

“She added: “It’s a good cause which should stay open.”