In a letter sent to parents and guardians at the end of February, staff confirmed the pre-school would close from July 2025.
It comes as a low number of applications for the 2025/2026 school year led to the Education Authority’s withdrawal of Preschool Education Programme funding at the setting. “Without funding, the setting is not financially viable,” the letter read.
“Staff will continue to be committed to deliver the high level of Preschool Education and support children's development and wellbeing until the end of the school year.
"This decision has been particularly tough for all of us as we have cherished the relationships built with each child and family throughout the last 31 years. The love and care the staff have shown to each child is unparalleled, and we are immensely grateful for the trust you placed in us.”
We’ve taken a look into the Larne Times archives and unearthed these lovely photos from the pre-school between 2006-2015 – can you spot any familiar faces?
5. Hansel and Gretel Pre-school
In 2015, Hansel and Gretel Pre-school leader, Lorraine is pictured with Molly, Abbey, Joshua and Ben. INLT 05-020-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
6. Hansel & Gretel Pre School
Roma Brown of the Larne Support Group for Northern Ireland Hospice is pictured with Lorraine, Anita, Karen and all the children from the Glynn Hansel & Gretel Pre School in 2015 , receiving a cheque for £404 for the Northern Ireland Hospice. The money was raised at a coffee morning where lots of cakes and buns were sold and put in boxes decorated by the children. INLT 31-626-CON Photo: Supplied
7. Hansel & Gretel Pre-school
Ann McRoberts (back right) is pictured with staff members and children at the Hansel and Gretel Pre-school on her last day in 2015, after serving 13 years at the school. INLT 05-024-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
8. Hansel & Gretel Pre-school
Elsie smiles for the camera at Hansel and Gretel Pre-school in 2015. INLT 05-023-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne