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?
13. Hansel & Gretel Pre-school
Amy Johnston and Jay Montgomery attend the Hansel & Gretel Pre-school celebrations in Glynn Village Hall, 2014. INLT 13-041-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
14. Hansel & Gretel Pre-school
Pictured in 2014, Larne Athletic Club member Alison Magill (centre back) raised £800 for the Hansel and Gretel pre-school group at Glynn by competing in the Larne half marathon, finishing with a time of 1 hr-55 mins. INLT 13-042-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
15. Hansel & Gretel Pre-school
Pictured in 2014 are Leader of the Hansel & Gretel Pre-school, Lorraine Robinson, and Anita Bell with Ann McRoberts and Karen McIlroy cut the cake to celebrate achieving an "Outstanding" grade awarded by the Department of Education. INLT 13-043-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
16. Hansel & Gretel Pre-school
Children from Hansel and Gretel Playgroup took part in the Glynn PS Christmas Play in 2014. INLT 52-232-AM Photo: Alistair Mawhinney