The Rainbows Pre-school in Carrigart has announced its closure “for the foreseeable future”.
The closure comes after 15 years in business, a decision which owner Tanya Roberts Browne said was due to circumstances beyond control.
Since opening the preschool in 2010 at the age of 22, Downings woman Tanya has seen “hundreds of little feet” pass through her doors.
“After 15 incredible years in business, I can only reflect with pride and deep gratitude,” she said in an emotional social media farewell.
Tanya said many of the former toddlers have since grown into teenagers and young adults, with some now attending college and university and some past pupils even returning for Transition Year or college work placements, bringing the journey “full circle”.
“I’ve had the privilege of teaching my own 3 children, the children of close friends and girls I now watch with pride playing Senior Ladies football. These are more than memories – they’re part of my heart and part of the Rainbows story,” Tanya said.
Tanya extended her thanks to the families who entrusted their children to Rainbows Preschool, acknowledging their “support, kindness and faith” as vital to the preschool’s longevity.
She also expressed deep appreciation for her staff, whose dedication made the preschool “the warm, special place it was,” often referred to as a “home from home.”
“Though this is a very sad goodbye for now, I hold on to hope that it is not the very end,” she said.
