USE us or lose us. That is the message from a Southampton pre-school that is facing closure due to dwindling numbers of children on roll.

The St Michael's preschool has been part of the Bassett community for 35 years but a recent dip in numbers means it is at risk of folding.

Although they have spaces for 24 youngsters, currently they only have ten on their books. It means pre-school bosses are running at a loss of around £200 a week.

The chairman of the preschool, based in the church hall of St Michael and All Angels at Bassett Avenue Ruth Binge, said: “There is no one reason for the decline in numbers but we have found ourselves with fewer children than we have ever had. We know there is a need for a preschool in this area but there is a real risk if we don't fill more places, we won't make it past January.”

Currently the preschool offers morning sessions which organisers believe could be why parents aren't signing up.

“It is a bit of a chicken and egg situation,” said Ruth, a mum of two, “We want to offer full days but we can't do unless we know we have the demand for it.

“It is certainly something we want to do but we need to know families will come.”

Parents also get 15 hours of free preschool sessions a week which can be shared between different settings.

Ruth explained: “You don’t just have to attend one preschool, we have capacity here so if parents are struggling for spaces at one place they can come here for a few mornings a week.”

The preschool, rated ‘good’ in their last Ofsted inspection, benefits from a large hall, outdoor space and adopts a free-play approach to a host of different activities that are rotated throughout the week.

St Michael's takes children from two years and six months to school age.

Deputy manager Tracey Steege said: “It really is a great setting, with so much to offer. We are also a very multi-cultural preschool catering for a range of needs and very much reflect the community we are in.”