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It will require a “long-term project” to boost childcare facilities in Downham, a councillor has said after a shock school closure announcement. Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe, the principal of Downham Preparatory School, confirmed last week that it will close for good after the current term finishes in July. It has been running for 40 years, and is adjoined to the Montessori Nursery – also run by Ms Laffeaty-Sharpe. The closure has once again thrown a shortage of childcare places in the town into the limelight – and there are fears that things could get even worse if the nursery shuts down too. Ms…

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