A charity-run woodland preschool has been devastated by what school leaders are calling an arson attack.

Little Owls Woodland Preschool in Eastleigh has been forced to close after the blaze last night, which destroyed a wooden classroom, furniture, toys and woodland tools.

Charity Youth Options, which runs the school, said the fire was "an act of arson".

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed it is investigating having been called to a suspected arson.

The school, located in Itchen Valley Country Park off Allington Lane, provides education to 42 children a week.

Donate to a fundraiser here: youthoptions.org.uk/support-us/donate/ 

Extent of fire damage to preschool (Image: Youth Options)

It offers children over the age of two years and nine months the chance to explore, learn, and connect with nature.

The "devastating" incident has left children, families and the staff team heartbroken as they face the loss of an educational space that provided children with a unique opportunity to grow and develop through outdoor play and exploration.

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Impact of fire to preschool - close up (Image: Youth Options)

Madeleine Durie, CEO of Youth Options, said: "This senseless act has robbed young children of a safe and inspiring space where they could learn and grow.

"Little Owls Preschool is more than just a place of education - it is a sanctuary where children build confidence, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.

"The impact of this fire reaches far beyond the physical damage; it has deeply affected the children, families, and staff who cherish this unique learning environment.

"We are determined to rebuild, but community support is crucial to making that happen."

Emergency services rushed to the fire following a call from a member of the public shortly after 7pm last night, school bosses said, but the damage was "considerable" with a number of other outbuildings containing woodland tools and toys used by the children also reportedly broken into and damaged.

Toys and essential learning tools burned (Image: Youth Options) READ MORE: All we know after explosion sees Westquay evacuated

The preschool has been unable to operate in its current state.

The charity is appealing for donations from the public to help cover the costs of replacing everything that was lost so they can get up and running as quickly as possible.

While it hopes insurance will help, Madeleine Durie said that there “would inevitably be a significant shortfall” but is hopeful that the community will rally around to help. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called by the fire service at approximately 7pm on 19 March to a report of a suspected arson incident at Little Owls pre-school.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and any people involved.

"Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 44250121205."