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Thursday, September 9, 2010 |
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Childcare chaos as charity shuts |
by www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk - added 09/11/2008 |
FAMILIES must arrange alternative out-of-hours care by Monday for thousands of children after the collapse of a long-standing charity.
Funding problems forced Newcastle and North Staffordshire Play Council (NNSPC) into administration yesterday.
The shock move leaves the future of dozens of out-of-school clubs, junior clubs, creches and play schemes in doubt.
Dozens of part-time NNSPC employees heard the news yesterday and some face losing their jobs.
Schools across North Staffordshire were also informed their out-of-school clubs would no longer be provided from Monday.
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The NNSPC ran 10 breakfast and out-of-school clubs at schools across Newcastle and the Staffordshire Moorlands, and 16 junior youth clubs on evenings and weekends.
During school holidays, the charity, based in Marsh Parade, Newcastle, also organised play schemes, days out and other activities for youngsters aged four to 16 across the region.
Linda Owen has been involved with the NNSPC for 18 years but faces losing her job.
Mrs Owen, who was yesterday running the breakfast and out-of-school club at Hempstalls County Primary School, in Cross Heath, said: "I'm gutted. If parents cannot arrange for someone to look after their children, they might have to give up their jobs."
Staffordshire County Council is working with the schools to try to find a solution.
But one headteacher described the after-school provision as a godsend to many parents.
Gareth Davies, headteacher at St Chad's County Primary School, in Chesterton, said: "I'm disgusted we've only found out on a Friday afternoon with no contingency plan.
"These things take a long time to set up. I am very disappointed with how the situation has been handled. The out-of-school club is well attended, and one of the reasons why parents choose our school."
Reginald Mitchell Primary School, in Butt Lane, will take over the running of its club.
Headteacher Alan Stancliffe said: "We're going to employ the same people and it will be funded from the school budget."
The NNSPC supported 225 groups and cared for more than 6,000 children.
Officials at the NNSPC declined to comment yesterday. |
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it is ridiculous that decent childcare facilities end up shutting becasue they can't get funding- what are we coming to?
Sarah - Halesowen - 09/11/2008 |
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