Parents Appeal Against Closure of Creche

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | feature

Friday November 17, 2006 01:13

by V. - The Coombe Hospital Crèche Parents & Children

The parents of children at the Coombe's creche are told of closure at short notice

On the 24th of April 2001 Uachtaráin na hÉireann Mary McAleese officially opened the Crèche in The Coombe Woman’s Hospital with much applause ribbons and publicity. However on the 24th of October 2006 the children, their parents and the employees of this Crèche were informed it is now to close with much disappointment, upset and disruption, on New Years Eve.

We the parents have been advised the closure is to facilitate the Hospital’s Expansion Programme, which we note will not include any further childcare facilities on its publicly funded and owned campus. The unacceptable and untimely short notice period of two months We, the parents have been advised is a result of a failure of the crèche operators Tots & Co to fully inform us of the expiry of their operating lease and their communications with the Hospital Administration on the matter. We, the parents formally request your support to help us secure an additional 4 months notice period; We are not against the improvement or the development of the Coombe Women’s Hospital; We are not in dispute with the owners and operators of this Crèche Tots & Co; We are just endeavouring to secure safe and secure childcare for our children with as little disruption and tears as possible.

For most of the 32 children in this crèche, they have known no other care outside of their homes; they have developed relationships, routines and have thrived in the love and care they have received from the staff. The children and their parents have come to rely on the safe and secure environment provided by the operators Tots & Co and their employees. Therefore We feel two months notice is inadequate and unfair. Our determination to ensure as little disruption and upset to our children as they are uprooted from their friends coupled with the shortage of available childcare places in Dublin’s South Inner City, has forced Us the parents to assemble and take immediate action.

We the parents are facing a number of difficulties with this unacceptably short notice period. We need to secure childcare, We need to prepare our children for what is probably their first major upheaval in life, and We still need to remember that Santa is now watching, especially while some of us need to find a further two months childcare fees by way of deposits by January 1st.

We the parents do not think it is unreasonable to request 6 months notice of this event, and We hope you agree. Thank you for reading our statement.

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Comments (5 of 5)

Privatisation .

by John McDermott - removefiannafail

Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:13

Didnt you know the creche industry is set to grow and grow in the coming years and the Fianna Failers are already gearing up to control this lucrative little racket .Many of the cronies who operate the 17000 private nursing homes in the country (Like Leas Cross owned by an Aherne and opened by an Aherne-and still open.! ) are now set to provide similiar services in new developments countrywide for the very young (as well as the very old).
Its interesting that the Soldiers of Destiny will then control our lives from shortly after we are born-to the day we die (or are quietly put out of our misery ) in one of their crummy overpriced "Old folks homes"

Make it an election Issue.

by C Murray

Fri Nov 17, 2006 11:27

Unfortunately the 'Opposition' who have been (for years) agigtating on the issue of affordable
childcare and pre-school services are regarded as weak on issues of advoacy. Two
leaders of the Opposition have consistently played the game of working with the Government
across a wide range of issues that increase that perception.

*There is, or was an active community resource centre in the Liberties area, maybe
they could suggest facilitation and help with the kids until the issue is sorted out.
There is more warmth in community based care, than in the faceless 'business'
end of the creche industry.*

Some local libraries have play mornings and a lot of women and men would know more
about resources. The weakening of any campaign would be to look after number one,
you really need to stick together on this- you are a small community. Otherwise, try
getting a premises and DIY.

(no-one needs to extract large amount of cash to give security, warm food and a sense
of community to small children)

closure of a vital service

by Kato

Sat Nov 18, 2006 00:26

I am so sorry to read about this. yet another cut back that is not publicised. I really sympathise because i know as a working parent how difficult it is to find good quality day care for ones child. Is there any way any of you could take onthis service yourselves like a buy out of the lease or is it completely non-negotiable? Two months notice is not enough. I assume from reading your article that you must work at the hospital. Was it a part of anyones contract the creche facilities? Because it sounds like a breach of contract or at the least a reduction in your work facilities ? What can your union do? Get this reported on. with the money allocated in the book of estimates for health care and education can you make a case ? What about your TDs if they want to be re-elected they should fight for this. tried Mary McAleese ? If all else fails join the Rally in Dublin on the 2nd December and march with the rest of us from Mayo and bring the children and your banners. We have to keep shouting at this government to remind ourselves that we have a voice and our opinions and our families matter. Then vote for change.

Closure Of Creche

by halo

Wed Jan 24, 2007 15:59

I am sincerely sorry to hear of your situation... I speak from experience here...as with most childcare & parental issue the last thing which is usually given consideration to is the child or parent...I read the sentence below with interest...

"We, the parents have been advised is a result of a failure of the crèche operators Tots & Co to fully inform us of the expiry of their operating lease and their communications with the Hospital Administration on the matter"

It seems like your creche could have and should have done more to alert the parents of the plans, surely they were aware of them...This firm seems to have been getting a lot of bad press recently...did they not make the papers a few weeks back as a result of expelling two children from another branch due to the mother making a complaint to the HSE...maybe it is a blessing in disguise that you need to find a new facility for your child

Creche Providers

by litho

Thu Mar 22, 2007 10:38

I am sorry for the children and parents, however it does not surprise me that the providers, with a number of creches in operation are leaving it upto the parents to sort out. There are too many people running creches purely for financial gain and NOT for the right reasons i.e. a genuine love for children, a passion to provide them with the best means to cater for the different stages of development, a genuine interest in looking after good staff. All renters of property know when the contract expires, you had a right to much more sufficient notice......but then the providers would have lost potential income had parents had time to move their children.

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Parents Appeal Against Closure of Creche

Comments (5 of 5)