The only children’s centre and day-care provision in the Square Mile will close next August, leaving parents worried about how they will be able to make childcare arrangements after the summer.
The City of London Corporation (CoL) has announced the closure of City Child and Family Centre (CCFC), a facility that provides day care provision for children 12 weeks to 3 years.
The centre provides early years development and vital services to families who work and live in the City. These include stay and play sessions, health advice and a creche for parents registered for work training and adult learning courses. It also signposts referrals to other services in neighbouring boroughs in instances.
Freddy, whose children attend the centre and the adjoining primary school, said that the centre has been “invaluable” for her family.
“Having both children in the same building with the nursery downstairs and the school above, makes it possible for me to manage work and childcare.”
She fears that without the centre she would have to find separate arrangements for her toddler, adding significant stress to their daily routine and likely impacting her ability to work effectively.
“The continuity of care from nursery to school has helped my son to thrive and I want the same for my daughter”, she said.
Another mother says that she was “dismayed to hear the news of the closure”, adding that “we will be severely impacted.”
“Having provision for both our children at the same setting is an absolute enabler for both of us to continue to work full time in the City”, she said.
CCFC is more than just a childcare setting to some parents: “They have provided emotional support, breastfeeding advice, weaning advice, parenting advice – and above all a feeling of belonging. They are a small setting, catering for very diverse families, that feel like an extended family.”
A petition to save the centre has garnered over 700 signatures. Anna Lee from the GMB union says that the day care staff were told that they were going to be made redundant.
She said: “From the point of the view of the GMB, we don’t want anyone to lose their job, but the centre is vital to the community and provides services which cannot be easily absorbed into other locations without causing a huge disruption to parents using the facility.”
The City of London is said to be in dialogue with the Aldgate School to seek alternative options.
Parents are hoping the CoL will reconsider its decision.
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HeadlineImpending closure of only children’s centre in the City of London causes families anxiety
Short HeadlineParents' worries over closure of only children’s centre in the City of London
StandfirstFamilies worry about the closure of the City Child and Family Centre next summer
The only children’s centre and day-care provision in the Square Mile will close next August, leaving parents worried about how they will be able to make childcare arrangements after the summer.
The City of London Corporation (CoL) has announced the closure of City Child and Family Centre (CCFC), a facility that provides day care provision for children 12 weeks to 3 years.
The centre provides early years development and vital services to families who work and live in the City. These include stay and play sessions, health advice and a creche for parents registered for work training and adult learning courses. It also signposts referrals to other services in neighbouring boroughs in instances.
Freddy, whose children attend the centre and the adjoining primary school, said that the centre has been “invaluable” for her family.
“Having both children in the same building with the nursery downstairs and the school above, makes it possible for me to manage work and childcare.”
She fears that without the centre she would have to find separate arrangements for her toddler, adding significant stress to their daily routine and likely impacting her ability to work effectively.
“The continuity of care from nursery to school has helped my son to thrive and I want the same for my daughter”, she said.
Another mother says that she was “dismayed to hear the news of the closure”, adding that “we will be severely impacted.”
“Having provision for both our children at the same setting is an absolute enabler for both of us to continue to work full time in the City”, she said.
CCFC is more than just a childcare setting to some parents: “They have provided emotional support, breastfeeding advice, weaning advice, parenting advice – and above all a feeling of belonging. They are a small setting, catering for very diverse families, that feel like an extended family.”
A petition to save the centre has garnered over 700 signatures. Anna Lee from the GMB union says that the day care staff were told that they were going to be made redundant.
She said: “From the point of the view of the GMB, we don’t want anyone to lose their job, but the centre is vital to the community and provides services which cannot be easily absorbed into other locations without causing a huge disruption to parents using the facility.”
The City of London is said to be in dialogue with the Aldgate School to seek alternative options.
Parents are hoping the CoL will reconsider its decision.
