Latest news with #ChildcareServices
CTV News
a day ago
- General
- CTV News
As waitlist grows, province announces just three new childcare spaces for the Sault
Sault Ste. Marie's provincially funded childcare expansion falls short, with only 3 of 30 expected spots added this year. Cory Nordstrom explains.
BBC News
13-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Costs force demolition of Portsmouth childcare service centre home
Staff at a childcare service say they are "devastated" after being told they have six months to leave their Childcare Services has been operating from a Victorian school building in Buckland, Portsmouth for more than 30 is searching for a new home after being informed by its tenant, Portsmouth City Council, the building will be demolished.A spokesperson for the authority said it could not afford the estimated £2.3m it would cost to renovate the property. They added it had been a "difficult decision" but local authority budgets are "so stretched". Sue Jupp is the managing director and has worked in childcare services since said: "We have been here for many years. They [the council] are saying it's not cost effective."Binsteed looks after up to 75 children "at any one time", Ms Jupp explained. They offer childcare to 0 - 12 year olds between 07:00 and 18:00 BST Monday to Friday, but also offer holiday care. Ms Jupp added: "That service will be greatly missed, because there isn't anywhere else that we know that offers it." Director, Natasha Godfrey, said she and their 24 members of staff were "gutted" by the news."It's devastating. We have contacted all the local churches, community hubs, schools and really we've got no joy, at the moment we have nothing," she explained."Six months takes us to the end of term in August, then we have a month to be out." A city council spokesperson said rent for the building was £12,000 per year and therefore "not affordable" for refurbishments to get the building to an "acceptable standard".They added the council "has no appropriate alternative accommodation to offer", but is working with the centre to "assist them with their next steps"."Both the nursery and the council have been aware of these issues, but have been unable to find a workable solution to fund refurbishment," the spokesperson continued."The building is suffering significant issues with the structure due to its age, along with requiring a full overhaul of the roof, heating, sanitary facilities, and electrical systems." 'Not giving up' A petition, which can be signed in person at the centre, has been started by staff and Godfrey continued: "Everyone is looking out for somewhere we can move to. "A lot of parents are staying with us and our staff aren't going anywhere. We are not giving up, we are all out looking."The council said the future of the site would be decided once the building has been demolished. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
