Much-love Paisley nursery to close due to funding cuts

The team at Hillview Nursery – run by not-for-profit organisation Childcare First – in Ferguslie Park made the decision on its future after the local authority advised it would be reviewing its support.

Heartbroken parents were given the news on Wednesday, meaning 36 children are facing the prospect of moving to another nursery and staff members will be hit with job losses or relocation.

A statement from the charity says: “All of us at Childcare First are committed to working with Renfrewshire Council to deal with the reduction and eventual withdrawal of children’s services funding to the company.

“In dealing with the impact of this reduction in funding, the company has taken the decision to effectively close Hillview Nursery from March 31 next year.

“Our priority at present is to support our staff, children and families during this very difficult time and to work with the council to find solutions for the families involved.”

Parents and children gathered at the nursery – situated in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas – yesterday to protest the council’s decision to cut funding.

Mum Karen Inglis praised staff for their willingness to go above and beyond in caring for children and their sometimes complex needs.

She spoke of the support she received for her son Brodie, who has developmental problems caused by a brain haemorrhage at birth.

Karen said: “Throughout his years there, the nursery supported myself and Brodie by holding meetings with the hospital staff and ongoing services to help improve his needs and development.

“With the help of the nursery my son graduated and is an amazing, clever wee boy.

“Hillview Nursery has deep community roots in an area already labelled deprived.

“The nursery having to close makes working families struggle that bit more.

“It’s devastating.”

Staff have been recognised for their handling of what has been a stressful week for everyone with links to the nursery, as they put the toddlers first.

Fellow parent Leeanne Steel said: “As families, we were informed at an emotionally-charged meeting this week.

“This is a cause of significant upheaval and distress for everyone.

“We all feel for the fantastic staff facing redundancies.

“To excel at what you do, allow kids to bond and parents to know their children are being cared for but then risk losing your career as a result seems wholly unfair.”

It is not just parents who are distraught, three-year-old Conor McBeth said: “The council man has taken my nursery away.”

The planned closure comes as the council committed to increasing parents’ entitlement to funded early learning and childcare for those aged three and four, and eligible two-year-olds from 600 hours per year to 1140 hours.

However, the local authority has said it is working with families affected to find “alternative childcare arrangements”.

A council spokeswoman said: “Providing accessible and affordable high-quality childcare to all children in Renfrewshire is our priority.

“We are committed to delivering 1,140 hours of early learning and childcare by 2020, in line with the Scottish Government’s target, and ensuring all private and voluntary childcare services in Renfrewshire are supported to meet this deadline is essential.

“Historically, the council provided Childcare First with financial support to ensure that there was flexible and affordable childcare in the Ferguslie and Shortroods areas.

“With the change in the amount of childcare to be provided, we have reviewed funding arrangements to ensure a consistent approach for all childcare providers in the independent and voluntary sector.

“We understand that Childcare First has made the decision to close Hillview Nursery from March 31 next year.

“There is sufficient capacity for alternative childcare provision for all children attending Hillview Nursery and we continue to work with Childcare First and parents to ensure all children have the most appropriate solution for their needs.”