By Cassandra Pulver

After the sudden announcement that the much loved Cubby House Day Care Centre was closing, parents had an opportunity to have their say at a special meeting with the Management Committee last Tuesday.

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An announcement to extend the closure date has been published by the Management Committee, the contents of which was provided by Helen De Ross.  It states that:

“The Management Committee would like to thank the parents of The Cubby House for coming along to a meeting at the Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday Night.  Whilst the decision to close The Cubby House has been very difficult and with a heavy heart, we understand the parents would like to be more involved in this process.

“Although we are unable to share specific financial information until the AGM in September, we can share that we require 21 places filled each day on a consistent and sustained basis to keep the centre open.  Currently 3 out of 5 days there are only 4 places filled and running at only 30% overall.

“On Tuesday night the Management Committee heard the voices of our Cubby House parents who would like to provide their time and effort to generate an increase in these enrolment numbers.  The Management Committee have endeavoured to do this from the start of the year but are happy to engage the support of the parents.  We appreciate the passion and loyalty of our current Cubby House parents. 

“The closure date for the Cubby House is currently 28th of August due to the centre’s capability to look after the staff by ensuring sufficient funds are available to pay their entitlements.  However the Management Committee would like to support the parents’ plans to save The Cubby House as we all wish to see the centre succeed and grow. 

“The longest the centre can extend the closure of The Cubby House is to the 11th of September (subject to staffing).  Although we would like to extend longer, the centre is financially unable to sustain the Cubby House losses any further. 

“In order for The Cubby House to remain viable, the only way to prevent its doors closing is to enrol more children in the long term day care.  These enrolments must also be sustained and ongoing.  If the number of children enrolled at The Cubby House remain below a sustainable level after the 11th of September, the centre’s licence will not be cancelled but suspended for up to 12 months.  In this time there can be further support lodged by the community to have The Cubby House re-opened if enrolments are at a sustainable and viable level. 

“The Management Committee thank the parents of our Cubby House for their feedback and support.  If you have any questions or would like to enrol your child at The Cubby House please contact the centre’s Director, Charlie Clark on 40994292.”