Pledge to parents as Kirkcaldy day centre services set to close

PARENTS in Kirkcaldy have been reassured following a decision to close popular day care services for pre-school children in the town.

Creche facilities and a parent and toddler group, run by the Victoria Project in Hayfield and Linktown, have been earmarked for closure at the end of next month.

The decision to stop the service – which provides childcare for youngsters under five as well as support for families – came after a review of the facilities.

But parents have been told they WILL get help to secure other day care services in the area.

Aberlour ChildCare Trust had secured funding earlier this year to continue until September.

But staff and parents have now been told they will stop at the end of June.

The move came after Fife Council social work services worked with the Trust to review the services provided in Kirkcaldy.

It decided that the project – which runs a creche and parent and toddler group two days a week – was significantly underused and children were getting care from creche supervisors with no specialist intervention required.

But Rosemary Potter, who volunteers with a parent and child group in Hayfield, said staff couldn’t understand why the service was being cut when funding was available until September.

She said: “Why can’t they continue running the group?

”As a volunteer I know the health visitors, the staff and the parents highly value the childcare services provided and are concerned.”

Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone said mums who use the toddlers and craft group have described the service as vital because it promotes social interaction between children.

She said they couldn’t speak highly enough of the work that is done and were annoyed they there was no consultation before this decision was taken.

Councillor David Torrance said the Council has worked closely with Aberlour Projects, which receives funding from social work service, Fairer Scotland and the Alcohol and Drug Partnership – and it was recognised change was needed to benefit the most vulnerable families.

He said it had been agreed to shift backing to the Time4U project which provides individual and group support to children affected by parental substance abuse.

Cllr Torrance said June was chosen as the projected closure date as use of the service runs down at that time as children move on to nursery school.

He added: “All parents currently using the Victoria Project and not using Time4U services will be supported by Aberlour staff to secure alternative services in the area in time for the new school year.

“Some parents are keen to set up their own parent and toddler group and the Council for Voluntary Services has offered its support.”