Shock closure of Cradlehall ELC was 'last resort'
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Childcare charity Care and Learning Alliance (CALA) has described the surprise closure of Cradlehall ELC as the 'last resort'.
Parents were shocked by the news as the unit, run from the community room located within the Cradlehall Primary grounds, in Inverness, closed last week.
The facility was able to offer services for up to 15 youngsters aged from two to five on weekdays.
CALA chief executive Jaci Douglas described closure as a being a difficult decision.
She stressed it has no plans to close any more services, saying this was a one-off due to its small size, inflexible space and current staffing issues and no reflection on the high quality and dedicated staff there.
"A number of factors contributed to this decision, which was the last resort having considered all viable alternatives," she added.
"First, Highland Council is undertaking a redesign of ELC provision across the local authority area and in light of those changes, CALA must ensure we are providing a flexible and sustainable service. Increasing costs and significant cuts to our funding, coupled with with recruitment challenges and an inflexible environment, have all contributed to our decision to close.
"Regrettably, the low attendance and shared accommodation – which is not designed for the purpose for which we are using it – means Cradlehall ELC has been a challenging service to maintain over the last few years. The most recent Highland Council reductions to our budget made the decision to close unavoidable.
"Additionally, the timing of the closure was further impacted by the reduction in staff members, which accelerated the closure. Recruitment in the childcare sector, as with many frontline sectors, is very challenging at the moment, with very few applications received. In our experience, those seeking such employment are looking for full-time permanent posts and therefore would be highly unlikely to join an ELC setting marked for closure in a few months.
"Enrolment for what would have been the August 2023 intake would also have been about to open, and again we felt it was unfair to offer this service to parents only to withdraw that offer at a later date, leaving children without a secure ELC service.
"We understand the high value and regard the service has offered in the heart of the Cradlehall community over many years, and we recognise the concerns of families and very much regret any anxiety caused.
"CALA have been working with parents, other nearby providers and Highland Council to support access to 1140 hours entitlement of childcare with an alternative provider. CALA staff will work with the children, their families and any new provider to support a smooth transition as required. A parents meeting is scheduled for the near future.
"Highland Council have also offered to assist with helping find a suitable alternative placement if needed and we understand the majority of children have already secured alternative provision."
One parent said: "I was surprised by this decision. I know a few children who have really loved their time there so it's such a shame it has closed."
