Parents shocked after closure of Enniskillen creche

MORE than 70 children who had been attending a popular creche in Co Fermanagh have been left in limbo after its sudden closure due to financial difficulties.

The Toddle In 2 childcare facility, based at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, closed last Thursday night “with immediate effect” and without warning.

The closure was announced on its Facebook page just hours after parents had collected their children.

A statement read: “After much deliberation and discussion, it has become apparent that the long-term financial future of Toddle In 2 Ltd is unsustainable and therefore we were faced with no option apart from closure.

“With great sadness after six years, Toddle In 2 Ltd will close its doors today Thursday 30th August 2018. As of close of business today at 6pm, parents must seek alternative arrangements for childcare.

“We sincerely apologise for the disruption caused and do not underestimate the effect of this closure on our staff, parents and children, their families and the wider community.”

It’s believed around 20 staff could be affected by the move. Many parents, some of whom work at the hospital, took to social media to express their shock at the closure.

Mother-of-two Louise Ross, from Enniskillen, said: “My three-year-old daughter has been attending Toddle In 2 for the past few years. I had just finished a full week induction with my one-year-old son who was due to start there this week. I’m starting a new job in Belfast this week and my partner is returning to work in England so I’ve no idea what I’m going to do.

“I had been on a waiting list for some time as childcare places in Enniskillen are hard to come by.

“There was absolutely no indication on Thursday when I picked the kids up that there was anything wrong.”

The Toddle In nursery was established in 2004 by sisters Rosie Keaney and Christina McGrath.

They initially operated the business from a converted garage at Rosie’s family home in Enniskillen.

However due to massive demand they decided to expand the business in 2007 to incorporate a further two playrooms, catering for 83 children. In 2012, the sisters tendered for the creche facility at the new South West Acute Hospital and were successful.

Toddle In 2 Ltd became the first purpose-built creche facility in Enniskillen that could facilitate 74 children aged 0-12 years.

The Western Trust said: “This business was a private enterprise and was not run by the trust.

“However, the trust is aware of a number of staff whose children attend this facility and we are working closely with our staff to ensure they are supported as they identify appropriate alternative childcare arrangements.

“The trust is disappointed that this is the case but unfortunately it is outside our control.”