Solution reached after closure of Sunny Days

ANOTHER childcare provider is set to take over the operation of a Wexford town afterschool which announced its sudden closure ahead of the Easter break, leaving up to 60 families in turmoil as they urgently sought to find alternative childcare.

Sunny Days Afterschool, operating out of Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts, announced that the service was “practically and financially unviable” following an immediate action notice from Tusla which would have required them to have more staff on collection and drop-off points around the school.

Parents were furious and the children who attend the afterschool were devastated as they said their goodbyes ahead of the Easter holidays.

However, following quite a bit of work behind the scenes since, it appears that the children will now have a place to go for afterschool as they return next week.

Independent councillor Leonard Kelly, who had been liaising with parents, the school and relevant bodies throughout, said that a workable solution had been found.

“Basically, another provider – Sherpa Kids – has come in and will take over and provide the service going forward,” he said. “Two of the staff from the previous setup will join them, which is good news for the kids as there will be some continuity of service.”

Describing the resolution as “a win for the community”, Cllr Kelly said it was a good example of what can be achieved when everyone pulls in the one direction.

“Everyone pulled together to ensure that this happened,” he said. “The school management worked very hard on this over the break; the outgoing providers assisted the new provider; there was action from Tusla and input from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.

“I’m delighted for the kids and families that there’ ll be some continuity of service.”

Cllr Kelly did, however, stress that “this stress should not have been put on these families” and noted that there was a need to look at how we can better fund childcare facilities.

“We need to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and flexible childcare,” he concluded.