The New Hope Centre, Enniskillen RMGFH59
UP to 80 children could be left without a nursery place after a private preschool in Enniskillen was forced to close its doors due to major financial constraints.
And 15 jobs are also set to go when New Hope Nursery shuts at the end of the month, the Fermanagh Herald has learned.
These children and their families will now spend the next few weeks fighting to secure a spot in a nursery.
The private nursery school is one of the victims to fall foul of the decision to close the New Hope Centre at the end of October because of major financial problems.
The centre was built in 2000 as a not-for-profit and work for the good of community project by Enniskillen Community Development Project (ECDP) Ltd on land leased from the Western Trust. The lease had 17 more years to run. The nursery was opened in January 2003.
Staff member, Niamh McGovern told the Fermanagh Herald: “The New Hope nursery is closing by the end of September at the latest depending on parents finding places for their children.
“As only one of three private nurseries in Enniskillen it was a vital business for multiple parents and over 80 children who are now being forced to go to another establishment, if they are lucky enough to get a space as I know Burrendale and Toddle Inn are both full in capacity.
“Not to mention the dozens of parents who have to struggle/choose between bringing their child to a another childcare establishment or leave their job. There are also 15 staff who have to find a new job.
“Parents and staff have been left in tears. Our boss Geraldine Kelly is a fantastic woman, both as a business woman and a friend.
“I, as a member of staff, and a parent of the nursery am so upset that I have to leave working with such a group of fantastic individual, both co-workers and children alike, also having to find childcare for my child.”
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