Parents have been left in limbo following the shock closure of popular nursery Toddle In 2.
Owners of childcare facility based at South West Acute Hospital closed the doors on Thursday evening after announcing the abrupt news on Facebook, stating that Toddle in 2 Ltd was to close with immediate effect.
The facility catered for up to 74 children from the age of 0 to 12 years old, and it is believed that there was over 12 members of staff employed at the child care facility.
Parents have taken to social media to express their anger at the sudden closure with many claiming that despite being at the nursery to collect their children on the same day, they were not told about the closure and only found out when the statement was posted on Facebook.
The statement read, “After much deliberation and discussion, it has become apparent that the long-term financial future of Toddle In 2 is unsustainable and therefore we are faced with no option apart from closure. With great sadness after six years Toddle in 2 will close its doors on Thursday August 30th. As of close of business at 6pm, parents must seek alternative arrangements for childcare. We sincerely do apologise for the disruption caused and do not underestimate the effect of this closure on our staff, parents and children, their families and wider community.”
One week before the nursery closed, Ballinamallard mother Gillian McKenna took her five month old daughter to the nursery for an induction.
“My daughter was booked in from November last year before she was even born.
“There was no direct communication and I have not been told anything formally.
“Nobody from the nursery wants to speak to the parents, and I am concerned about the contents of the building – there is medication that I brought in for my daughter, and personal information still in the centre, but I cannot get in contact with anyone to retrieve these.
“We also paid a retainer fee, signed a contract and many other parents are in the same boat. Everyone seems to be wiping their hands of this, and there was no warning that the nursery was going to close,” explained Mrs McKenna.
The nursery was extremely popular among staff at South West Acute Hospital due to its close proximity to the hospital.
A Spokesman for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) said: “This business was a private enterprise and was not run by the Trust. The Trust is aware of a number of staff whose children attended this facility and we are working closely with our staff to ensure they are supported as they identify appropriate alternative arrangements.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere