Parents stunned as Dalton children's centre axed

But there have been claims that not enough was done to publicise the day care provision—or consult on the changes.

PARENTS have been left “devastated” by the news that a children’s centre is to close for day care.

They were shocked to discover that The Willow Tree SureStart will only offer sessional care of up to three hours.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hard-working mums this week said the decision made a mockery of the effort to get young parents back into work as soon as possible after having children.

Rotherham Borough Council said that the centre, at Dalton Foljambe Infant School, was not “financially viable.”

“It feels like there’s no-one in our corner,” said Rachel Green, who pays £120 a week for son Oliver (3) to attend during her four-day working week.

“We had no indication that this was going to happen until a letter came through the door.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The council says it will be closing as a day centre and reopening for unemployed people to drop their kids off while they look for jobs.

“So a lot of parents are panicking at the moment, having to ring round for places in other centres but there doesn’t seem to be anything.”

The council conducted a review of the children’s centres last year and identified Willow Tree as one with a “small reach area.”

It was decided that day care would be merged at Thrybergh’s Rainbow Children’s Centre, while the Dalton building would become a “satellite base” for other activities from September.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rachel, of Moor Lane South, Ravenfield, said: “In my opinion all avenues have not been explored in favour of keeping the centre open as a day care centre.

“We feel that we are being palmed off. And no-one seems to have considered the emotional impact this will have on the children themselves.

“The staff there have been fantastic.