LAURIETON Preschool and Long Day Care Centre, in Lord Street, will close its doors on Friday.
Staff and some families at the centre were told of the decision last Thursday by business owner Paula McIver.
Seven staff have lost their jobs and 32 families are looking for places in other centres for their children. Mrs McIver said the Department of Community Services was aware of the situation and was helping families find care for the 39 enrolled children.
“Families need to know the area manager from the Department of Community Services has made contact with all local preschools who will do their best to accommodate parents by priority that is parents who are working or have children identified as ‘at risk’ will take priority,” Mrs McIver said.
“Other centres have been very understanding. I’ve also contacted centres to find jobs for our staff. We have fabulous staff, parents and children. We’re a tight network and this is like a bombshell.”
Mrs McMcIver said the move to close the preschool was a tough business decision and stemmed from a rental issue.
She said the rent was high when she took over the business three years ago and appealed for a reduction.
Agents for the owner said a reduction was offered but not accepted and Mrs McMcIver gave the required 30 days notice that the business would be vacating the building by August 8.
Mrs McMcIver said the business had been on the market in the lead up to the decision to close.
The agent is sourcing a new operator for the preschool.
Supervisor and teacher Kate Burton said the staff were given just over one week notice of the decision to cease trade on July 18.
“We’re all a bit overwhelmed, it’s just so sad that it’s happened. We’ve all got to find new jobs and we’re all going to miss our beautiful children. We’ve all been looking for new jobs and discussed the options about what we could do to take over this place, but it just can’t happen because none of us can afford it. We are afraid that the kids are going to ask where their teachers are when they have to adjust to a new centre. There are not very many options around this area because a lot of places are very full.”
Jennifer Graham and her husband Bruce Cable have had three children attend the preschool, their three-year-old daughter currently attends, and were surprised and saddened by the closure.
“It’s a shame because [my daughter] has got a nice group of friends and now they might have to reform friendships because not all the children may be able to attend the same centre,” Mrs Graham said.
“I knew the business was on the market but I never thought it would come to this. We’ve been very happy with the care and our children have always been happy there. But we really feel for the staff and Paula.
“We’ll have to go through another settling in period at a new centre for our daughter.”
Full-time working mum Debra Gomes is concerned about placement for her daughter.
“It’s the children and the working parents that I am concerned for. Where do you put your children, what do you do? We were only giving one week’s notice to find placement for our children, I have no idea where I’m going to send my daughter. I don’t know where I’ll end up. I feel for the staff also.”
Laurieton Preschool and Long Daycare has operated for more than 14 years.