An Aberdeenshire out-of-school club faces a bleak future after it was hit with an eye-watering 300% rent increase.
The service is run out of Hillside Primary School in Portlethen by Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS) who hire the space from Aberdeenshire Council.
But with just a few weeks before schools return the FCSS sent a letter to parents telling them it was closing due to “an unexpected and substantial cost increase.”
Since that letter was issued parents have voiced their support for the out-of-school club by saying they would be happy with higher costs if the club carried on.
A meeting to discuss the future of the service will be held in Aberdeen on Monday night.
Around 20 people will attend the gathering in Tillydrone as part of a bid to save the out-of-school club.
‘Shock’ among parents
Nikki Thomson’s six-year-old son goes to the out-of-school club but she is worried its demise will impact her job with the NHS.
She said she has been left “shocked and hurt” at the development given the clock is ticking before schools return on August 23.
Ms Thomson, 41, said: “I would like to express the shock, hurt and angst the parents of Hillside Primary pupils are feeling today at the less than three-week notice given by FCSS that the out-of-school-Club provision will not be reopening after the summer holidays.
“It would appear that Aberdeenshire council have increased the rental costs of the building to an unviable level for the charity to be able to afford and this makes me question if money is more important to the council than child welfare.
“I, like many other residents, are hard-working parents, and the size of Hillside needs a requirement for childcare in order for us to continue to work.”
MSP takes up fight
Audrey Nicoll, MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, has written to Aberdeenshire Council chief executive Jim Savege about the issue.
She said parents are “alarmed and worried” that they could be left without after-school care.
Ms Nicoll wrote: “As the council will be aware, the new school term is due to start on August 23.
“We are less than three weeks from this date and families are alarmed and worried with this development.
“Given the very short timescale until the new term starts, can I ask the council to urgently clarify its position on the matter.”
Meeting planned for Monday
A spokesman for FCSS said that Aberdeenshire Council told them about the rent rise at the end of June.
He also confirmed details of the meeting with parents on Monday and wrote to councillors about the issue too.
The spokesman said: “The council advised us of a rent increase of 300% on 30th June
“Since then we have been trying to come to a compromise with the council but were advised earlier this week that the rates wouldn’t be reduced.
“We communicated this to parents who were very disappointed, but many of them stated that they would be happier with a higher cost if we could continue delivering the clubs.
“We are keen to keep our costs to a minimum so that we can deliver on our mission of providing accessible, affordable and flexible childcare.”
The consultation meeting for parents is being held at Tillydrone Nursery on Gort Road at 6pm on Monday.
What Aberdeenshire Council have to say
Aberdeenshire Council said they have offered support for FCSS so that the club can continue.
A spokeswoman for the local authority, said: “We have been engaging with the supplier to look at how we can further support them with the increased costs of the rent.
“We hope that by offering this support, Flexible Childcare Services Scotland (FCSS), will be able to continue to support the children and families at Hillside School.
“We are also looking to share information with parents and carers about other childcare options in the area.”
More from the Schools and Family team
Concerns raised about report into Aberdeenshire teachers’ Whatsapp messages
Bucksburn Academy: Councillors to decide on temporary classrooms plan next month