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Huntly families left scrambling after only local nursery ordered to close

Kiddiewinkles Nursery, which has been operating out of the Linden Centre in Huntly, is being told it must close by the end of the year. Image: Google Maps
Kiddiewinkles Nursery, which has been operating out of the Linden Centre in Huntly, is being told it must close by the end of the year. Image: Google Maps

A Huntly nursery is facing the prospect of shutting its doors at the end of the year.

The closure of Kiddiewinkles Nursery after 15 years in operation could leave between 40 and 60 families without any childcare in their area.

Advocates for the nursery say the notice of closure came on November 25, leaving just over a month to close or find a new facility.

Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, and local councillors have written to the Care Inspectorate asking for a reprieve.

Following a flood at its original premises last year, Kiddiewinkles had been operating out of the Linden Centre on a temporary basis.

The Care Inspectorate had allowed the arrangement up until now. The arrangement expires on December 30, 2022.

The nursery asked to remain at the Linden Centre into 2023. They said the Care Inspectorate denied the request because the property does not meet requirements.

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said that they are still open to discussions with Kiddiewinkles, who has the right to appeal the decision.

No Huntly nursery, no jobs

In their letter to the Care Inspectorate, local councillors Gwyneth Petrie, Robbie Withey, Jeff Goodhall and Lauren Knight said parents have been clear that many will have to leave work if the nursery closes.

“There was a consensus amongst all that they would rather have the childcare in place, knowing that the premises does not necessarily meet all the requirements, than lose it, and with it, their employment.”

They added: “The closure will leave up to 60 families having to spend the festive period trying to secure childcare at a significant distance away, which is not possible for all families, or making the very difficult decision to give up work.

“I am sure you can understand the deep rooted concern that this is causing.”

Without this care many families will be unable to work, leading to further deprivation and struggles.”

– Kiddiewinkles parent

Even if Kiddiewinkles are able to find a new location, councillors say the timing will still leave parents with a gap in care.

“There are simply no suitable premises within the town which would fit the requirements without extensive work.

“Even if there were, it would still take three to six months for a new license to be granted for a new premises.”

‘We really need help’

One parent with a child at Kiddiewinkles nursery worries about what to do next. The cost-of-living crisis means her family has little choice.

“The kindergarten on the industrial estate doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate for any of the families. Now, without this care, many of us–myself included–won’t be able to work.

“We are stuck and really need help and support. Without this care many families will be unable to work, leading to further deprivation and struggles.

“With the cost of living rising the way it is this is just not an option. This is also going to have a huge impact on the mental health of local families.”

Up to 60 families without childcare in the new year

The Huntly nursery owners said the decision had nothing to do with their quality of care. But either way, they are out of options.

“Following 15 years of running the nursery to the best of our abilities, we are no longer in the position to do so,” they posted on Facebook.

“We truly understand that with this arises an issue for the community, as there is no other childcare facility able to accommodate the children who need this.”

MSP Alexander Burnett is lobbying the Care Inspectorate to give Kiddiewinkles nursery more time. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Alexander Burnett MSP said the decision was a disappointment and called on the Care Inspectorate to reconsider.

“This totally unnecessary decision by the Care Inspectorate is even more disappointing because since moving to the building last year, Kiddiewinkles has passed each inspection and had applications to extend their license to use the building approved.

“The Linden Centre has always provided care for children.

“After initially being built as a primary school it then became a community centre and was used by other childcare services prior to Kiddiewinkles.”

According to a letter from Mr Burnett, closing Kiddiewinkles will leave 40 families in Huntly with no childcare options.

Local councillors said that the closure will impact as many as 60 families.

Right to appeal is still on the table

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said that all providers must stick to the terms of their registration and provide quality, safe care.

“Where a service submits an application to vary their conditions of registration an assessment process is undertaken,” he added.

“If we propose to refuse an application the applicant has the right to appeal that proposal.

“We remain committed to engaging with the care provider on this matter.”

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