Parents have been left distraught after the Early Years Centre in Newry announced it is to close its doors at the end of the month.
The Early Years Organisation has a contract with the Southern Health Trust to provide day care and community pathway services for children with disabilities.
It independently leases the premises on the Warrenpoint Road from a third party to deliver these services.
However, Early Years has been unable to secure suitable alternative accommodation once their lease ends on September 30 and will no longer be able to provide the Nurture Cove, pre-school and Reaching Further, after school programmes.
A spokesperson for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “Both the Southern Trust and Early Years have been working together over the last number of months to identify alternative accommodation across our own Trust estate, other community and voluntary organisations, and via local estate agencies and the business community.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to identify any suitable accommodation that meets the Department of Health’s childminding and day care minimum standards for children under 12 years, at this time.
“As we appreciate the value of these programmes to families, the Trust is continuing to seek possible alternative provision for the children and families who use these services.
“Keyworkers are working with families and exploring possible options for the 26 children currently using these services.
“We welcome support from any other local community partners who may have suggestions regarding suitable alternative accommodation in the area.”
A spokesperson for Early Years said: “Early Years independently lease the premises on the Warrenpoint Road from a third party to provide these services.
“Regrettably, Early Years and the Southern Trust have been unable to secure suitable alternative accommodation once the lease ends on 30th September, therefore Early Years will no longer be able to provide the Nurture Cove, pre-school and Reaching Further after school programmes after this date.
“Both the Southern Trust and Early Years have been working together over the last number of months to identify alternative accommodation across the Trust estate, other community and voluntary organisations, and via local estate agencies and the business community.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to identify any suitable accommodation that meets the requirements for these services at this time.
“The Southern Trust has advised Early Years that it is continuing to seek possible alternative provision for the children. We understand that this is a concerning time for the families affected and have been assured that the Trust will keep families updated on any developments through their designated key workers.”
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes said the news was “devastating” for all those involved with the organisation, and the families it supports.
“We have been contacted by a number of parents who are distraught at this news,” he said. “Many rely on these excellent services and have been given very little notice about their termination.
“These daycare and community pathway services are essential for children with disabilities in our community. There is a serious need for these services, which both empower and support children and their parents.”
He added: “We have spoken with both Early Years and the Trust. They have confirmed that services are being ceased due to the loss of a suitable venue, and that funding is not an issue.
“Our priority is therefore to find suitable accommodation for Early Years in Newry, so that these services can continue.”
Newry & Armagh MLA, Liz Kimmins, who recently raised the issue with the Health Committee in the Assembly, has asked the Minister to ensure all avenues are being explored to find a solution to this critical issue.
She said: “The provision of services for children with disabilities and their families is already very limited, and any further reduction is absolutely detrimental.
“It is imperative a solution is found urgently.
“We will continue to work with all the relevant bodies to get a resolution for parents and children in Newry.”
The Sinn Féin elected representative continued: “The Trust and Early Years have stated that they have been working to secure alternative accommodation, but at this time they have been unable to do so.
“We would encourage the Trust and Early Years to engage with all relevant stakeholders in the Newry area to enhance their search for alternative accommodation, and secure these services for the time ahead.
“Parents and children who use these services are understandably angered by this announcement. Many of them depend on these vital services for both their children’s development and to help them balance work or care for other family members.
“It is essential that a resolution is found to allow services in Newry to continue. We will continue to work with parents, the Trust, with Early Years and with any other relevant stakeholder to help secure services into the future.”
