WELCOME relief is on its way to Dunfermline parents after Fife Council agreed "unprecedented" funding for a new childcare provider.
The Touch Trust, a charity based in St Margaret's Parish Church, is hoping to fill a "significant" gap in after-school care provision following the closure of the Garvock Out of School Club.
Members of the City of Dunfermline area committee this week agreed to hand over £14,654 to provide an after school club for the Touch and Garvock community.
A report to councillors said the trust had stepped up and proposed to take on all of the former club’s registered children and families.
It was announced in May that the Garvock Out of School Club was to close and provision, based in the Vine Centre, ended on August 16.
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A committee report explained: “Touch Trust proposes to run an alternative childcare provision from their premises, with full support and guidance from the former manager and owner of Garvock Out of School Club.”
On Tuesday, the trust asked the area committee for a contribution of £14,654 from the local community planning budget to support start-up costs.
The report stated: “This application seeks to address the urgent needs of our local communities amidst a significant gap in childcare provision. We ask members to consider this proposal to mitigate the impact on local families."
Local councillors had no qualms about handing over the money to keep the after school services in the community.
“Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to put this together. I know it’s been a point of great consternation and stress for much of the summer for quite a lot of members in this community,” Cllr Jean Hall-Muir said.
Cllr Derek Glen was also grateful that the community had been able to come up with a “workable solution” in such short order.
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Moving forward, however, councillors were told the trust will need to develop a sustainable business plan rather than relying on council funding.
“It is unprecedented in this situation to offer funding to establish an out of school care provision,” officers added.
“It is a point we have raised. They need to develop their business model. They’re working with the previous provider and other out of school care providers in the area who are voluntary to build up their business model and not find themselves in this position year on year.”
Councillors agreed unanimously and without debate to provide the funding to the Touch Trust to re-open the local after school care service, but there’s still not a firm date on when the service will be available for local families.
The service itself needs to become fully established, registered and certified by the Care Inspectorate before it can welcome children through its doors.
Parents and children who were registered for the former Garvock Out of School Club should receive communication directly from the new care providers with updates and information in due course.
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