Lochgilphead nursery to close its doors
Riverside Rascals nursery in Lochgilphead has informed parents it will close on June 30 after struggling to recruit enough experienced staff.
It means the loss of 13 jobs at the nursery and anxious parents are wondering if they may have to quit work or reduce their hours due to a lack of childcare.
The closure will leave a dire shortage of childcare in Mid Argyll for babies and infants aged up to three.
On most days, Rascals is at full capacity in the baby and toddler room, with six babies and 12 toddlers. There is currently a waiting list of 13 infants.
Riverside Rascals on Oban Road, which cares for 48 children, is co-owned by Becky Ramsay and Emma Penman, who took over the business seven years ago.
The facility is one of only two private nurseries in Lochgilphead, the other being Bloomfield Childcare at Badden Farm.
Working parents often choose private nurseries as opposed to council-run ones because they operate outwith term time, and provide wrap around care before and after school.
All families in Scotland are entitled to 30-hours a week Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) for children aged three – five.
A recent visit by HMIE (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education) highlighted a need for more experienced childcare practitioners at the nursery.
Last week the owners praised their young team, but told The Advertiser that despite repeated attempts, they have been unable to recruit enough experienced staff. The difficulties of competing with wages in council-run nurseries is a major issue.
In a letter sent to parents and families on Monday, Becky and Emma wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we write to you to confirm that the nursery will close on Tuesday June 30.
“After exhausting all options to try and keep the nursery going, we have to confirm that this is no longer an option. We have had meetings with the local authority and unfortunately, they are not in a position, for a number of reasons, to help with the current staffing crisis we have. We have looked at several possibilities to sell the nursery but to no avail.
“We have informed the local authority of our closure and await to hear what the next stage of the process will be and how ELC placements will be given out, we have been assured that all funded placements will be given spaces elsewhere.
“For under three children, as you will know, it is up to parents to find childcare, but if we can be of any support with this, please let us know.”
The letter continues: “We are both so very sorry for this situation, but I hope that you can understand what a difficult position we have found ourselves in. We are now making plans to make the last month of Riverside Rascals as happy as possible and are making plans to have a final send off/graduation on Monday June 29 where all families will be invited to come along.
“Many thanks for your support over our time at Riverside Rascals and particularly over the last week or so, we are very grateful to be a part of this community.”
Jenny Taylor, who works for the NHS in the oral health improvement team, covering Mid Argyll, Islay, Jura and Colonsay, has a two-year-old daughter at Rascals.
Jenny said her daughter’s funded placement at MAKI Pups nursery at Kilmory doesn’t begin until November.
She said: “I’m not sure what I’m going to do in the meantime, maybe rely on family, but that isn’t guaranteed.
“Places at Badden will be prioritised for someone who is not just going to need it for five months and that is as it should be.
“I emailed Argyll and Bute Council to ask if maybe they might consider letting me use one of the ‘eligible two’ spaces. There are some available you can apply for if you are on benefits, have low income or a care experienced child. They just directed me to the eligible twos criteria online, which ironically, I would be eligible for if I quit my job.
“There is a real possibility that I could have to reduce my working hours, which will reduce my income.
“I rely heavily on the nursery, especially for my travel days.”
She added: “It would be good if the council could step in and do something. It’s not like the city where there are plenty of other options.
“I think Becky and Emma have done their very best with the nursery given the climate with staffing. They have done everything they can, it is just impossible for them.”
One single mother who is a council officer currently on maternity leave, has been filled with anxiety about future childcare provision for her 11-week-old son.
She said: “We have got a place with a childminder from August 2027.
“But if I go back to work in January when I’m due to go back, I might have no childcare.
“Grandparents are working much longer than they used to, what are parents supposed to do when they don’t have reliable childcare?
“I don’t know what I’m going to do, I’m already worrying about going back to work.
“Pregnancy is already such a time of anxiety for women. There is anxiety about the birth, then there is anxiety about having a newborn, getting to grips with feeding, sleep deprivation.
“Next it’s time to go back to work, your child starts nursery and that’s a huge anxiety.
“When it comes to being a mum, nothing is made easy.
“I worked full-time. Now I’m worried I’m going to have to go part time because I don’t have childcare. How is that going to impact me financially?
“Argyll is wonderful and there is great community spirit, but when it comes to services it’s not great.
“I don’t know what other people are going to do either. This is huge.”
A spokeswoman for the council said: “We are very sorry to hear of the confirmed closure of Riverside Rascals and understand that this will be deeply concerning for local families who rely on this provision.
“In relation to funded early learning and childcare overall, we are confident that there is sufficient capacity within the local area to ensure that all eligible children can continue to receive their entitlement following the closure. We have written to parents to let them know what they need to do to register their child at an alternative provider.
“We fully understand that this situation is unsettling, and we will aim to support children and families through this transition as smoothly as possible. We will also continue to provide updates and guidance as further information becomes available.”
She added: “For non-funded ELC parents, parents should register with alternative providers in the local area. Those providers will then work directly with parents to arrange placements where possible. You can find information on local childminding providers on the council website www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/education-and-learning/early-learning-and-childcare/childcare-providers&source=gmail&ust=1780560363566000&usg=AOvVaw3KbfFntZWLEkYG7dpchOP9">www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/education-and-learning/early-learning-and-childcare/childcare-providers”
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