Source: New Zealand Plunket Society
The Karori Plunket Crѐche will close, despite considerable efforts by Plunket and crѐche parents to find a way to make the crѐche sustainable.
Plunket Chief Commercial Officer Duncan Scott says Plunket has been working with the crѐche parents who had hoped to transfer the crѐche to their operation.
“A huge amount of hard work and planning has been done by the parents and Plunket, but we have been unable to find a solution that can secure the long term financial viability of the crѐche.”
The license size, at 14 children per session, and the level of Ministry of Education funding are insufficient to make the creche sustainable.
Mr Scott says the result is the crѐche will close at the end of term two on July 5.
“We know the crѐche is valued by the Karori community and its closure will be met with sadness by many who have been associated with it over the years.
“It’s disappointing for us and the crѐche parents that we haven’t been able to find a way to keep the crѐche open. The timing of the closure will give crèche families time to make alternative arrangements and we will support them through this process.”
He says the Plunket nursing and community services will continue to operate in Karori and Plunket will be exploring opportunities to create some new playgroups or community activities within the Karori Plunket rooms.
“We have no intention of reducing our presence in the community, with last year’s community consultation reinforcing how valuable people regard Plunket’s services.”
Mr Scott says Plunket intends to host an open day at the crѐche, where community members can visit and express their gratitude to crѐche staff and farewell the crѐche.
ENDS
For more details please contact Plunket’s media adviser: 04 460 4680 or media@plunket.org.nz or Karori Crѐche parent representative Rachael Bowie: 021 811 222