Ages and Stages will close its doors on Friday August 29th
Following the story we brought you yesterday about Ages and Stages Early Years Centre in Mullaharlin Park closing at the end of the month, a number of other local crèches have been offering their assistance to both parents and staff affected by the decision.
Pugwash Bay owner Sharon Bell said she had a number of job and childcare openings for those left stranded by the Ages and Stages’ impending closure on Friday August 29th.
She said: “I would love to help some of the girls out who will be left without a job. We are looking for staff to work in Lis na Dara and Annagassan. We are actively recruiting staff now with a view to starting work from 25th August onward.
“We also have plenty of free childcare places available for children living close to Lis na Dara and Annagassan,” she said before adding that their crèches in Bay Estate and Knockbridge were unfortunately our full for those in receipt of free childcare.
Faughart Scholars Creche and Playschool have also offered to help out having declared they have places available.
For details on this call 086 8810581.
Jennifer Bogan of Little Oaks Pre-school in Haggardstown also said that she might be able to help out parents stressed by what they will do with their children from the end of the month onwards.
She said: “Very sorry to hear the news of this closure. I operate Little Oaks Pre-school in Haggardstown and I may be able to offer assistance to parents of children eligible for their free pre-school year this coming September. Please contact me on littleoaksdundalk@gmail.com
There were similar offers from Fiona McKenna, who said: “Kidz Akademy in Greenarces opens 7.30 til 6pm. We have vacancies for children aged 12 months to 12 years. Please call 042 9357852” and Sarah Nordon, who added: Very sad to hear another childcare facility is closing its doors. We may be able to help as we have vacancies in Tiny Tots Nursery, Old Coes Road. Call 042 9326478.”
Aoife Dunleavy of Women’s Aid also offered assistance, saying: “The Playroom Project @ Women’s Aid Dundalk are more then happy to accommodate parents and children affected by the closure. We offer playroom, preschool and after school, we are a community creche so subvention is also available. For parents of children with additional needs we offer special needs assistance and also a range of supportive therapies for children. Call us on 0429337202 and we would be happy to help.”
Yesterday, Mandy Stevenson from the Redeemer crèche in Ashling Park has also extended an olive branch to affected parents.
She emailed Talk of the Town to say: “I am the chairperson of Redeemer board. I was shocked to hear the news regarding the closure of Ages and Stages creche.
“We are a community creche in Redeemer and are willing to support parents with places for their children. My contact details are 0871351413.”
Claire Woods of Louth Childcare also added: “Support for Parents is available from Louth County Childcare Committee in seeking alternative childcare arrangements. Please contact us on 042 9336364 or visit our website www.louthchildcare.ie.”
