The manager of a private out-of-school club in Peebles has expressed concerns about the future of such services in the town.
Mary-Jane Parker, manager of Kingsmeadows Nursery, which provides a breakfast and out-of-school club, is concerned the establishment of clubs at Priorsford and Kingsland schools could hit existing providers, although they have applied for the contracts.
A survey of parents found a significant number in favour of establishing the clubs in the schools, but Ms Parker said the vast majority did not use the current clubs and there was no guarantee the new school clubs would be well subscribed, unless children move from existing providers.
“I feel there is a risk of setting up services in the schools and closing down the services already here,” she said.
A council spokesperson confirmed a breakfast club will be set up at Kingsland and breakfast and out-of-school clubs at Priorsford.
They are expected to be in place by August.
The council will limit the number of places at the school-based clubs to 20, and the spokesperson said there will be no detrimental impact on existing providers due to the limited places available and the support for the establishment of the clubs.
Ms Parker has applied to the council to extend the use of temporary cabins for two years because of her concerns over the future provision of out-of-school care.
Kingsmeadows had planned to build a permanent structure to replace the two cabins this year, but this has been put on hold.
Ms Parker said: “The council don’t want the cabins to remain because they are not in keeping with the rest of the buildings in Cavalry Park, which I totally understand, but as a business we cannot invest in buildings when we are not sure if we are going to need them.”