Parents desperate to preserve vital funding to keep their children’s playgroups running have launched a petition calling for cuts to be abandoned.
Aberdeenshire Council confirmed this week that it will be axing its funding for Early Years Scotland (EYS) support workers in June, meaning that groups across the north-east could struggle to continue operating.
The EYS staff help with ensuring that childcare is kept up to standards and process legal documents for the groups.
One group, the Banff Playgroup and Toddlers, has said the change will make it “tough” for them going forward.
Nicki Payne, its chairwoman, has now launched a petition, alongside other parents, calling for the council to change its mind.
About 50 other groups will be affected by the change.
Asking people to sign the petition, Mrs Payne said: “The council has informed groups across Aberdeenshire that they will no longer fund Early Years Scotland to provide us with the support we need.
“We hope signatures will help impact on how important committees need to be assisted – for the long term future of groups across Aberdeenshire.”
Since launching the document on Tuesday evening, more than 200 people have signed.
One signatory, Olly Black, said the cut to EYS provision is “not the type of decision I pay my taxes for”.
Another, Katrina Macdonald, added: “As a previous committee member, this service was invaluable to us.
“Most of us had no previous experience and the members of this team helped with many aspects of the paperwork and running for the group.”
A spokesman for the council said changes to early years education and the need to balance its budget forced the rethink on EYS funding.
“We are looking at ways of supporting our early years provision by ensuring there are no gaps or overlaps within the service offered,” he added.
To sign the petition, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/keep-our-vital-support-system-funding-in-place-2.
