Fears have been raised over the future of north-east playgroups after plans to cut “essential” funding were revealed this week.
Groups across the region receive help in the form of an Early Years Scotland (EYS) worker who ensures that care standards are met.
But they have all been told this week that the funding which has been available to bring in those members of staff will be withdrawn in June.
About 57 groups are understood to rely on the cash from Aberdeenshire Council.
Yesterday, parents from the Banff Playgroup and Toddlers said they were “extremely concerned” about the decision.
Nicki Payne, the chairwoman of the 40-year-old group, said it looks after dozens of youngsters between the ages of two and five.
She added: “It is quite clear that Aberdeenshire Council have not looked at the bigger picture in cutting this essential support from local playgroups.
“The impact this will have on local group committees is extremely concerning.
“The support that groups receive from early years is essentially the back bone of committees being able to function and keep these groups open, functional and supporting communities to a high standard.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of support officers. Their input is invaluable, they keep committees informed on not only policies, but also legalities of running groups from fundraising, applications and Care Commission requirements.
“Committees are predominately made up of volunteer parents, and trying to maintain a committee and group without this support will indeed prove extremely difficult.”
Mrs Payne added that while it was unlikely her own group would fold, it would make things “tough”.
She said: “We are not going to fall by the wayside immediately but this is going to have an impact.
“Everything is becoming more difficult for us and it is already hard to keep things afloat. We are just a group of parents trying to keep this going.
“It just seems like Aberdeenshire Council don’t care about us.”
Jean Carwood-Edwards, the chief executive of EYS, said she was “stunned” by the council’s decision.
“Our development and support staff have had a critical role in Aberdeenshire for 20 years,” she said.
“We all stunned when we received word about this and all the groups have said they don’t know how they will survive.
“This comes at a time when this service is needed now more than ever as the amount of funded nursery hours children are entitled to.
“By removing our support a lot of the playgroups are worried and they are contacting us and sounding quite panic-stricken.”
