The Christchurch Civic Crèche Case
	News Reports Index
	1992
	The Evening Standard September 4 1992 Child care centre loses licence NZPA The Christchurch Civic Child Care Centre was closed yesterday after the Ministry of Education withdrew its operating licence. The decision, which came after a police briefing with ministry officials, has left 13 staff redundant. Staff learned of the decision from city manager John Gray, who visited the centre at closing time yesterday. The decision to close the centre was supported by Mr Gray, who was also briefed by the police. The ministry said it revoked the licence because it believed the centre no longer complied with the Early Childhood Regulations. The Education Review Office gave a glowing report on the centre's management last November. This report was presented to the council last March. The ministry's South Island field manager. Michael Deaker, said he suspended the licence yesterday after being briefed by the police. He would not comment on whether the briefing related to a police inquiry into sexual abuse at the centre. A former employee at the centre has been charged .with sexual offences against children, "aged two to four, at the centre between November 1988 and March 1991. Mr Deaker said the council was legally entitled to make "representations" on the decision if it wanted to keep the centre open. But Mr Gray had said none would be made. Mr Deaker said detectives had indicated that suspending the licence was the most appropriate thing to do. "The interests of the children were paramount." Council staff last night contacted the 50 to 60 parents with children at the centre. Parents have been sent a list of alternative child care centres. The Local Government Officers' Union was last night considering its options for challenging the ministry's decision. Secretary Peter Lawson said the ministry should be held to account. The decision had yet to be explained to staff, many of whom were distraught. After speaking to Mr Lawson last night, Mr Gray withdrew the notices of redundancy issued earlier. Instead, he has placed staff on two weeks' paid leave. Redeployment options were being considered at a meeting of council staff and the union today. Centre management committee head Simon Fraser said parents would seek the ministry's explanation for the move. Parents were "tremendously upset" about the decision, and would seek the council's support in having the licence reinstated.