|
|
The |
|
The Christchurch Civic Child Care Centre was
abruptly closed yesterday after the Education Ministry withdrew its operating
licence. The decision, which follows a police briefing with
ministry officials, has left 13 staff redundant. Staff learned of the decision from the city manager,
John Gray, who visited the centre at closing time. The decision 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 decision follows a glowing report on the centre's
management last November by the Education Review Office. This report was
presented to the council last March. The Ministry's 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. He was remanded last month to a
pre-depositions hearing on October 5. Mr Deaker said the council was legally entitled to
make "representations" on the decision, if it had wanted to keep
the centre open. However, Mr Gray said none would be forthcoming. Council staff were last night contacting the 50 to
60 parents with children at the centre. Parents have been sent a list of alternative child-care
centres. Most children are regular as opposed to drop-in users. The Local Government Officers Union was last night
considering its options. Its secretary, Peter Lawson, said the Ministry should
be held to account. The decision had yet to be explained to staff. After speaking to Mr Lawson last night, Mr Gray
formally withdrew the notices of redundancy issued earlier. Instead, he has
placed staff on two weeks paid leave. Redeployment options will be considered at a meeting
of council staff and the union today. |
