Hundreds of parents face making alternative childcare arrangements after the future of Nailsea’s only dedicated after school club has been thrown into jeopardy.
The Orca Kids Club After School Club has been running at Nailsea School for the last 18 years and currently has 180 families on its books.
The club, run by Chantelle Vela, is based in the school canteen and opens Monday to Friday from 3pm-6pm and during the school holidays.
For many parents in the town - and the surrounding villages - the club is a lifeline, providing after school childcare for their children.
But now the future of the club, which can have up to 50 children at any one session and employs 20 part time staff, has been thrown into doubt after Nailsea School bosses said they will not renew the lease after the end of the summer term on July 23.
School leaders have said due to rising numbers, the canteen needs to be expanded and will no longer be available.
Mum-of-two Chantelle, who took over the club last April, has been searching desperately for an alternative base but as yet has been unable to secure a venue.
Parents were told about the issue this week.
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Chantelle, 30, from Nailsea said: “Orca is the only after school and holiday club in Nailsea and takes children from right across the town and surrounding villages.
“It is a complete lifeline for many families who rely on it so they can work.
“Many are now worried they will not be able to keep their jobs as they have no childcare alternative.
“It has come as a real blow to all my families.
"I would normally be booking in children by now for the summer school which I cannot do due to no longer having Nailsea School as a venue.
“It is causing so much uncertainty for our parents and will have a major impact on the children who love coming here.”
Chantelle has been searching for an alternative premises but to no avail.
“I have been looking everywhere for an alternative suitable venue,” she said.
“I have looked at church halls, community buildings, schools but none so far have any capacity.”
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Parents are due to meet with Chantelle this week to discuss alternatives in a bid to keep the club afloat.
Parent Becky Harrisson, a 45-year-old mum of two says if the club cannot find a new home her, or her husband may have to give up work.
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Becky said: “I work three long days a week and my children go to the club Monday to Wednesday and in the school holidays.
“It is our only form of childcare support. We have no family who can help us out.
“Without the club, it could mean either my husband or I may have to give up work.
“Not only would this have an impact on us financially but also on the family.
“We rely so much on the club.”
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The club offers a snack as well as a variety of activities for the children such as games, sports and crafts.
In a statement posted on Twitter Nailsea School said: “It’s such a shame that our partnership with Orca has had to end.
“We have been proud to be able to support our local families by providing a safe and affordable space for Orca’s childcare.
“However we are growing as a school and need to relinquish the space that Orca uses.
“We have been working with the council to help try and rehouse Orca and they are currently in discussions with the early years team at North Somerset Council to find alternative accommodation.
“We hope the club continues to thrive in its new setting.”
Anyone who can help Chantelle or offer an alternative premises can call her on 07742149254
