Cashmere child-care plan

Press, 13 February 1981, Page 4

Cashmere child-care plan

The Heathcote ■ County Council plans to set up a childcare centre for Cashmere residents. Cr M. C. C. Buchanan told a meeting of the council’s finance committee last evening that she planned to do a survey by means of the council's newsletter to see how many people needed a childcare facility, ' After the meeting she said that there were few childcare centres in the south of th city and in Cashmere in particular. She'planned to set up the centre in the Cashmere children’s library on Dyers Pass, Road. It would run three mornings a week, when the library Avas not in use. Fencing around the library

had been improved so children could not run out on to the road. An area beneath the library building would be suitable for a sand pit. The child care centre would cater for children aged from .two to four, It was hoped to, employ a supervisor through the Department of Labour’s Project Employment Programme, with other voluntary supervisors to help. Cr Buchanan said she was not sure yet whether parents would have to pay for the service. Some running costs would be met by the council, and toys could be given or brought from home by the children. The response to the idea so far had been-enthusiastic,

both from parents and members of the council. If the demands was greater they would look at alternative buildings in the area. She said she hoped the child care centre could be started in March or April.