The receivers of CFK Childcare, Ferrier Hodgson, sent a letter to parents on March 4 announcing that CFK Leura would close on April 2 as no commercial offers for the business had been made.

The letter claimed the receivers were working with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to assist parents to obtain alternative childcare for their children, but also gave instructions for parents to search for vacancies in nearby areas.

Parents received another letter that day from the centre’s director encouraging parents to stay put in order to retain sufficient numbers to keep the business running in the event it is purchased.

The letter claimed the high demand for childcare in Leura would help make a purchase likely.

On March 13 Brian Ellicott, whose two boys attend the centre, told the Gazette parents received a second letter from the centre’s staff dated March 12 claiming the property’s owner is lodging a licence application and an information meeting would follow.

“It looks like they may have new people to take it over, but they need a licence so it’s still up in the air,” Mr Ellicott said.

“We’ve not had any contact yet from the receiver or DEEWR about nearby vacancies yet.

“I’ve been looking around myself and haven’t found any alternative placements yet.

“If the centre closes I’m going to struggle to get them (the children) into long day care.

“One of us is going to have to give up work.”

Mr Ellicott said the centre caters for about 30 children.

At the time of going to print, a spokesperson for Member for Macquarie Bob Debus said the receiver provided the 30 days notice required under legislation.

“DEEWR contacted two centres within a five kilometre radius of CFK Leura and identified vacancies at a Katoomba centre,” the spokesperson said.

“This information has been passed onto the receivers who will forward the information directly to families to assist them in locating alternative care arrangements.

“DEEWR is also liasing with the NSW Department of Community Services (DOCS) regarding this matter.

“DOCS has a network of locally based children’s service officers who can also provide assistance and advice to centre directors and families.”