Compass House Creche in Exeter threatened with closure

Compss House crèche, in Magdalen Road, St Leonard's, is mainly used by mothers suffering from post natal depression who place their children there whilst receiving treatment. 

After being 'saved' last November following a campaign of protests from users and others, it is again threatened with closure.

Devon County Council began a new consultation on 22nd June that is due to finish on 13th July 2016. The proposal is to close the crèche and assist users to make use of other sources of childcare such as childminders.

The worry is that on-site provision of child care, which is provided elsewhere in Exeter and which is very important for those suffering from anxiety and depression at an especially vulnerable time in their lives, will be lost.  'Time out' therapy for mothers needing to leave their children with trusted and experienced staff at the crèche whilst undertaking off-site activities has already been stopped.

Andy Hannan, county councillor for Priory & St Leonard’s, has said: "The Chestnut children’s centre provides child care alongside Depression and Anxiety Service sessions for mothers, on Monday mornings all year round.   Given this, why is the need for on-site child care not considered important for those attending Compass House for DAS treatment?  Would childminders have the expertise and experience of the staff at the Compass House crèche?

"I believe that the therapeutic benefit of offering childcare on-site and 'time out' for mothers who need to engage in off-site activities is important enough to merit continued provision towards which the NHS should contribute.  Of course, the crèche could be made more economically viable if it could revert to its previous status by re-registering with Ofsted and broadening its current offer.”

Readers are urged to read the briefing paper and impact assessment, and complete the online comment form available at https://new.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/compass-house-creche/ or by searching for Devon County Council Have Your Say and looking under Adult Social Care. 

Those wishing to join the campaign can do so via the Facebook page for Save Compass House Creche.