Enterprise Childcare has provided support for families in and around Greenock for 28 years
A children’s charity is set to close at the end of this month as a result of funding issues.
Enterprise Childcare will cease to operate after almost three decades supporting families in Inverclyde.
All staff are set to lose their jobs and the classes and projects the charity offers will end on 29 March.
Enterprise Childcare has 23 permanent members of staff and 17 sessional staff.
It provides care for 30 children in its nursery and 51 in its Kidz Clubs. It also provides holiday schemes and support clubs for 23 children and young people with autism and has worked with 25 parents and children in its Playing Together project.
A statement from the board said: "Despite our best efforts, we have had to make the very sad and difficult decision that after serving the Inverclyde community for over 28 years, the charity will cease operating all our services on the 29 March 2019.
"We know this will have a huge impact on you and your children.
"Inverclyde Council have been made aware of this decision, and can offer advice on sourcing alternative childcare."
Mike Condron, chair of Enterprise Childcare, said: "All employees will be looking for new jobs. The charity is assisting in any way they can. The council and post-acute care enablement team is offering support to employees in relation to finding new employment."
The charity provides childcare for many West College Scotland students, with the college saying it was surprised by the announcement.
"West College Scotland was surprised and disappointed to be informed by email on Thursday of the closure of Enterprise Childcare from 29 March 2019,” a spokesman said.
"This is despite an ongoing dialogue between the two organisations.
"The college had been in discussions with Enterprise Childcare about its long-term future and was optimistic that the nursery would remain open until at least June 2019.
"This would have provided our students with much-needed continuity of childcare provision at an important time in their studies.”
Parents have expressed their disappointment at the charity’s closure, and have launched an online campaign to save Enterprise, which has attracted more than 300 supporters.
