FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
PRESS STATEMENT
25 April 2025
FIG Operated Nursery, The Rookery, to Close
The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has today confirmed that The Rookery nursery, currently operated by FIG, will close later this year. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the nursery’s operational challenges and its viability, as well as the ongoing development of the Islands’ childcare sector.
When FIG took over the management of the nursery in June 2024, the aim was to resolve any operational challenges, to address its long-term future and then for the nursery to become a private business again. However, in the time that the Education Directorate has been responsible for the management of the nursery, it has become clear that it is not financially viable due to insufficient use and that there is not enough demand for nursery places to support three nurseries to allow them all to be successful businesses. It is also not felt to be appropriate for FIG to continue to subsidise a loss-making business that is competing with other private sector businesses and charity organisations.
It is felt that with the consistent underuse of the nursery that there is no realistic chance of it becoming a successful business and financially secure. Birth rate data from the King Edward Memorial Hospital has been studied and there is no indication that the rate of babies being born will change significantly in the future.
In light of these factors, it has been decided that the nursery will close on 29th August 2025, a time that aligns with the start of the new school year. Nursery staff and parents were informed of the closure yesterday. The end of August has been chosen as it means some children will naturally move to school and for those who don’t, it gives parents time to plan alternative childcare arrangements and time for staff to consider their options.
The Rookery’s nursery provision will continue to offer the same quality experience until its closure date. The Rookery staff are providing good quality childcare and are committed to the children.
To support the ongoing demand for wrap-around childcare services for older children (5 years and above), the Education Directorate will offer out the nursery building through the 2018 Childcare Capital Grant Scheme, which offers long-term leases to successful bidders for the establishment of a solely wrap-around childcare business. Funding is also being provided to another nursery to enable it to increase its capacity.
It is expected that there will be sufficient capacity within the childcare sector to accommodate all children. The Childcare Liaison Team are available if anyone would like to discuss childcare options with them. The team can give information on the other nurseries in Stanley and current childminders. The Childcare Liaison team will also be working to increase the number of available childminders.
FIG regrets the impact this decision will have on nursery staff and the children who use the nursery and their parents.
FIG remains committed to supporting the childcare sector and its continued development.
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ENDS
