ANXIOUS parents are demanding education bosses take urgent action after a replacement after-school operator has pulled out at the 11th hour.
The Border Telegraph revealed earlier this year that Kidzcare was closing down its Borders childcare operations.
The Edinburgh-based company held childcare clubs at both Knowepark and Philiphaugh schools in Selkirk, Wilton in Hawick, and at schools in Innerleithen and Broughton.
Scottish Borders Council vowed to find replacement companies to plug the childcare gaps in all five schools.
Meetings have taken place with parents over the past two months to provide assurances and introduce any replacement companies.
But we can reveal that The Big Space, who were due to take over at the two Selkirk schools, have sensationally withdrawn.
One parent told the Border Telegraph: “We are only two weeks away from Kidzcare pulling out and we are now in a position where we don’t know if there will be after-school clubs when the children go back in August.
“We are all working families who rely on these clubs.
“What are we supposed to do if there is no after-school childcare?”
As well as operating from Monday to Thursdays between the end of school hours and 6pm, Kidzcare also offered Friday afternoon clubs.
Their decision to pull out of the Borders came on the back of a funding reduction from the local authority.
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We have been in discussions with Big Space who have now advised that they are no longer able to provide after-school club care at Knowepark and Philiphaugh in Selkirk. 
“We are in the process of organising alternative provision which is likely to be council run as no external providers have been found who are able to deliver the service.
“We intend to write to parents this week to update them of the situation and let them know about the plans that are being put in place so they can continue to access after-school club provision.”
 Selkirkshire councillor Michelle Ballantyne is urging the education department to contact parents immediately. 
She told the Border Telegraph: “This is a huge worry for parents who rely on this service. 
“I am speaking to the department to see if there is anything that can be done to assure the parents that there will be a service.
“We may have to look at operating from the one school and provide transport, but we will have to come up with a solution quickly as time isn’t on our side.”