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Letter from Graham Devlin, Deputy Director dated 18th May 2001.

I refer to your request for a response in writing from Sydney Institute stating that the provision of childcare services will not be moved off-site at both Ultimo and Petersham Colleges of the Institute under the next tendering period.

As you are aware, from the Childcare Reference Group meeting held on Wednesday, 9th May 2001, the Institute is currently in the process of developing an expression of interest for the provision of childcare services. In that tender document the Institute states categorically that the provision of childcare services will be conducted on-site at the Ultimo and Petersham Colleges at the current level of service for the life of the contract. This tender document is for a three-year period with an option of extension for a further two years.

Further, the Childcare Centres at Ultimo and Petersham Colleges will need to meet all legislative requirements for Department of Community Services registration to operate as a licensed Childcare Centre. Any upgrading of the Centres, including Softfall and Shade Cloth that is required will be carried out by the Institute.

I am aware of the importance of parents' input into this process. In this regard, I gave the Reference Group an undertaking that a representative of this Group will take part in the selection of the appropriate contractor. To ensure that the selected nominee is included in this process I would like in writing, the Group's nominee for this selection committee, including name and contact details, by Friday 8 June 2001. This representative will need to be aware of the confidentiality clauses associated with the tendering process.

If you have any further questions on the process please do not hesitate to contact me by telephone on 9217 3796.

Letter from the Director dated 24th April 2001

I refer to your letter of 11 April 2001 regarding the provision of childcare services at the Ultimo College and an invitation to meet with you on the 9 May 2001 at 12.00 noon in Room DG 60. Unfortunately, I am not available on that date. However, Graham Devlin, Deputy Director Corporate Services will represent me at the meeting.

As you are aware, the contract with KU Children's Services expires at the end of this year. With this in mind the Institute has decided to extend an invitation by public advertisement for a suitable qualified contractor to enter into an agreement with the Institute to provide Childcare Services at the Ultimo and Petersham Colleges commencing from January 2002.

Mr Devlin will be pleased to provide you with additional information in relation to the provision of Childcare Services at this meeting.

This letter does not says anything about on-campus childcare. It is important for parents not to assume that on-campus childcare will be provided.

Letter from the Director dated 23rd March 2001

"I refer to your letter of 8 March regarding future planning for childcare services.

As indicated in my letter of 7 March I intend to convene a meeting when options for childcare provision have been identified. Currently there is no proposal, even at a preliminary stage, to form the basis for any meaningful discussion.

In response to your comment about the Institute's "long term commitment" to childcare services, I have, on a number of occasions, reiterated the Institute's commitment to ensure long term arrangements for the provision of childcare. Indeed, the proposal that was under consideration last year provided for a ten year formal agreement for the provision of childcare places at the same level and quality as currently provided. I assure you, and the parents of the Centre, that any future arrangements will also be underpinned by a long-term commitment to childcare services."

In our letter to the Director dated the 8 March we stated that "there is no mention in your letter of any long-term commitment to on-campus childcare."

The Institute Director has ignored the keyword on-campus childcare.

We will be following up this letter with the Institute Director and will continue to ask her to consult with the Parents.

Letter from the Director dated 7th March 2001

On the 19th of February we sent a letter to the Institute Director, asking for the latest proposal on the childcare centre. A reply was sent to us on the 7th of March.

"I refer to your letter of 19 February requesting an update on future planning for childcare services at the Ultimo college.

As you are aware, the Institute accepted the offer made by KU Children's Services t extend its contract until December 2001. The Institute has also made a committment that childcare services will continue to be offered through the Ultimo Childcare Centre throughout this year at the same level as last year.

Although the Institute will be considering options for the future provision of childcare, at this stage investigations are at a very preliminary stage.

I intend to convene a meeting of the Sydney Institute Childcare Reference Group when any further options for childcare provision at Ultimo have been identified."

The Ultimo Childcare Coalition will be following up this letter and reminding the Institute Director of her committment to consult, even at the very preliminary stage of the proposal, the Childcare Reference Group before any decisions are made.

There is no mention of a long term committment to on-campus childcare.