Urgent Concern – Kingston Council to Continue the After-Hours School Program at Southmoor Primary School

To Kingston City Council,  

We are writing to express our deep sadness, shock, and extreme disappointment regarding the council’s probable decision to discontinue the after-hours school program at Southmoor Primary School. This decision is not only distressing for parents, children, the committed staff members, but also has serious consequences for our community.  

First is the financial concern addressed about running this program. However, why is childcare being treated as a money-making business when many other council services operate at a loss for the sake of social welfare? Is childcare not just as important? A child in this after-hours program spends up to 4.45 hours there each day—compared to the 6.5 hours they spend in school. That means nearly 40% of their weekday is spent in this program, making it a critical part of their daily learning and development. During these hours, children engage in meaningful social interactions, problem-solving, and teamwork—essential soft skills that are just as valuable as academic learning. If the council prioritizes funding for certain services, it reflects where it sees the future of the community. Investing in childcare is an investment in the well-being and development of the next generation, not just an expense.  

On the other hand, if the council views this program as a business, then shouldn’t it have actively worked to retain and attract more schools over the past eight years instead of allowing client numbers to decline? Any successful organization facing competition from private providers would develop strategies to survive and thrive—did the council make any effort to do so? Competitive pricing is only one factor; families value many other aspects just as highly, such as consistent and experienced staff, a commitment to quality care, strong communication, and a nurturing environment. Rather than passively allowing this service to shrink, what proactive steps were taken to improve and promote it? Simply waiting to be pushed out of the market is not a strategy—it's surrender.  

Secondly, the well-trained staff who have dedicated themselves to this after-school program are now left heartbroken, forced to say goodbye to the children they have nurtured and supported for years. For them, this is not just a job—it’s a commitment to the well-being and development of every child they care for and the day-to-day growth they have been witnessing for each individual child. Being abruptly separated from these children is a painful and deeply upsetting experience, made worse by the harsh reality that, in the end, everything seems to come down to money. The bonds they have built, the trust they have earned, and the impact they have made now feel disregarded and unacknowledged, leaving them not only saddened but disillusioned by a system that prioritizes cost-cutting over the invaluable relationships and stability they provide.  

Thirdly, it cannot be ignored that private after-school program providers often struggle with high staff turnover, which directly affects the quality of care and the well-being of children. One major issue is the inconsistency in staffing, where children form bonds with caregivers only to see them leave within a short period. What follows is children’s feeling of sadness, frustration, and feel disconnected by losing a trusted adult participant in their life, significantly damaging their sense of security.

Another key concern is child safety. Many private providers operate with lower staff-to-child ratios to meet up their cut-down costs, which can compromise children's physical and mental well-being. A lower ratio means less supervision, increasing the risk of accidents or neglect. Additionally, high staff turnover means new employees may not be fully familiar with the individual needs and personalities of the children, making it harder to provide personalized care and support.  

Job commitment is another issue. Many private after-school program staff members view their positions as temporary gearing-up-stop rather than long-term careers. This lack of job stability reduces motivation and passion, especially when interacting with parents or building long-term relationships with children. Staff members who know they will soon move on are less likely to invest deeply in the program, reducing the overall quality of care.  

As concerning parents, we are not just asking—we are demanding that Kingston Council uphold its responsibility to our children and the community by continuing the current after-hours program. This program is not just a plus service; it is a vital investment in our children's education, emotional well-being, and future success. The dedicated team of educators who have built strong, trusting relationships with our children must be retained, as their consistency and care are irreplaceable. By choosing to cut this program, the council is sending a clear message that short-term cost savings matter more than the long-term success of the next generation. We urge you to make the right choice—invest in the future of our society by keeping this essential program alive.

Amanda Li    Contact the author of the petition