Tooqinn Kids Club, which is owned by Amanda Toomey and Samantha Quinn is a cherished after schools service at St. Joseph's Primary School in Tipperary. Over the past two years, Tooqinn Kids Club has grown into a beloved institution that currently caters to 64 children, with plans to expand to approximately 80 children starting in September.

Two years ago, the girls were encouraged by the then Acting Principal to relocate their successful childcare service from the local soccer club premises (Cooke Park) to St. Joseph's Primary School. Following discussions with school management, they agreed to do so and established the service on the school grounds. Throughout this period they were given repeated verbal assurances that the school wished to build a long-term relationship with the service and that they could confidently invest in its future.

Acting in good faith on those assurances, they invested approximately €15,000 in refurbishing a cabin on the school grounds. They developed the service, employed staff, maintained their own insurance cover and met all financial commitments to the school, including rent and utility payments. The €15,000 investment is not a minor matter. School representatives encouraged that investment while discussing a long-term future for the service. 

Regrettably, we're now facing the possibility of losing this invaluable resource as Tooquinn has received two letters from the Board of Management at the school. One informed them that they would not be permitted to operate their Summer Camp programme this year, despite 40 children already being booked to attend. The second informed them that the Board of Management had decided not to renew their contract for the coming year. 

The potential closure of Tooqinn Kids Club would not only disrupt the daily lives of the children in their care but also negatively impact the families who rely on the club for childcare and community support.

Tooqinn Kids Club is more than just an after-school service. It's a safe space where children develop essential social skills, engage in educational activities, and form lasting friendships. It provides parents with peace of mind knowing their children are in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Losing the club would mean losing these benefits and would leave many families scrambling for alternative solutions. Moreover, the expected increase in enrolment highlights the growing demand for such community services in our area.

This is not a small after-school operation.

* 64 children currently attending.
* 80+ expected in September.
* 40 children already booked for Summer Camp.
* Up to 6 staff employed (including the co-owners).
* €15,000 invested in the cabin on site.
* Two years successfully operating on site.

Is this really the fair and Christian way to treat two young women who were invited in, encouraged to invest, and who built a valued service for 64 children and their families?

We urge the Board of Management of St. Joseph's Primary School to consider the far-reaching implications of not renewing the Tooqinn Kids Club contract. Let us come together to preserve a service that has become integral to our community’s daily life.

Please sign this petition to help us safeguard Tooqinn Kids Club and ensure its continuation for the benefit of current and future generations.