THE boss of a successful before and after school club service has said it is in “desperate” need of new staff amid the whole childcare sector “struggling”.

Catherine Joyner has lived in the Colchester area for 25 years and is the managing director of Fun 4 Kids Colchester.

Previously working in a nursery at the Colchester garrison, she was encouraged to set up her own firm and the organisation was started 19 years ago.

Safe environment - Fun 4 Kids LTD staff with pupils looking at a rainbowSafe environment - Fun 4 Kids LTD staff with pupils looking at a rainbow (Image: Fun 4 Kids LTD) Beginning with just one provision at St Michael’s Primary School and Nursery, in Camulodunum Way, it now has six different club locations across Colchester and Essex for children from the beginning of reception until the end of year six.

Although things are going well, Catherine has had little luck in the hunt for new qualified staff over the last few months.

The company is searching for a new manager for the Highwoods provision with the previous employee being promoted to area manager.

Boss - Catherine JoynerBoss - Catherine Joyner (Image: Fun 4 Kids LTD) Catherine said: “I have been looking for someone for Highwoods since June.

“I’m still not getting any interest.

“There has been a big recruitment drive for nursery workers in the sector, there is just a shortage and many don’t want to go into it seems.”

Provision - the Fun 4 Kids Highwoods buildingProvision - the Fun 4 Kids Highwoods building (Image: Fun 4 Kids LTD) For Fun 4 Kids provides “wrap-around care” and is open from 7am to 9am, with staff working from 3pm to about 6pm.

The main aim is to provide a "safe, secure, stimulating and child-centred environment".

Catherine says the business pays minimum wage and above but also has to pay for overheads such as rent, play equipment, and more, despite only receiving payment from parents.

Employing - a Fun 4 Kids graphicEmploying - a Fun 4 Kids graphic (Image: Fun 4 Kids LTD)

Catherine said while she understands the hours and pay may not be suitable for everyone, she truly believes the industry is struggling.

Catherine said: “We have a meeting with a school next week to open a provision but unless I can recruit the staff in advance, we won’t be able to open. It’s very difficult.

“It’s a very undervalued sector, people don’t see you as a professional business, childminders have the same thing.

“But we deliver really high care, we want to help these children thrive."

For information on the job, email cathy@fun4kidscolchester.co.uk.