Wokingham

Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Iain Brown was on hand last week (Friday February 24) to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Wokingham Hawthorns’ After-School Club.

Wokingham Cllr Brown and his escort Carole Brown joined over 30 children at the after-school club, based in Woosehill, Wokingham which provides a friendly and stimulating environment for children whose parents are unable to meet them from school because of other commitments such as work or study.

The idea for the club first came about in July 2005 when a need for such a facility was identified by a group of parents led by Sian Thornley and Sheila Coles. A voluntary committee was established soon after and they worked extremely hard over the following six months to get the club up and running. They opened their doors for the first time in January 2006 and the club is available to all children who attend the Hawthorn’s Primary School.

The club received start-up funding from central government’s SureStart initiative to help with the cost of equipment, rent and staff salaries. Funding was also allocated by SureStart and the school themselves, to create a path from the school to the church, which means that pupils have safe and easy access to the club.

Wokingham Chairman Cllr Iain Brown said: “It was a pleasure to officially open the after-school club and meet the children. With many parents working full-time, clubs like the one at Hawthorns can be a great help to working parents by providing a safe environment for their children to play and learn after school. This club offers a range of varied activities from arts and crafts, to sport and music activities and it was very clear to me that they children love attending this club! It was good to see so many people helping and having fun themselves. There is a relaxed and happy atmosphere and I wish it every success for the future, especially for their plans to start a breakfast and holiday club as well.”

Sian Thornley from Hawthorns’ After-School Club said: “The committee formed in August and have worked extremely hard to find the correct staff, and to create an Ofsted registered after school club, which meets local needs for good quality affordable childcare.

“Currently the club has 26 children registered, and is registered with Ofsted for 40 places per session. The club and committee are very excited about what the future holds as they grow and expand.”

Wokingham District Council