Sidley playscheme under threat

Debbie Clarke, who chairs the voluntarily- managed holiday club Sidley Playscene, says the holiday day care facility may not be able reopen for future school holidays.

"After five years of providing quality, yet affordable day care to Sidley families, the group is becoming not financially viable due to a sudden fall in children attending.

"Sidley Playscene opened when a need for such a facility was identified.

"It was to be a non-profit making organisation with the aim to provide childcare during school holidays for working parents. Surestart provided the set-up grant and contributed towards the running costs for three years, this support ended in April this year.

"The outcome of the last OFSTED visit was 'good'. Playscene has always provided excellent care and planned activities and experiences for the children, ensuring their safety, enjoyment and wellbeing.

"All Saints' church hall is an ideal venue because it's spacious, has a smaller 'quiet' room and a secure outdoor play area and large field.

"The setting has become renowned for its positive inclusion policy and has always provided trained support workers for children with varying special needs."

Debbie coordinated the club until the beginning of this year when her other work commitments increased.

Since then a new coordinator has come and gone. The project has lost funds. With no reserves in the bank Sidley Playscene had to accommodate the maximum of 30 children a day to cover costs.

Debbie said this week: "The reason for falling numbers this holiday is the opening of another holiday play scheme in Sidley that is charging 12 per day, undercutting the 15 a day Playscene charges.

"Playscene cannot compete with this, as rent has to be paid to All Saints Church for the use of the premises, there is the daily costs of craft materials and healthy snacks, as well as the staff wages." Debbie says she is grateful to the staff who work hard for a token wage that does not reflect the great responsibility of caring for the children.

"Although staffing has had to be cut to minimum, the ratios and qualifications required by OFSTED have all been maintained.

"The voluntary management committee will be meeting soon to make a decision about the future of Sidley Playscene. Without a dramatic rise in numbers or some financial assistance, the sad fact is the group will have to close."

If anyone can help in any way, please contact Sidley Playscene on mobile: 07749716408 or email [email protected]

The project is making a special offer to all parents - if you book a half-day (8.00) session at Sidley Playscene for your child during the summer, they can bring a friend free! This offer is limited to one half-day session per family.