Funding cuts force school club to double its prices (From Essex County Standard)

Funding cuts force school club to double its prices

11:00am Tuesday 22nd March 2011 in News By Frances Leate

SCHOOL bosses have been forced to more than double the cost of an after-school club because of Government cuts.

The club, run five nights a week by St Andrew’s Infants and Junior School, in Hickory Avenue, Colchester is the cheapest after-school club in the town at £4.50 per session.

However, the cost of the club, which is held between 3.15pm and 6pm, could rocket to £10.

The school has run out of money to subsidise it and Essex County Council said there were no grants available for after-school clubs in 2011/12, because of Government cuts.

The club for four to 11-year-olds is used by children who attend five schools in the Greenstead area.

Melody Low, deputy head at the school, said parents had told the school they could not afford a price-hike.

She said: “With school budgets being cut, we are unable to carry on the club at such a low price.

“If we don’t raise the cost we simply won’t be able to pay the staff there.

“We are looking for other sources of funding, but if we are not successful, we will have no choice.

“As a school we fully support the club and we feel it is important for children on the estate to use the resource, as a way of socialising and taking part in activities.

“But if we can’t find any other sources of funding, the price will have to go up.”

The club, which employs two fully-qualified childcare workers, was set up two years ago with a start-up grant from the county council.

Last year, the school was able to secure a grant, to cover the costs of the group until the end of this academic year.

Parents have been sent letters warning them of the potential price hike.

The club offers a variety of activities, such as crafts, painting, sports and dressing up.