Sowerby Bridge News

Summer Holiday Childcare Help From Calderdale

Finding childcare during the summer holidays can often be a nightmare for parents. They have to use their own holiday, ask family and friends for help, or rely on the flexibility of their employers to ensure their children are cared for and active during the summer break.

However, help is at hand… Calderdale Council is one of only 19 authorities chosen to take part in a Government funded pilot, and is working with childcare providers across the Borough to make sure more childcare is available this summer.

Training has also been given to make sure childcare providers have the skills and qualifications needed to work well with older children.

Holiday Pilot project coordinators Habada Zhatoon and Jill Greenwood, are delighted with the response. Many providers have applied for additional funds to enhance their services to meet the needs of local parents and their children.

Habada says:
“We’ve had a fantastic response from providers which is great news for local working parents. There is often a childcare gap during the holidays because it doesn’t match the working hours of parents. Many of the successful grant applicants will be offering extended childcare from 8am to 6pm.”

Jill adds:
“Providers have applied for funding to broaden the age range they can cater for. Older children (8-14 year olds) can often feel they are ‘too old’ for childcare but their parents are not comfortable leaving them alone. Through this pilot scheme, there will be more activities and trips for them to take part in, along with suitably qualified staff.”

The Government committed £5.5 million to fund the 19 pilots across England. In Calderdale, 23 settings have been awarded grants including day nurseries, out-of-school clubs, pre-schools, outdoor activity organisations and voluntary youth projects.

Parents who are interested in finding holiday care and activities for children and young people can contact the Families Information Service on 01422 253053 or email fis@calderdale.gov.uk