TRYING to find someone to look after your child whilst you work can be hard in Campbeltown but the Afterschool Club is on hand to help.
The club now has vacancies.
It is based at the Community Centre and started in 1999. Last year they were caring for 16 kids but now the numbers have gone down to five children on average, per day.
They are open five days a week and require funding to cover their fees. The club is a charity and under a new government initiative to encourage more people to go back to work the town must be seen to provide this care.
The club is part-funded by the Childcare Partnership and the shortfall has to be made up either through fundraising or donations.
As well as the after school care the club also sometimes provides on-the-spot cover during club hours.
It is run by qualified carers Kareen Cox, Sharon Baikie and Susan Power. Kareen and Susan both have an SVQ III and Sharon is working towards her SVQ IV. They receive help from four Grammar School girls Rebecca Russell, Rebecca McPherson, Leslie Hume and Louise Mitchell two days per week.
Kareen said: ‘We are open to all the schools in the area and cater for Primary 1-7. We are trying to get people to realise we’re here so our numbers can grow.
‘As well as providing care during the school term we also do the majority of holidays, excluding Christmas. We take the children for trips around the area including to the lifeboat station and the paddling pool when the weather is good.
‘Some days there are structured activities, and others it is more relaxed but the kids have the choice of whether they want to join in. We have lots of arts and crafts stuff and different materials to keep the kids occupied.
‘Some parents can get help through tax credits and can get some or all of the care paid for them. For more information contact us on 01586 552606.’
