Posted on: Wednesday 9 September 2020
Over the summer period Torfaen Play, Youth and Sport Development services came together to provide a fun filled and engaging childcare provision for keyworker children and the most vulnerable.
The Council provided seven school based childcare hubs to support keyworker and vulnerable children, providing the equivalent of 3306 days of support.
Staff adapted to a new and often challenging way of working in line with the Covid-19 guidelines whilst ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children were paramount at all times.
Children had the opportunity to take part in a range of activities each day at hubs including the daily mile, team games, music, arts and crafts and more.
Prior to the summer break the same teams also worked in partnership with school teachers and Torfaen catering and cleaning teams to provide daily support to children of keyworkers at select primary and secondary school locations.
Since the childcare hubs formed services have been inundated with thank you messages from parents and carers, thanking them for the enthusiasm and care shown in supporting their children during these tough times. Some included:
‘This service has been a life saver for me as a self-employed keyworker. It has allowed me to work knowing my boys are cared for and having fun’ Emma Jeffries – Parent at Llantarnam Hub
‘These guys have literally saved me, my job and my sanity whist providing the most enjoyable, exiting, friendly and also professional time for my son.’ Emma Littlejohn – Parent at George Street Hub
‘Despite it being unsettling times, my children have had an amazing summer with you and want the hub to continue every summer. They have felt safe, always came home with a fun story to tell and gained so much confidence and new friends.’ Shel Ley – Parent at New Inn Hub
Executive Member for Children, Families & Communities, Councillor Fiona Cross said, “We are extremely proud to have been able to support the most vulnerable children and children of keyworkers in Torfaen in attending childcare hub provisions over the past several months, which in effect helped many parents and carers to continue working.
By working collaboratively, our dedicated play, sports and youth teams have been able to deliver fun activities whilst following the social distancing rules and guidance.
All staff involved in both the summer childcare provision and childcare hubs delivered in the midst of the pandemic have gone above and beyond. All services have worked so well together throughout these challenging times and have provided children with a fun and safe environment to play”