Early years groups benefit from grant aid

Early years groups in Carlisle and Brampton are celebrating after Carlisle Local Committee approved grants to enable them to buy new equipment. 

Play Raffles, a community based children and young people's charity, was given £461 to buy new toys, equipment and materials for the babies and toddlers who go to the centre. The group offers a variety of services to children including pre school for 2 to 5 year olds, a family group for 0 to 5 year olds and their carers, an after school club for 4 to 7 year olds and 7 to 12 year olds and a holiday play scheme. 

Lanercost After School, which provides out of school childcare five nights a week for children who attend the school, was given £506 to buy play equipment. 

Councillor John Collier, Chairman of Carlisle Local Committee, said:   

"We all know how important early years provision is in helping children to grow in every respect and I am pleased we have been able to give this grant. The equipment Play Raffles hope to buy will give children the opportunity to extend their experiences, knowledge and development skills. Staff at Play Raffles are committed to helping the children grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and this grant will help them do that. 

Lanercost After School Club offers quality play in a safe and caring environment for about 40% of children attending the school. They will be using our grant to buy arts and craft resources and games equipment which will enable play workers to provide exciting, creative and challenging activities for the children to help with their personal and social development. These are two worthy groups."