25/05/04 - Celebrating 14 years providing childcare

Cumbria Sure Start is delighted to announce that Cockermouth Out of School Club is celebrating 14 years of providing out of school activities for families in the area. The Club provides care for around 35 children every day after school in the TA Centre in Cockermouth, which they have been renting for the past 8 years   

Cockermouth Out of School Club is part of the Cockermouth After School Scheme. A group of parents set up the first After School Club in September 1990, attracting five children to one of their homes.    

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says   

"The After School club was set up by a group of parents looking for something other than childminders for their children. The aim was to try and get something for the children where they could be together, socialising instead of being at home with a childminder. Just nine months after the launch of the after school club the parents identified that some parents needed before school care and the breakfast club was launched, closely followed by a successful holiday club." 

Wendy Rust of Cockermouth Out of School Club says   

"We are the only people in England to rent a Government building – the TA Centre. And it is the perfect venue for the club, with a large hall for indoor games, as well as other excellent facilities. We are now registered with Ofsted to care for 50 children of infant and junior school age. We have arts and crafts activities, as well as games in the hall and there is also an outside adventure playground."   

A management committee of volunteers runs Cockermouth Out of School Club, who are all parents. The club is self-funding, and provides safe, affordable childcare to meet the needs of local families.