Friendly Faces was taken over by the Governing Body at Robin Hood last August and now operates as a not-for-profit Before and After School Club, managed by the school. The Governing Body took the decision to bring Friendly Faces in-house as that was the overwhelming choice of parents when a questionnaire on the subject was put out in late 2009. The Governing Body felt that on-site childcare care at Before and After School Clubs could be best quality-assured – and thus the interests of parents could be best served - if management responsibility resided with the school.
The Club benefitted from a £48,000 investment in the fabric, fixtures and fittings of the building courtesy of a Sure Start grant won in a competitive bidding process in March 2010. At that time, very significant improvements were made, including; UPVC double-glazing throughout, full re-wiring, lowered ceiling, in-filled corner section that now provides cloakroom space, fully re-fitted and remodelled toilets, re-roofing, improved access and fire exits, re-fitted kitchen, air extraction, etc.
On taking responsibility for managing the provision that changed its name from Little Acorns to Friendly Faces – a name chosen by the children attending the Club – the school took on increased costs. The cost of staffing rose significantly, as Friendly Faces staff were job-matched against other posts within Leeds City Council… a process that has happened nationwide… and weekly hours for cleaning and food preparation were increased. The budget for the weekly food shopping was tripled from that of Little Acorns in order to ensure that children were receiving very good value for money and a wide variety and choice of foods. £4,000 of investment in furniture and resources was also made for the opening of the Club in September. A further £5,000 has now been spent on improved security, heating and lighting – courtesy of a further £2,500 Sure Start grant – and on furniture and play resources. These have all been necessary expenditures to bring the Club steadily towards a level of quality that we aspire to. Prices for the Clubs have remained constant at the Little Acorns, and formerly Apple Tree, rates.
Mar 2011
