Playscheme hits back at criticism (From Barry And District News)

Playscheme hits back at criticism

A BARRY playscheme is hitting back at complaints that there are not enough childcare provisions at affordable prices.

Organisers of the after school club say that having someone look after the kids while you work is not always expensive.

And that their group, based at in Barry Comprehensive School, is a popular and safe environment for children to stay.

Run by qualified and experienced staff, the club has the run of the school hall and gymnasium.

Supervisor Kerrie Taylor said: "We are registered under Social Services, and, as such, we have strict rules and regulations to follow. But we keep the costs down to a minimum."

At the moment, pupils from the feeder schools of Colcot Primary, Holton Road and Palmerston, are collected by minibus and taken to Barry Comp-rehensive. There is no separate charge for this service.

Kerrie added: "We offer children a wide range of developmental activities, like board games, a pool table and access to the gym. We also offer crafts, like model making or painting and drawing, and even have television hooked up to Sky if they just want to chill out."

There is no long-term commitment. Kerrie said: "We can take up to 18 young people aged from between four and 12. But we offer a rota basis. So there may be days when we're not needed by one parent, but we are by another. And if we get full, we'll put names on a waiting list."

The cost of childcare averages out to about £5 an hour in the Vale of Glamorgan. But the Barry 'Out-Of-School' Club charges £5.50 for the first child, £4.40 for a second, for a light tea and to supervise them from 3.30pm until 6pm.

During the school holidays the club was open from 8am to 6pm, with breakfast and lunch provided with entertainment for just £15 a day for the first child and £7.50 for the second.

There are still places left at the club. For more information contact Kerrie Taylor on 01446 404081.