AN after-school and holiday club that has supported generations of families in Winterbourne has closed.
The Greenfield Club, which was run by a small charity with a volunteer committee, told parents its closure at the end of March was down to “a combination of challenges that have made continued operation unsustainable”.
Parents, staff and teachers at schools whose pupils attend the clubs have expressed their sadness at the move.
Some have raised concerns that they may not be able to find alternatives as the Easter holidays approached.
The club, based at the Greenfield Centre in Park Avenue, Winterbourne (above), first registered with Ofsted in 1996, and at its peak provided care for up to 40 children per session, before and after school, as well as an all-day holiday club.
It was used mainly by families with children attending Elm Park Primary School next door, and St Michael’s.
At its last Ofsted inspection in 2023 the club had 70 children aged from five to 11 on its roll, with a manager and five other staff.
Inspectors praised the club, which had been rated as ‘outstanding’ before the regulator abolished one-word judgements for clubs.
Parents, carers and staff were given two weeks’ notice that the club would be closing at the end of March.
‘This is a big blow’
One mum, who asked not to be named, said parents were called to a meeting to be told the news.
She said: “It was really good for my child. He is autistic and he absolutely loves it there, the interaction and different activities available.
“I have just moved jobs and I have no family available to look after my child. This is a big blow.
“There are single parents out there – people with no support network.
“At this moment, there is now no provision for after-hours care.
“The staff are very upset – some have been there from almost the start.”
‘Difficult decision’
The club’s committee explained the reasons for closure in a statement, which said: “This difficult decision follows a combination of challenges that have made continued operation unsustainable.
“In recent years, demand for the club’s services has declined as local primary schools expanded their own breakfast and after-school provision, and as additional holiday club options became available within the wider area.
“Following the Covid-19 pandemic and loss of use of the Elm Park School field, attendance numbers reduced further, and limited take-up of the breakfast club led to that service being discontinued.
“These factors had a significant impact on the charity’s financial viability.
“Rising staffing costs and ongoing difficulties in recruiting qualified practitioners and a deputy manager have added further pressure.
“Despite extensive recruitment efforts over several months, the charity was unable to secure the staffing levels required to operate effectively during the Easter holiday period and beyond.
“With no feasible way to continue providing a legally compliant and sustainable service, the committee made the regrettable decision to close the club, giving parents two weeks’ notice. “Committee members engaged with local schools and the Parish Council regarding the closure and provided the community’s feedback on the need for wraparound supports in the local area.
“The committee extends its gratitude to the children, families, staff, and community members who have supported the Greenfield Club over many years.”
Elm Park deputy head teacher Sarah Lugg said the school community was “saddened” to hear of the closure, adding: “It has been an invaluable source of support for parents and a wonderful environment for children over many years.
“We fully understand that this situation will cause concern for families regarding childcare and we are currently exploring possible ways to offer support with this.”