Summer holiday childcare schemes
Posted on Friday 28th August 2020
Council leader Councillor Jane Mudd with children and staff at one of the summer childcare venues
During the summer holidays, more than 300 children have been cared for and entertained in safe and secure venues in schemes run by Newport City Council and partners.
While schools were closed, care was provided for the children of key workers and vulnerable children using Covid-19 funding.
However, this came to an end before the school holidays so the council decided to step in and continue this vital childcare provision using some Welsh Government funding and a donation from First Campus.
Schemes for children aged two to four and five to 12 were established at venues across the city as well as a specialist care scheme. The council worked with Duffryn Community Link, Clybiau Plant Cymru and Newport Live in order to offer as many places as possible.
Over five weeks, more than 268 children of key workers were able to use the schemes while more than 60 vulnerable children took up places.
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "From the many positive comments we have received, I know how much our childcare provision has been appreciated by families both during lockdown and during the holidays.
"Key workers make an invaluable contribution to our lives and it was important that we made sure their children had a safe, secure and enjoyable place to stay so they could continue their vital roles.
"I'm delighted that we were able to continue that support during the school holidays so parents who needed it did not have to worry about making alternative arrangements.
"I would like to thank all staff, and our partners, who have worked so hard and provided such wonderful childcare and First Campus for its kind and generous contribution."
Below are just some examples of feedback about the provision:
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for the support you have given our family over the last month. The girls have both thoroughly enjoyed their time with you and both their dad and I have been very happy to leave our children in the care of the team, finding all team members we have come into contact with welcoming and helpful."
"Without you we would have really struggled the last few months."
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for you kindness and for making (my daughter's) experience of lockdown fun and exciting."