The two the best friends who set up a before and after school club which children love so much they don't want to go home

Mums Bethany and Sophie are making a big impact on the lives of young children after launching a popular before and after school club.

The best pals are owner managers of Little Saplings at their children's school, St Paul's Primary in Royton.

They launched the club, which also runs in the school holidays, in September 2021 after recognising a need with headteacher Hilary Henderson.

Sophie explained: "We worked closely with Mrs Henderson to launch a club where children from reception could see familiar faces from around the school.

"The older ones take them under their wings like mother hens."

Bethany and Sophie, who have known each other for years, are often mistaken for sisters.

"People do think we are related. We talk the same and we mirror each others' actions," Bethany said.

Children can play and relax at their welcoming club while developing social skills, and together they celebrate occasions including Pancake Day and Valentine's Day.

This week they made cards and decorated biscuits with love-heart sweets and pink sprinkles.

The club also hosts film nights and children are given healthy snacks and a drink. 

Bethany's daughters Amelie, nine, and Evelyn, seven, and Sophie's sons Rory, nine, and Joel, four, are pupils at St Paul's and they also attend Little Saplings.

"They are like brothers and sisters," said Sophie.

And she said about the club: "We now have about 30 children on the register.

"They love coming in and telling us about their day.

"We greet them like we would like our own children to be greeted after school."

Bethany agreed: "It feels good when they enjoy coming to the club so much that sometimes they don't want to go home.

"When the nights get lighter and their parents arrive to take them home they look at them as if to say 'why are you here so soon?' 

"And we have the same values here as the school, such as respect for the space they play in and the equipment."

Mrs Henderson said: "We had a high demand from our parents and we wanted to support parents to go out to work and achieve their ambitions.

"A couple of our parents came forward to say they'd be interested in running it, as one was a teacher and one worked for Early Help.

"Their values all align with school and the club is very much part of the school.

"School is a safe place where they can be with their friends while the club supports their independence and their parents being able to work while they accesses a good day at school."

Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Before and after school clubs are a great way for children to learn new skills, socialise and make friends while being looked after in a safe and relaxing environment. 

"Children are bonding through play and creativity away from the traditional school classroom while at the same time helping working parents to juggle work and childcare.

"They can work or take up more hours knowing that their child is well cared for.

"Children can learn a new skill or pursue an interest outside of school hours, helping to enhance their overall development and improving school performance.

"Being around other children can also motivate them to learn something new."

Breakfast clubs and after school provision for primary school aged children in England, also known as wraparound childcare, typically run from 8am until 6pm during term time either on a school site or another local setting such as a community centre, a nursery, or a childminder. 

You can speak to your child’s school to find out what childcare is currently available in your area, and you can request that your child’s school consider setting up wraparound childcare if they do not already provide it. 

If you are eligible, you will be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare to help pay for their place.

For more information, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/wraparound

And for advice and information about setting up wraparound care, email: jackie.hanley2@oldham.gov.uk

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