Russet Homes fund kitchen for after school club

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health, Local Government

Relieved working parents can now leave their children in the safe hands of trained staff at a new after school and breakfast club at St Peter’s Primary School in Aylesford thanks to vital funding from Russet Homes.

During a playground survey at St Peter’s Primary many parents said they felt an after school and breakfast club was crucial to provide their children with a safe and secure place throughout their working day. There was just one major obstacle in the way – a lack of kitchen facilities.

Marilyn Smith, Community Investment Manager for Russet Homes said: “We are exploring various opportunities to work together on school projects, particularly in areas where many of our tenants live, that have a strong community focus to support our Sustainable Communities Strategy. We agreed to fund the cost to build and fully equip a new kitchen, and buy a TV and DVD player to help keep the children entertained.”

The new kitchen meant the club received the go ahead to open its doors to children aged up to 11 years between 8am and 6pm and provide them with a proper breakfast and tea.

“For some of the children it is the first time they will have had a regular breakfast.” Marilyn continued, “The club is proving to be extremely popular and we are pleased we could step in and help give local children an enjoyable and safe place to play out of school hours.”

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s largest providers of affordable housing in the UK, Russet Homes own and manage around 6,600 properties, including 11 sheltered housing schemes, in Tonbridge and Malling.