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
Bethany and Sophie, two best friends and mothers, have successfully set up a before and after school club called Little Saplings at St Paul's Primary in Royton. The club, which also operates during school holidays, provides a welcoming environment for children to socialize, play, and celebrate special occasions. The initiative has been well-received by both children and parents, with around 30 children currently registered. The club aligns with the school's values and supports working parents by
Bethany and Sophie, best friends who are often mistaken for sisters, have transformed St Paul’s Primary in Royton with their thriving before and after school club that launched in September 2021.
The duo, who run Little Saplings at their children’s school, identified the need for wraparound care alongside headteacher Hilary Henderson and now serve approximately 30 children with activities ranging from biscuit decorating to film nights.
“We worked closely with Mrs Henderson to launch a club where children from reception could see familiar faces from around the school,” Sophie explained. “The older ones take them under their wings like mother hens.”
The welcoming environment allows children to play and relax while developing social skills, with the club celebrating occasions including Pancake Day and Valentine’s Day. This week saw youngsters creating cards and decorating biscuits with love-heart sweets and pink sprinkles, alongside regular healthy snacks and drinks.
Bethany’s daughters Amelie, nine, and Evelyn, seven, and Sophie’s sons Rory, nine, and Joel, four, attend both the school and the club, where “they are like brothers and sisters,” according to Sophie.
The impact extends beyond the children to working parents, as Mrs Henderson noted: “We had a high demand from our parents and we wanted to support parents to go out to work and achieve their ambitions. Their values all align with school and the club is very much part of the school.”
Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, emphasized the broader benefits: “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.”
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