LASC News

Aiming high and reaching the target

Date: September 16th 2004
Source: Advertiser

LOANHEAD After Schools Club continues to go from strength to strength as it approaches its 10th anniversary.

The club has been awarded an Aiming High Scotland level 3 - the highest level possible in the Scottish Out of Schools Care Network's quality assurance scheme - following an assessment of its work practices, premises and management style.

Project manager Irene Hogg said: "This is a quality assurance scheme dedicated to out of school services. This is a great achievement for any out of school care and the first to be achieved in Midlothian."

As part of the assessment, LASC had to submit a portfolio which had been built up over the past year to show that 16 quality standards had been met.

These included commitment to quality, meeting the needs of children and young people, and staffing. Each standard had 20 areas to cover.

Mrs Hogg was thrilled when the after schools club met all the standards and gained four 'excellents' for the management of the service, and indoor and outdoor play opportunities. "It is very welcoming to be recognised for high quality service that we provide," she added.

LASC was established in 1995 with only six children attending one after school care service in Loanhead. Nine years on, LASC consists of two after school clubs, two breakfast clubs, one community nursery, one holiday club and one out-reach creche. Childcare is now offered in Roslin as well as Loanhead and more than 150 childcare places are provided on a daily basis.

The staff and committee have worked hard to develop and secure funding for the various expansions, including a lottery grant to fund the community nursery.

The club also employs a dedicated special needs support worker in each of its services.

Activities provided for the children are varied and have included circus skills, indoor and outdoor activities, badminton and kickboxing.

There have been numerous outings and visits have included Deep Sea World, country parks and one of the children's favourites, the Jelly Club.

This year staff are working towards SVQ qualifications and have participated in training days for sign language.

They will also be participating in the Scottish Health at Work scheme and LASC is working towards the Investors in People Award.

Happy Children and staff from Loanhead After Schools Club where quality is assured.