Maida Vale Play Project: Update
The debate regarding the Maida Vale Play Project continues apace, following the ending of the official consultation period several weeks ago.
We realise that Westminster Council has a very difficult job in this area - for two reasons. Firstly, the Play Project is significantly under-used during term time - and so it is important that the Council does continaully look at the way in which it provides services to guarantee value for money for local Council taxpayers. Secondly, we are already well-served in Maida Vale regarding provision for children - with three clubs in operation, based at Essendine School, St. Augustine's School and the Play Project itself, in the Rec. The government's official policy in this area is to instruct Councils to base their after-school outreach on school premises and so provides funding on that basis. This has enabled the Council to spent a significant amount of money on providing some fantastic new facilities at Essendine which are due to open later this month.
All of this information has been provided to parents and parent's representatives and formed part of the recent consultation process. Many parents and interested parties have responded to the consultation, offering their comments and thoughts. As local Councillors, we are also providing comments. Last week, we also delivered a 600-strong petition to the Council on behalf of local parents signalling our support for keeping the Play Project in the Rec. We have also arranged meetings between the Cabinet Member who will make the ultimate decision and local parents.
We are continuing to have discussions with Sarah, the Cabinet Member, and her team to find an agreeable way forward. We know that Children's Services is under great pressure to improve efficiency andvalue for money for all residents and we respect the agenda they are pursuing. Nonetheless, we will continue to fight to keep Play Project facilities within the Rec and to ensure that the voices of parents are heard before any decision is made.
We'll keep you informed.
Alastair, Jan and Lee
We realise that Westminster Council has a very difficult job in this area - for two reasons. Firstly, the Play Project is significantly under-used during term time - and so it is important that the Council does continaully look at the way in which it provides services to guarantee value for money for local Council taxpayers. Secondly, we are already well-served in Maida Vale regarding provision for children - with three clubs in operation, based at Essendine School, St. Augustine's School and the Play Project itself, in the Rec. The government's official policy in this area is to instruct Councils to base their after-school outreach on school premises and so provides funding on that basis. This has enabled the Council to spent a significant amount of money on providing some fantastic new facilities at Essendine which are due to open later this month.
All of this information has been provided to parents and parent's representatives and formed part of the recent consultation process. Many parents and interested parties have responded to the consultation, offering their comments and thoughts. As local Councillors, we are also providing comments. Last week, we also delivered a 600-strong petition to the Council on behalf of local parents signalling our support for keeping the Play Project in the Rec. We have also arranged meetings between the Cabinet Member who will make the ultimate decision and local parents.
We are continuing to have discussions with Sarah, the Cabinet Member, and her team to find an agreeable way forward. We know that Children's Services is under great pressure to improve efficiency andvalue for money for all residents and we respect the agenda they are pursuing. Nonetheless, we will continue to fight to keep Play Project facilities within the Rec and to ensure that the voices of parents are heard before any decision is made.
We'll keep you informed.
Alastair, Jan and Lee
Labels: Paddington Rec, Play Project
posted by Lee Rowley at Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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