Maida Vale Play Project

Over the last few months, ourselves and local parents have been involved in discussions about the future of the Maida Vale Play Project, based in Paddington Rec.

As local Councillors, we know and understand the depth of feeling associated with the Play Project - and just how much the children who attend enjoy it being situated in the Rec. We have been vociferous both in public and private about the need to find a solution which balances the needs of the Children's Services Department to show value-for-money against the exceptionally important right of parents to send their children to their preferred choice of childcare.

The Cabinet Member for Children's Services has now made a decision on the Play Project. And as a result of intense lobbying by both ourselves and local parents, we have been able to secure a number of compromises and concessions. From July, the Play Project will amalgamate with the fantastic new facilities built at Essendine School - and children will attend the Essendine School centre during the week. However, we are glad to have secured agreement that the Project will be able to use the new facilities in the Pavilion both on Saturdays and during school holidays.

As local councillors, we understand that a number of parents are disappointed with both with the process and the outcome - as we were too. But we are glad to have been able to secure the concessions and we are very glad that the children will still have access to the Rec. We are now looking forward to the new facilities both in the Rec and at Essendine being used and enjoyed by the children.

Alastair