Hitchin: Strathmore Fun Club to close after 25 years

The decision was made after Strathmore Infant & Nursery School, where the club is based, told the Fun Club that the school will be running its own afterschool provision instead.

Amanda Wright, manager of the Fun Club, said that the news they would no longer be able to run at the Hitchin school was "really shocking and distressing" for her and staff at the Fun Club.

"We'd been doing it for such a long time, it's been such a big part of my life.

Strathmore Fun Club has been running for more than 25 years. (Image: Strathmore Fun Club)

"I really put my heart and soul into it, so it's really sad to know that it's all going to come to an end."

Amanda said that it was not possible for the club to continue elsewhere: "We can't set up anywhere else - it has to be in a school to work ... for the children's transition from school to club.

"And all the schools have got them now, so we can't move anywhere else."

Rachel Howes, headteacher at Strathmore Infant & Nursery School, said that the decision to run their own provision was partly because the school is "in a difficult financial situation ... like most schools".

"We have needed to explore all options on how to increase our income which many other schools are also having to do.

"Our only options were to increase the number of hirings and run our own wraparound provision.

The Fun Club's last week has been marked with special events, such as this teddy bear hunt. (Image: Strathmore Fun Club)

"This is in line with the government's National Wraparound Childcare Programme launched in February 2024.

"[Strathmore] Fun Club were given considerable notice to find alternative premises to continue to run their provision - they were not closed by the school.

"As part of our recruitment process, current Fun Club staff were taken into consideration and invited to apply for wraparound positions and other roles within the school. We are sad that Fun Club have chosen to end their services.

"They have been a big part of the local community for many years and have made a difference to the lives of lots of pupils."

Amanda said that the decision was a consequence of schools being "run more like businesses and headteachers being more like business managers".

And, while it has been a difficult time for her and others connected to the Fun Club, she added: "I am getting used to the idea now. We said we'd go out on a high and really make the most of it, make sure the children leave happy.

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"We've been making sure we still carry on with our ethos of having really good fun at the club and the children are happy."

They have been able to mark the closure, with a recent picnic and a range of special events this week - including a party, a teddy bear hunt and a big football match - before their final day on Friday (July 19).

Amanda paid tribute to the parents who have children at the Fun Club: "The parents have been so kind, they donated £300 for our staff to go out, they gave us flowers, they did this beautiful picture from a local artist.

"The parents have been so supportive, it's really helped, knowing they really did appreciate the club."

As a parting gift for the children, Amanda has written a book for all the children at the Fun Club which she hopes will guide them in "being kind and showing that you care", as well as providing practical advice about how to, for example, handle emergencies.

Copies of the book can be ordered by emailing strathmorefunclub@outlook.com.