Driving Evesham children to Shine

The environment

We recycle as much as possible. The children are very well tuned into the need for this from schools. We have very minimal food waste as surplus food is sent to children’s homes. The children help to grow some of our own food in a small greenhouse and raised bed. We regularly use surplus food from local supermarkets in our food preparation and thereby reduce waste to landfill.

The local economy

We ensured children are safe after school enabling parents to work, seek employment or training. We have only had one trainee placement as the college course feeding this area has moved from Evesham and placements are no longer so viable.

Volunteering, jobs & education

As our trained staff move on to more full-time employment, we continue to recruit well, both Playworkers, and more recently a chef. All staff have a qualification in Paediatric First Aid. We have a volunteer who works to find, apply for and secure grant funding. Our children have been learning valuable life skills in food growing, preparation and cooking, as well as washing and clearing away.

Arts, culture & heritage

We have had musicians in as part of out HAF work, The children respond especially well to dance events which two of our Playworkers enjoy providing. We also have a Wii which was donated to us and which we can use to support dance and other physical activities. Most days craft activities are part of the timetable for the after-school session. During HAF a weeks we are able to access specialist arts and crafts, and musical providers eg Severn Arts

Activity, health and leisure

We have an outdoor space which the children use almost every day. We spent approximately £1000 on outdoor equipment funded by Groundworks, through our local Tesco store. We purchased scooters, skipping ropes, balls, pogo sticks, ‘stepping stones’ hula hoops etc. Staff put out differing items each session. The children undertake a range of craft activities, often themed to the time of year. They also help with healthy food preparation. We even grow some of our own food in a small greenhouse and raised bed. During HAF weeks the children visit different activity parks. During the winter HAF they attend a pantomime. Cake and biscuit making have become especially popular since we employed our wonderful chef! We continue to work with the Methodist Church to improve the quality of the outdoor space,