Letter to parents – August 2020
Dear Club members
At the time of writing we have managed, after a lot of hard work, to work out how we can provide firstly a summer holiday club and then in September a full service to all schools but Avanti Gardens. I hope to hold a meeting, with the parents of that school, next week to discuss how we can help them.
At the time of the AGM we were operating a service for 8 schools across 4 sites. Looking forward to September and at the current guidance we are unable to do so. Instead by dividing the main site into two (possible 3) completely isolated areas with separate entrances we can provide a service for Fromevale, Staplehill and hopefully Avanti Gardens Schools. At Fishponds academy we will provide a service from the old library. At Chester park our usual site will be available to Juniors only. We will be providing a service for the Infants within the infant school (Location yet to be confirmed) Similarly at Christchurch we will be operating at both schools. The net outcome of all of this is we are unable to offer as many places as before but still need to employ all but one member of staff to continue providing a service.
The OCOSC directors met last week and reviewed the club’s financial position. Our conclusion is that the costs of providing a service, that conforms to the government guidelines, is not being met by income we receive from session fees. Although we have made an insurance claim for loss of revenue it does not cover our losses to date, and it is not known if the insurance will pay up, as COVID 19 was not listed on the policy. We do not see any sign of a further government grant and we are finding it difficult to fundraise in the current situation.
As a result, and with deep regret that we have decided to remove the multiple child discounts and increase all session fees by £1.00 per session. We recognize this is a big jump so have decided to do it in three increments. The fee increase will be phased in as follows.
25p per session will come into effect as of the 1st of October.
50p per session planned to come in effect on the 01 Dec 2020
25p per session planned to come in effect on the 1st Jan 2021
All club members need to understand, that the charity has been running at a significant loss since the start of the Covid 19 lockdown a situation which cannot be sustained. Fortunately, your committee, over the last 30 years had the foresight to put some money aside each year. That reserve is what has and is sustaining the club and with the fee increase in October, will ensure that we can continue to provide a service into the new year.
We will review the financial position of the club again in November and if need be, consider what additional measures are needed to ensure that the club can continue to provide a service for the duration of the pandemic and beyond.
Best regards
Graham Thompson
Chair and on behalf of
Directors of OCOSC