Five years ago the UK was in the grip of a global pandemic and, like many business owners, Cathy Joyner feared her group of after-school clubs might not make it through. But in June Fun 4 Kids celebrated its 20th birthday.
In 2005 Cathy had already done childcare qualifications and was working in a nursery in Colchester when she learned from Sharon Watson, who was one of AFF’s employment advisors at the time, about the lack of after-school care.
HELP FROM AFF
Sharon found her a venue and some funding and the first club opened its doors at St Michael’s Primary School, close to the garrison.
Two years later, after she’d done a course to expand her ideas of play, she took a foundation degree in early years education. But after a role she interviewed for was scrapped because funding was withdrawn, she decided to write to schools in the area to tell them about what she was doing with the club at St Michael’s. That opened the gates as head teachers approached her to set up more.
These days she has six clubs dotted around the town and further afield. But the success hasn’t been without some major challenges.
“I’m really proud – it’s an amazing achievement, 20 years,” said Cathy, a former military wife. “The worst time was Covid. I didn’t think we were going to survive it.”
At the time she had about 40 staff on the books running the different clubs. She was asked to stay open to cater for key workers’ children but it just wasn’t sustainable. All the organisation’s reserve funding was draining away.
“I was panicking,” she said. “I just felt for my staff. I wanted to look after them. It was a really tough time.”
She turned to her local MP for help in sorting out furlough for some of the staff. Even so, when the lockdowns were over, it was like starting from scratch – one club couldn’t open and another ended up closing for good.
COVID CONSEQUENCES
After Covid, Cathy noticed a change in people’s working patterns. More parents spent at least part of the week working from home and as a result Mondays and Fridays weren’t so busy.
In 2021 her son Ben came on board to help with the business side. They had to take a hard look at costs and made the tough decision to put charges up. Fortunately, Government schemes have helped to keep them affordable, although they still face challenges like the recent increase in National Insurance and the recently announced plans for schools to run their own breakfast clubs.
The pandemic didn’t just bring about a change in business. Lockdowns stopped children from the usual routes to socialisation, like playgroups and nurseries and Cathy began to notice some who were suffering the effects of isolation.
Much of the job involves helping the children play. “It’s nice to see them involved in activities. We’re keeping them happy and teaching them some life skills.”
GIVING BACK
The clubs have also helped Cathy to raise money for good causes including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Colchester Anti Loo Roll Brigade, a community organisation started during the pandemic that continues to help local people.
You can find Fun 4 Kids at fun4kidscolchester.co.uk