Petitions
Notice of petition
Received from Ms Debbie Bailey, 760 signatures.
I am writing to you following the devastating decision to close my daughter Poppy's special needs afterschool club Cool Club.
Poppy is 14 years old and is profoundly mentally and physically disabled with challenging behaviour. It was suggested by our Social Worker some time ago that Poppy would benefit from attending the afterschool club available in an attempt to improve our family situation.
Since attending every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, not only has Poppy's personal and social development progressed beyond any expectations, it has also given my family the opportunity to have some quality time to do things that others may take from granted (like doing the grocery shopping or just having a quiet cuppa with a friend), knowing that Poppy is safe and happy enjoying valuable time out with her friends like any other mainstream school child. The activities are so thoughtfully organised, from swimming, trips to the local farm, Hever Castle and many more. All of which are simply not possible for Poppy to do after school without Cool Club.
Our children are extremely vulnerable and there are no other resources available to them where they are able to learn and grow through play in a safe environment after school. Only Cool Club offers everything that they need and have become accustomed to as part of their routine, which is vitally important for their wellbeing.
Poppy needs her Cool Club, as do the other special needs children at Clifton Hill. This most incredible provision has helped keep my family together and, without it, I really do not know how we will be able to cope. I know that I speak for many others who will also find life very difficult now that Cool Club has been so cruelly and thoughtlessly closed.
A response will be tabled at the meeting.
Decision:
That the response, attached to this decision sheet as Annex 1, be approved.