MediaChild occasionally visits an "arts club" with his Dad on Thursday mornings at the Evergreen Adventure Playground in Hackney. I didn't realise it was a Sure Start session but apparently it is. I haven't ever been but it sounds brilliant - not just art but singing and outdoor play too. Anyway MediaDad reports back today that it will close in six weeks unless it can find alternative funding. This seems sad for such a well-attended event (40 to 50 children apparently).
Why would such an well-attended session be shut? Possibly because it is not attracting a diverse enough mix - according to MediaDad's analysis of buggies parked outside, and I don't know how good an indicator that is, it is mainly a middle class affair. And its free, and there are free snacks. If everyone coughed up £4 a session, it could probably keep going (it costs £200 a session to run I am told). But when it comes down to it does Hackney Sure Start really want to be providing a service for middle class mums [edited to add: and/or dads!] and kids?
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