Belfast YMCA saves established After School Club after ‘soaring-costs’ forces current owner to move business back home

Belfast YMCA is thrilled to be taking over a 30-place After School Club at St Jude’s Parish Halls on the Ravenhill Road.

The current After School Club at this venue is managed by Donna Ross, who will continue to support the transition and will also operate Play Den from her home as a registered childminder on a smaller scale.

Belfast YMCA currently look after 200 children per week across their nursery and after school based in Stranmillis.

Donna explained: “With soaring costs and the slow movement on a childcare strategy, moving my business to my home was the only way for me to continue. We will maintain our home forest school ethos and are excited for the next stage.

"We are also delighted that Belfast YMCA can take over our venue and continue to provide high-quality childcare to the area.”

Sarah Ferguson, head of childcare at Belfast YMCA, explained: “We are excited to be working with Donna to take on her established After School Club.

Belfast YMCA is excited to take on a new After School venture. Pictured is Belfast YMCA's Rebecca Dillon

"Our expansion aims to address the childcare needs in the Ravenhill and Ormeau area while forging a partnership with St Jude’s Parish Church, the hall’s owner.

"We understand the pressures faced by both childcare providers and parents at this time and have spoken about the need for a comprehensive childcare strategy. We will work to ensure a seamless transition from Play Den to Belfast YMCA.”

Belfast YMCA look forward to this new chapter and the opportunity to serve the community better adding: “We are thrilled to be able to take on a new after school facility in the Ravenhill area which would otherwise have closed”.

For further information on this release contact Cathryn Gibson 07917754604 or [email protected]