A vital Alexandria after school service has secured council backing to expand.
Gillz LittleGemz Out of School Care, run by Gillian McPhee, currently looks after more than 75 children - with a possible expansion into free space at St Martin’s Primary labelled “a win-win.”
Leven Ward Councillor John Millar moved a motion in support of the business, which is keen to expand but needs more space which is exclusive to their club to enable them to increase their numbers and offer additional services including breakfast clubs, youth groups, weekend childcare and a drop off Crèche.
There is also growing demand for a weekend service to support more families to get back into work.
Councillor Millar’s motion received unanimous support from members, delighting the Labour member.
He said: “I was delighted to get the unanimous support from the council for my motion, so I want to thank my colleagues for their support.
“This means that council officers will enter into discussions with Gillz LittleGemz Out of School Care to see if they can agree terms on using St Martin’s Primary School to deliver their out of school care.
“If they cannot reach agreement, then my expectation is that the council will explore other options to support the group.”
At the meeting it was noted that other council services were interested in using St Martin’s Primary School to run their services - which could include an additional early years service and an additional support needs service.
Councillor Millar added: “This is a win-win for the council, St Martin’s Primary School and Gillz LittleGemz Out of School Care.
“It means that the vacant space in St Martin’s Primary School can be put to good use and even if Gillz LittleGemz Out of School Care is unsuccessful in their bid, the Council should be able to identify alternative spacers that they could use.
“There must be space in Ladyton Community Education Centre that could be made available and there are a number of properties where we have not been able to get a tenant such as Balloch Castle which has been refurbished a few times but because there is no occupant, it falls into disrepair and can be a huge burden on the council.
“I’m pleased that councillors from all political parties and none have given their support so that we can find a long term solution for Gillz LittleGemz.”
