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School helps parents with cost-of-living crisis
A primary school in Middlesbrough is opening its doors to parents to help them cope with rising living costs.
Ayresome Primary School, in the heart of Middlesbrough, is set to launch its Warm Hub Scheme which will enable parents to come together with their children after school three days a week.
A wide range of activities will be available in school from 7 November for both children and parents, as well as the opportunity to eat, saving families money on food and energy costs.
Charlotte Haylock, Headteacher of Ayresome Primary School, said: “We are well aware of the financial pressures facing many of our families due to the rising living costs and as a school we have a duty to support our children and their families as much as we can.
“Activities will include arts and crafts, board games, sports and it will provide an opportunity for parents to build friendships.
“At the end of the school day we already operate after school clubs for children so the Warm Hub Scheme is, in essence, an extension of this which will enable parents to benefit too.
“There is no additional cost to the school because the heating and lighting is on anyway and we have staff in the school.
“The school is also liaising with charitable organisations to see if they can help with costs towards food and it’s fantastic that The Teesside Charity has already contributed £350.”
Just days after the scheme was announced, over fifty families have already signed up to the scheme.
It also has the backing of Middlesbrough Council and its directly elected mayor, Andy Preston.
Ayresome is one of eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Andy Brown OBE, added: “All of our schools within the Trust offer a variety of initiatives to help meet the needs of all of our children and their families.
“The Warm Hub Scheme at Ayresome is a great idea and will provide much-needed support to families at a very difficult time.”
Several Middlesbrough Council buildings are also doubling up as Warm Spaces. The venues will offer a range of services and advice at different times. For further information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/warm-spaces
The other seven primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.
BBC Radio Tees visited the school to find out more about the Warm Hubs scheme. Click the link below to listen.