It’s time to focus on my career, says mum-of-6
Last updated 01:22, Thursday, 03 April 2008
Sandra Hodnett doesn’t like being referred to as a ‘super mum’ but the modest mother of six is certainly no stranger to hard work.
A part-time weekend job working at her local Spar, helping out at Longthwaite Road pre-school in Wigton, and studying for a foundation degree on top of caring for her brood of six would be enough for many of us but Sandra has now taken on a new challenge.
The 34-year-old, from Wigton, opened up Wigton Children’s Club last month to fill the gap left when Jumping Jacks closed down two years ago, leaving no after-school care for children from three to 14.
And she has no doubts about taking on the children of other busy parents.
She said: “I had decided it was time to go back to work but without any after-school provision in Wigton it was going to be difficult.
“I have always worked with children and in a flash of inspiration I decided to set up my own after-school club. Talking to other parents I realised that there was a need for another club.”
Sandra, whose children range from three to 14, is a qualified teaching assistant and she hopes her current studies on an Open University foundation degree in early years, which sees her spending five hours a week working with children and five hours a week studying, will open up further opportunities for her.
She said: “I have been at home looking after the children for a long time and while I am a big supporter of mothers staying at home, it was time for me to look at my career.”
There are two permanent members of staff and three relief staff at the club and children are collected from schools in Wigton and taken to the club’s venue on Meeting House Lane.
This is also the venue for Tiny Tots, run by Natalie Hillier, for children up to the age of five.
Activities range from arts and crafts to cooking, and activities are altered to match the level and age of the children.
“Children from any school can attend the club,” said Sandra.
“My children attend the after-school club which works really well because it means that I know where they are and don’t have to worry.
“Having a range of ages in the club works well because the older children can help the younger ones.
“If there is an only child then it is nice for them to socialise with children of other ages.
“I think peer mentoring is important for children.”
Sandra is running a holiday club during the Easter holidays and will offer a wider range of activities and trips.
She loves having a large family and husband Steven is on hand to help out.
She said: “The older children can help out with the younger ones and I think they learn to be more independent.”
Wigton Children Club officially opened in February and runs Monday to Friday until 5.30pm. Sandra is hoping to extend these hours to 6pm.
- The Easter holiday club will run from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
- To find out more, telephone
