Lawrence Weston and Shirehampton Out of School Activities (LWOOSA/SOOSA) are a childcare providing charity and have been operating for over 20 years. We provide much needed subsidised childcare for parents enabling them to work, study and gain respite. Our service fills a gap not provided by the state and without us the communities we support would struggle to find childcare. Lone parents would find it very difficult find childcare to work/study for work to support their families and those on low incomes would not be able to afford childcare. Children with social difficulties or from underprivileged homes would not get the opportunities to enjoy the range of enrichment activities being with us offers them. Simply, without us our parents and carers would be unable to work, study or rest.
We look after school children aged 4 years to 12 years, from the end of school until 6pm term time, and offer a school holiday play scheme from 08.30am-5.30pm.
Many of the children we care for come from disadvantaged backgrounds meaning that the activities we offer (field trips, drama sessions, professional workshops, games, arts and crafts for example) are the only opportunity some of our children get to experience such things. This is expounded by the fact that we are located in Lawrence Weston, Bristol which is recognised as an area in need of help. We feel our presence here in LW helps to strengthen and nurture the community.
We have a dedicated team of childcare professionals whom have over 50 years’ experience between them, along with a supportive committee which has enabled us to sustain ourselves thus far.
