Here's an idea

Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association decided to set up an after-school club after the council found there was a demand for it from local children.

The council asked for potential partners and we decided that it was something we wanted to get involved in. Both schools involved are in deprived estates and often the children are low-achievers.

At the club, they can mix with other children of all ages.

All the children were involved from the start in the club and they are the ones who decided its logo, following a competition.

This is the first of two clubs. Another one will be open at the end of this month. Both clubs can accommodate up to 30 pupils every day and are open from 3.15pm to 5.30pm. We charge parents 50p for two-and-a-half hours. Priority is given to children whose parents are in work or education.

Activities include arts, crafts, building race tracks, homework clubs and access to computers.

The club has three members of staff: a coordinator, an assistant and a play-worker.

The club is a way of ensuring that the children don't go home to an empty house.

For the parents it means that they can go back to work.

In terms of the benefits for people, it gives everyone a break – families and children alike.

We are also looking at how we can develop the club into a holiday club that would be open during half terms and Easter holidays.

For that, we are looking at charging around £2/£2.50 a person.