I visited one of my favourite schools this afternoon...

I had been asked by Janet Spence, headteacher at Hovingham Primary School to officially open their new Harehills Children's Centre at Hovingham Cabin.which is the outcome of along period of planning, consultation and partnership working between the schools, Education Leeds and Early Years and clearly demontstrates what can be achieved when partners work together for communities.

This facility provides a base for so much work with young people, parents, carers and the community. Currently the programmes include ESOL, Family Literacy, Play and Stay, INVEST, STEPS, a baby clinic, Feel Good Factor and drop in sessions for families. They also provide sessions on aerobics, computing and sewing. Plans are in place to provide Kidscope, PCSO surgeries and possibly a supplementary school. This is coordinated by Ferhat Sadiq, the school's Family Support Worker, who clearly does a brilliant job.

It was a great afternoon with dhol drumming by the children, bubbles and balloons and Peanut the Clown and of course the sun shone on this little bit of magic in this rich, diverse and very special part of Leeds.
Chris