Childrens' and parents survey findings

Providers of services in the current facilities have identified the following key reasons for development in consultation with service users, parents and children including gaining detailed input on provision for special needs children, a number of whom are current service users:

• Lack of appropriate access and containment hinders the support we can give to children with Special Needs.
• Kitchen facilities are very basic
• Low roof with concealed asbestos limits certain activities
• Inadequate toilet facilities
• Toddler area: lack of space, exposed pipework, poor temperature control, poor storage

June 2009 Survey - key findings

A survey was carried out by Freerunners and Kidzone volunteers in June 2009 with 24 parents and 39 children to gain feedback on current activities in both Children’s clubs and to input to development plans.

Parents’ and carers feedback

Key reasons for bringing their children:

• They enjoy it / love it / find it exciting
• Great place to find new friends, new to Halesowen
• Place for my child to have contact with other children in a good and safe environment
• To build confidence, social skills and self esteem
• Excellent public community service

“Both of my children enjoy the depth and breadth of issues discussed at both clubs (Freerunners and Kidzone), also I’ve found a very positive effect on both my children's interpersonal and social skills and subsequent self esteem”.

“The club (Freerunners) is friendly and fun, it’s a safe place for children to come to after school, both my daughters and my nephew rush to get here each week”.

Improvements to activities and facilities

• Facilities could be updated / improved
• I recently used the main room for a party – it was fantastic, public access is important
• Improve security

Children’s feedback (7-10 year olds)

Aspects that would improve their experience

• Improved toilets
• More equipment
• The building is big but we don’t use all of the space 

Many children enjoy the current service provision, laying a foundation for future investment and development, for example:

“Thank you for letting us visit your church, it was the best church I have ever seen.  I would love to visit again, it was wonderful.”  Katie aged 9, Hurst Green Primary School, Dudley

“I had to beg my parents to let me come to your club”.  Francesca aged 8 

“I enjoy playing the games because it is really fun and you can make friends”.  Amelia aged 10

“I enjoy all of Freerunners because it has great people and great things to do.” 

Other feedback

"We have recently started coming to Little Treasures (parent/carer and toddler group) and find it a lovely welcoming group with lots to do", parent of a toddler providing feedback in a June 2009 user survey.

Conclusions

We conclude that whilst there is plenty of space in the current building, remodelling and updating would improve the experience for children and their carers, building on what is a welcome aspect of community provision for families. Instead of making do with current facilities, The Third Place will enable service providers to formulate a footprint that suits 21st Century children's provision. View the redevelopment proposals.