Caerleon Cherubs, a vital playgroup since the 1960’s, may close because of Newport Council budget reviews.
Mo says a playgroup ran there since the 1960s. Claire Secker worked with Mo from 2007 and became the caregiver after Mo retired, before the pandemic. Claire worries about the children now.
They have 72 children enrolled there. Afternoon sessions are full for next year, with only five morning spaces left. They are the only cheap childcare around, where seventy-five percent of kids get free care.
Kids learn to separate from parents and make friends. They also paint, read, and serve food, helping parents return to work. Children gain vital skills at a low cost.
Cherubs costs £24 per day for others, £60 cheaper than private options nearby. They have a breakfast club for only £5 and drop kids at school. Cherubs cares for kids aged 2 to 10.
They work with the Flying Start program, a Welsh Government initiative giving early years care to two-year-olds. Losing Cherubs would be disastrous, according to many.
Women get qualifications while working there. Steph McKay is now a teacher because of Cherubs, where she used to work as a teenager. Her mom, Lynn McKay, also worked there and sent her kids there too.
Steph said Cherubs feels like a family. Many fear losing the building itself, where kids do ballet twice a week. Adults do Zumba and others do boules; locals dance there and socialize.
Working at Cherubs means a lot, even though they earn minimum wage. They do it for the community, helping families and enriching children’s lives. As Lynn said, “Once a Cherub, always a Cherub.”
Newport Council might review community centers, as they announced plans for the 2025/26 budget. This puts the town hall and library at risk, with the town hall being a listed building.
Almost 200 people met with the council on February 3rd. They shared how the potential changes would impact their lives.
The plans are not final, and the council will consider all opinions. They will make final recommendations soon.