Head of Sunflower Children's Centre Karen Simpkin decided to open thenursery on Saturdays to gain more business two months ago. The centre,which has 73 full-time places, is in close proximity to two shoppingmalls, a hospital and a major police station.
'We have a really good position for Saturday workers,' Ms Simpkin said.'But it has been quite a slow take-up, so I thought people would be moreinterested if we could offer them the free sessions too. We recognisethat many parents have to work at weekends and we feel they should beentitled to the same childcare as those who work weekdays, withoutincurring financial penalties.'
She managed to secure approval from Sheffield City Council last week.There is only one week left to apply for the nursery education grantsessions for the autumn term, so January will be the first time mostparents can use the free entitlement on Saturday.
'Now it's about getting publicity,' said Ms Simpkin. 'We've got a weekto market the service. Flyers have been distributed in the localshopping mall, but it's mostly about word of mouth.
'We also need to overcome parents thinking it's bad to put children innursery on a Saturday,' she added. 'That's something that people need toget over, especially if you're working at the weekends.'