A childcare scheme which has been used by thousands of grateful families during the last 32 years is set to close.

Cockermouth After School Scheme (CASS) was set up by a group of working parents in need of affordable childcare. The charity is based in the Scout Centre.

Over the years it has flourished, providing wraparound care for children during term time and also school holidays.

But the pandemic and more people working from home has had a severe impact. Term time demand has dropped dramatically, meaning it’s no longer viable. But running only during the school holidays impacts on staffing and finances.

The scheme will be well used during the summer holidays - it already has 333 bookings and is expecting more - after which it is set to close.

Parents who used it in the past were were saddened to hear of the closure. Many children have fond memories of their time spent at CASS.

Families who currently use the holiday service are concerned about the future - and where they can find childcare.

Chairman Julie Friend said: "It's really sad.

"We know it's going to impact local families, some people do not have local family support.

"We're desperate to find a solution where we can help people during the holidays, when there is still strong demand.

"We are doing what we can to try and get something in place."

The acting head of housing at Copeland Borough Council has a 10-year-old son and is in no doubt about how important CASS is.

“I would have had to give up work if it did not exist. We do not have family locally,” said Julie.

"It was critical when my son was younger, a committee member does not know what they will do over the summer holidays in future."

Many primary schools now do wraparound care.

"Before Covid the service was dropping off; Covid was the nail in the coffin," said Julie.

"There's no the demand for term-time wrap around childcare any more. We cannot afford to pay staff to retain them and the holiday provision is not enough to cover costs."

The scheme employs three staff, some who have been there 20 years. It also bring in temporary staff.

News of the closure has had a big response from families.

"It shows how much the community has really appreciated CASS," said Julie.

"So many people got in touch with fond memories. There are always great activities and a lovely outdoor space, it was always different to going to school."

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