THE STORY SO FAR…

1994

During 1994, two mums, Anne Haddock and Pamela Johnston, were looking to return to work and needed a childcare facility to look after their children. It was soon discovered that there was a shortfall of facilities in the area so a decision was made to investigate what resources would be required to set up an Out of School Club. A third member of the team, Linda Henshall was recruited to help.

1995

With support from Development Worker, Brenda Steel, RASCALS RINGWAY opens at the local school. Linda is employed as Senior Playleader and one other Playleader works with her. Two permanent jobs and 2 casual jobs created. All local schools are included in the Admissions Policy. The club registers with Companies House as a limited company and a not-for-profit community-co-operative owned by its members, 50% of its Directors must be volunteers.

1996

A partnership is established with Social Services Family Placement and places are negotiated to include youngsters with special needs. Transport problems identified. Open in Summer holidays for first time. Great Success.

1998

RASCALS approached to open second club in Ashington on the strength of the success at Ringway. Pamela involved in the development of WATBUS which leads to the creation of a community transport system

1999

Second club, RASCALS CENTRAL opens at Ashington Central First School. More staff employed on a permanent and casual basis. Full-day care becomes viable during the holidays for both clubs. More parents get to extend their hours, remain in work or re-train for alternative work. Successfully apply and receive up-front funding from Government grant under SRB4 to open three more clubs in areas of greatest need. Within 10 months, Linda spearheads the opening and development of RASCALS BEDLINGTON STATION; RASCALS WINDSOR (Newbiggin) and RASCALS COLLEGE ( Northumberland College). Linda moves on to become Senior Manager overseeing the development of all five clubs. Pamela and Anne remain volunteers. Northern Rock Foundation awards £26,000 to RASCALS to secure funding for transport costs for WATBUS for the next 3 years. The organisation continues to operate from their dining rooms at home.

2000

Following requests from parents to provide nursery provision RASCALS seeks funding. Coalfield Regeneration Trust award £279,000 to convert a garage into a 110-place Childcare Centre in Ashington. SRB6 funding applied for to create three clubs in Blyth. With RASCALS expending so rapidly, Pamela has to leave her job to run the company full time.

2001

The Ashington Childcare Centre opens within 10 weeks from receiving planning permission and employs 30 staff from the local area to run it. In line with RASCALS ethos local builders are used to convert the building and toys and equipment are sourced locally where possible. Awarded £167,000 SRB6 funding to open three clubs in Blyth. The first, SPARTANS opens in September.

2002

Pamela and Linda invited to the DTI to talk to them about Social Enterprise, also invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. NEWSHAM, the second SRB6 club opens in July with the third HORTON GRANGE opening in November. Moved Head Office to Wansbeck Business Park, Ashington. Applied for Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative funding to open two new nurseries, bid successful. RASCALS successfully gains Investors in People Award.

2003

RASCALS looks into the developing a childcare training organisation; following feasibility study, decided not to take this forward. Linda and Pamela carry out consultancy work for other groups wishing to open a childcare provision. Invited to speak at major conferences throughout the country. HORTON GRANGE nursery opened September and BEDLINGTON nursery opened November.

2004

Won tender to deliver childcare for Sure Start Children’s Centre in Ashington. Relocated to larger Head Office premises in Blyth. Secured funding to deliver childcare for children aged 2 years – 5 years at RASCALS Spartans, Blyth. Linda seconded to NCH to develop the nursery at Ashington Sure Start. In partnership with Sure Start Ashington delivers crèche facilities at Ashington Leisure Centre. Gains Positive about Disabled People symbol. Pamela becomes Chair of Social Enterprise Northumberland.

2005

A consolidation year. RASCALS now provide 288 childcare places per day and employs 85 staff. Successfully retains Investors in People Award and Positive about Disabled People symbol. New logo and updated corporate image.

2006

With the opening of Sure Start Ashington Children’s Centre transfer and expand our High Market nursery to new Centre. Open new out of school club at HIRST (within Sure Start Ashington). Re-locate Head Office back to High Market, Ashington. Develop website for easier access to our services.

From the Start