A NEW playgroup is to begin next month to give parents a break on Saturdays.

The West Oxford Kidz Klub will take children aged four to 12 from 10am to noon from November 9.

The not-for-profit club will be held at West Oxford Community Centre, in Botley Road.

It is the idea of mum-of-three Shalema Rahman, who said: “We looked into it and there seemed not to be a lot of opportunities like it in West Oxford running for the community for the area.

“Weekends are quite long for parents, so it would give them a bit of a break as well as being a fun morning for their children.”

Mrs Rahman works as a play officer for Oxfordshire County Council, and has run children’s after school clubs at West Oxford Primary School and Botley School over the last 10 years. The club is not connected to the council.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoy looking after children and I have a really good play background so I thought I would give it a go.

“It is really exciting that it is getting closer and closer to being launched now. My husband and I were talking about it one evening and we thought it would be a really good idea. I hope it will be a valuable service for parents and young children which they feel they can get something out of.”

Mrs Rahman’s sister Elly Akter, who still works at West Oxford Primary School’s after school club, will help supervise the club.

City and county councillor for Jericho and Osney Susanna Pressel will use up to £500 of her ward budget from the city council, if it is needed for rent.

She said: “I am delighted to be able to support this welcome new club.

“I hope lots of new people will come and enjoy it. People often say there is not enough for young people to do in Oxford so anything like this is very welcome.”

s For more about West Oxford Kidz Klub or to book a place for your child call 07415 898452 or email wokidzklub@aol.co.uk