RAFA Kidz Odiham, the station’s nursery, was officially opened on 30 July by Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief of Staff Personnel and Air Secretary.
Speaking at the opening event, Rory O’Connor, Director of Welfare and Policy for the Royal Air Forces Association, said: “Access to childcare for serving RAF families is a key welfare concern.
“This led to the creation of RAFA Kidz, which took over the running of the nursery at RAF Odiham in July this year.”
As part of the RAF Association charity group, RAFA Kidz can focus on providing the best possible service to the RAF family. It can reduce costs to parents/carers, while offering an expanded service, for example providing hot nutritious lunches and snacks.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot agreed, saying: “Access to affordable high-quality childcare is a key priority for our families, so I am delighted to see the launch of the new RAFA Kidz childcare service. It is already making a huge difference for families serving at RAF Odiham.”
Group Captain Lee Turner, Odiham Station Commander, said: “The availability of excellent, cost effective childcare is a problem for many people, whether they are serving or not, but it had become a particular issue at RAF Odiham. I am delighted that RAFA Kidz is now offering just that to those who are serving here and that all profits made will be used to help members of the RAF family.”
When serving parents send their children to a RAFA Kidz nursery, they will also be supporting their RAF colleagues. Any surplus will be invested back into the nursery and into RAF welfare.
Sez, a parent who uses the nursery, has welcomed the change: “It’s been a huge help knowing that my children come home well fed. As well as making life easier now, it’s helping them get used to eating food away from home, like they will when they go to school. I am pleased that all the nursery employees have stayed on, as the children love them and they clearly love the children.”
For more information visit www.rafakidz.org.uk
