New Head of Childcare Service for Schoolfriend etc

Thursday 9 August 2007: Schoolfriend etc is delighted to announce the appointment of their new Head of Childcare Service, Jane Christofi.

Her new role will include liaising with key influencers including Central Government, Local Authorities and Sure Start, ensuring the charity and Schoolfriend Clubs are compliant with Government regulations and procedures, managing childcare objectives and ensuring high quality of care and activities within Schoolfriend Clubs and management of field-based managers and play staff.

Amanda Argent, Chief Executive Officer for Schoolfriend etc, commented:

"Jane has worked tirelessly over the past four years to help grow the organisation into the thriving charity that it is today, in furtherance of the government’s Extended Schools Agenda. When she joined the newly formed start-up in 2003, there were just 7 Schoolfriend Clubs in operation. Today, we are proud to work with over 700 schools across the country. I am grateful for Jane's dedication and look forward to working with her in her new challenging role in which she will support the growing team, develop relationships with key stakeholders and maintain standards in all of our clubs."

Christofi joined Schoolfriend etc in 2003. Previously, she worked for the charity, 4Children, as a Development Worker for the NHS. Before that she worked for the Westminster Play Association. She replaces Fiona Mortlock who is leaving Schoolfriend etc after four and a half years to take on consultancy work.

Jane Christofi, Head of Childcare Services for Schoolfriend etc, commented:

"I feel very fortunate to have seen our fledging organisation with so much potential grow into the eminent national childcare charity, which is now leading the Government’s Extended Schools Agenda. I am very excited to step into this new role and help take it forward over the coming months and years. I particularly look forward to working with Government to improve services in areas of deprivation."

Schoolfriend etc is the leading charitable provider of after-school, breakfast and holiday clubs in schools across the UK. The charity serves the local community by providing affordable high-quality childcare, freeing up parents to work or study. It assists Local Authorities and schools in fulfilling the Government’s Extended Schools Agenda by offering childcare on school premises without the burden of additional costs. It now works with over 700 schools, operating in 83 out of 150 authorities and servicing over 160,000 children.