Contrary to the letter from Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg in your last edition (August 7), it is simply not true to say that Westminster City Council 'cares little about education'.
The council is on track to meet the national target of 50 per cent of our schools providing after-school activities, access to childcare and support to parents by September 2008.
In his letter, Cllr Dimoldenberg refers to data from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. I am pleased to announce that since these figures were published five more schools now offer the full range of services, meaning almost 9,000 pupils will benefit.
At Westminster we encourage all children to take part in sport, regardless of their ability. Our sport services are not 'woeful', as claimed in Cllr Dimoldenberg's letter.
Indeed, on average 93 per cent of school children take part in at least two hours of sport a week and Westminster has a dedicated sports unit that provides a range of extra-curricular activities across the city. Our five indoor and two outdoor sites provide a myriad of services, from gyms and swimming pools, to basketball and kids' activities.
Additionally this summer, through the council's holiday programme, children from across the city can take part in a range of activities, including the country's first accredited Parkour camp.
While we realise we have more work to do, we are not complacent and will keep striving to deliver the best service possible to the people of Westminster.
Cllr Sarah Richardson Westminster City Council Member for Children's Services
