Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) is delighted to share that we have been awarded £20,000 by The National Lottery Community Fund to support our project: Cradle to Classroom – Supporting the Full Circle of Education

RCLC is a women-only learning centre, providing a safe and supportive space for marginalized ethnic minority women, many of whom face significant barriers to education due to poverty, language, trauma, caring responsibilities, and social isolation. As outlined in our Annual Report, access to on-site crèche provision is one of the most critical enablers of women’s participation in learning.

This funding directly supports that need.

The grant will: Fund crèche worker salaries for three academic terms, sustaining a service described by learners as a lifeline and Cover pediatric first aid training, strengthening safeguarding, quality, and confidence within our childcare provision.

As highlighted in our Annual Report (see comments), without the crèche many women would be unable to attend classes at all. The crèche allows women to learn while knowing their children are safe, supported, and developing vital early social and language skills. In 2024–25 alone, 83 children accessed the RCLC crèche, enabling their mothers to engage in education, build confidence, and reduce isolation.

This funding therefore supports not only childcare, but women’s confidence, independence, progression, and wellbeing, outcomes that sit at the heart of RCLC’s mission.

Our CEO Aisha Malik, said; “For many of the women we support, childcare is the difference between being isolated at home and being able to learn, connect, and rebuild confidence. Our crèche is often described as a lifeline. This funding enables us to continue providing a safe, trusted space where women can focus on learning while knowing their children are cared for. We are incredibly thankful to National Lottery players for supporting women and families in our community.”

We are deeply grateful to all those involved, whose support helps ensure that women who are often excluded from mainstream provision can continue to access education, support, and a community where they feel safe, seen, and valued.

Donate to our current appeal here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/fuel-rclc

Find our annual report here: https://rclc.org.uk/…/2025/11/RCLC-Annual-Report-2025.pdf