Watford Synagogue has found a ready market for its Friday After School Club for the congregation’s four-to-eight-year-olds.

Around 20 children are already signed up to the club. Meetings are held monthly, although the get-togethers may become more frequent if demand dictates. The programme features arts, crafts, games and refreshments, culminating in a Shabbat party.

The organiser is Watford congregant and mother-of-three Tora Maze, whose interest was sparked by a friend whose children attend a similar group at a church.

“The last thing parents want to do on Friday after a busy week is spend ages cleaning up after messy play,” she said.

“With our club, the kids are fed and entertained and everyone can go home happy to a clean and tidy house, ready to enjoy Shabbat.”