Wraparound childcare is priceless to busy parents, providing extra care on top of normal school hours, so how does it work?
Dulwich Prep Cranbrook explain their flexible care
Dulwich Prep Cranbrook has an extended day programme, which is highly tailored, offering as much flexibility as possible to accommodate working parents.
Children can arrive at school from 8am, but there is also an early breakfast club option for Years 1 and above. This breakfast club begins at 7.15am enabling parents to catch the 7.34am train from the local train station and arrive at their desks in London before 9am.
At the end of the school day, there is After School Care Club for children in Nursery up to Year 4, and then Prep Club for Years 5 to 8, which extends the day until 5.30pm. Alternatively, there are all sorts of extra-curricular clubs. The school aims to provide fun, engaging ways to extend the school day, with different clubs and activities to appeal to all interests, the majority of which are run by staff and are incorporated into school fees.
Children in Year 2 and above can also stay for tea until 6pm and thereafter, day boarding goes until 8pm for children in Years 4 to 8, and overnight boarding is available for children in Year 5 and above. Boarding may be on a regular basis, or ad-hoc.
The lowdown from Sutton Valence School on breakfast club and beyond
Sutton Valence School’s provision for wrap-around care, wellbeing and pastoral support is at the forefront of everything they do. With excellent, recently renovated boarding facilities and dedicated wrap-around care staff, both students and parents have many options out of traditional school hours.
To start the day, breakfast club in the refectory is a hub for the school community, especially boarders, providing the right nutrition to fuel the day ahead. Plus, early-morning training sessions in the health and fitness suite with a strength and conditioning coach are available to different year groups throughout the week. Flexi-boarding is particularly popular with those attending these morning fitness sessions, providing the option to board on a flexible basis.
After-school, students can head to the library where supervision is available for any late pick-ups and they can also get support with prep while there. The ‘Chat Room’ is also available for students seeking additional support, who need to talk or just see a friendly face.
All-in-all, the school is full of resources, advice and support for those needing it. The wrap-around care feeds into a wider pastoral support system, which really focuses on ensuring all pupils are monitored, supported and able to thrive. A key aspect of this is a vertical tutoring system, which provides mixed Year 9 to Year 13 tutor groups. For older pupils this offers mentoring opportunities while also giving younger ones the security of knowing seniors. This is just one aspect which goes towards a palpable feeling of community throughout the school, as each cares for all and individuality is cherished.
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