Discovery Club
The challenges facing parents are compounded when their children move to full-time education. Working hours do not coincide with the conventional school day and school holidays can be the greatest challenge of all.
Children enjoy being with other
children and thrive in their company and so parents are looking for a safe
place where the needs of their children can be met. In response to this, we at
Doddington try to offer a range of services for children between the ages of 4
and 11 years. The Club is operated in accordance with the DfES' National
Standards for Under Eights Day Care & Child Minding - Sessional Care
(2001). Recently, Kent Playclubs have become involved with the management of
the club.
At this age, children are more discerning and demand a more active and engaging environment. We offer a range of age appropriate activities with lots of choice, creating many opportunities for fun and social interaction. All of this takes place is in a dedicated space that is safe, secure, purpose-built, and with its own outdoor play area.
A full range of activities is available for example, computer skills including logical games, board games including a large size chess set & large 4 square, arts and crafts, puzzles, construction equipment as well as access to outdoor space and play. For added interest themed activities and special events are scheduled regularly. Support is provided for children wishing to complete their homework during this time. Healthy snacks and drinks are provided for the children.
Operating during some of the school holidays, activities focus on giving children the opportunity of participating in a variety of exciting programmes. Examples include creative workshops, games, sports, ceramics, drama, dance, art, cookery, music and cultural themed weeks. To maximize choice, a range of other activities are available at all times such as, board games including a large size chess set & large 4 square, arts and crafts, puzzles, construction equipment as well as access to outdoor games and sports including use of the school's swimming pool.
We are hoping to shortly open a Breakfast Club, operating during term time, breakfast will be served buffet-style allowing children a healthy choice of cereal, toast and fruit before being taken to school by a supervised escort. There will be a range of appropriate indoor and outdoor activities to ease them gently into the day.
Kent Play Clubs enables local communities to provide affordable after school care and holiday schemes, packed with activities and new opportunities, for 4 - 12 year olds, in rural communities and urban areas where there is particular need. It provides practical, hands-on support with a wide variety of skills and resources that enable local management groups to be long-term sustainable, making sure that after school clubs are part of Kent's future. Kent Play Clubs has pioneered building partnerships with local communities to establish safe facilities and practical support for all families, with a special concern for all those on low incomes, for lone parent families and those experiencing isolation, suffering or distress.