Wraparound Care

Darwin's Den - general information.  To see what's going on please visit our 'class page'.
Darwin’s Den Before and After School Club is registered as part of Charles Darwin Community Primary School with Ofsted (111053) and is based within the school building. The club is open during term time from 7.30am until 8.50am and 3.15pm until 6.00pm.

Darwin’s Den is sited in a purpose designated classroom in the main building. The club has access to the school hall, playground, adventure playground and field for activities as required.

Aims: 
At Darwin’s Den we aim to provide a safe, secure and relaxed environment, offering a wide range of fun activities reflecting the interests of the children in our care.

What we offer:
Children are free to choose activities and resources from a wide variety on offer. There will always be a selection of activities and resources available, including board games, construction, computer games, physical play, cookery, homework and reading.

Staff may choose to lead larger games and activities in the hall or outside as they see fit.

What we provide:
Before school we will provide cereal or toast and fruit juice. After school we will provide fresh fruit, toast or crackers before 4.30pm with a light meal such as beans on toast, hot dogs, pizza or fish finger sandwiches available at 5.00pm. We promote independence by encouraging the children to assist in preparation where appropriate and to clear away after themselves. We follow all statutory guidelines regarding preparation and storage. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. We aim to meet individual dietary requirements and parental preferences wherever possible.

Staffing:
Our Club is staffed by a total of seven school-employed Teaching Assistants operating on a fortnightly rota. Lynsey Ollerhead is the club manager and she works in Darwin’s Den every day. Links and transition between Charles Darwin Community Primary School and Darwin’s Den are exceptional; as is to be expected when it is manned by school employees. All staff have significant experience of working with children, are DBS checked and have had appropriate training including behaviour management, safeguarding and food hygiene. We maintain a staff/child ratio of 1:8 for children under the age of eight, and a ratio of 1:10 for children over the age of 8.

If you would like more information please ask at the school office, they can arrange a meeting with Lynsey Ollerhead or Marianne Bennett (Headteacher.)

Contact Darwin's Den - 07486 705691 (Please note: The number is only in use during Darwin's Den hours)